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General Discussion

Posted by Jean Beltre
Jean Beltre
1,181 Points

So you now have new skills, what's the next step?

We've all come here to learn how to code, any recommendations on how to build a software design for an idea you may have?

So you have an idea, where do you start, how do you build a list or plan of the different steps or stages and how it all ties together into a workable program.

Would an MVC approach be the way to do software design planning?

Jean Beltre
Jean Beltre
1,181 Points

Sometimes as a new programmer you understand the logic of a program, but when trying to go from idea to building a functional application it turns into a daunting task not knowing where to start or how to structure the different elements of a program for it to tie in. Especially when you have to consider UI/UX design and the functionality of your program efficiency etc.

2 Answers

Andrew McCormick
Andrew McCormick
17,730 Points
Andrew McCormick
Andrew McCormick
17,730 Points

I would start here: http://teamtreehouse.com/library/researching-user-needs . Many time we has developers have an idea in our head, but we try to start coding before we even have fully developed what the idea or product is and it's purpose. First you need to fully understand who's going to use it, how's it going to be used, where it's going to be used, devices, etc.
Once you narrow down that, you can then start to look at languages, frameworks, etc that will allow you create that product. Then look at stuff like performance implications based on use cases. Just because you can build something a certain way, doesn't mean you should.

Some other thoughts: http://programmers.stackexchange.com/questions/65047/how-do-you-choose-to-use-a-specific-programming-language

Speaking of designs, how can we not mention the Gang of Four and THE book to read on Design Patterns (hint: MVC is a design pattern so you might want to understand the different options you have for patterns): http://www.amazon.com/Design-Patterns-Elements-Reusable-Object-Oriented-ebook/dp/B000SEIBB8

Jean Beltre
Jean Beltre
1,181 Points

Awesome Post

LaVaughn Haynes
LaVaughn Haynes
12,397 Points
LaVaughn Haynes
LaVaughn Haynes
12,397 Points

There is a guy on YouTube that has a pretty cool channel called DevTips. He has a few pretty good videos on building projects from scratch. I think it's worth a look. He's a front-end/design guy so you wont find any Android or Ruby stuff on his channel. Obviously it's not a replacement for Treehouse but it's a good supplement if you are just getting started or looking for ideas. His channel is a big reason that I joined Treehouse actually.