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Watching YouTube Tutorials as a Developer

This blog shares my experience of learning from YouTube tutorials. I discovered that instead of following every step, focusing on the tools, understanding best practices, and solving challenges helped me grow faster as a developer. It’s not about copying tutorials, but applying the knowledge to real projects.

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Watching YouTube Tutorials as a Developer

A Personal Journey

As a software developer, I've always believed in the power of continuous learning. One of the most popular ways to learn new skills in our field is through YouTube tutorials. However, my recent experience with a challenging project has led me to reconsider how I approach these tutorials and what truly helps in mastering new skills.

The Challenge: Building the App

Recently, a Web3 startup engaged my services to develop a Telegram mini app for their user base. The project's objective was to enhance user acquisition and support their forthcoming cryptocurrency launch. At the time, I was unfamiliar with Telegram mini apps—applications that operate within the Telegram platform, offering seamless service access without exiting the app. Despite my lack of experience with mini apps, my background in traditional Telegram bots prompted me to accept this professional challenge.

The Initial Approach: Researching Tutorials

Following standard practice, I began by conducting online research and viewing YouTube tutorials on Telegram mini apps. However, I quickly discovered that the available resources were:

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Insufficiently comprehensive for my project requirements
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Primarily focused on user experience rather than technical implementation
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More promotional in nature than educational

I found myself expending valuable time on numerous videos without acquiring the specific knowledge necessary for my project.

The Turning Point: A Valuable Insight

Subsequently, I encountered a video that significantly altered my perspective on learning from tutorials. This wasn't a typical step-by-step guide; instead, the creator showcased his completed app, discussed the technology stack, and demonstrated its features. Although it didn't precisely align with my needs, it proved unexpectedly beneficial. I attempted to contact the creator for further insights, but the consultation fee exceeded my project budget constraints.

While the video didn't provide explicit code or a detailed construction guide, observing the developer's technology stack instilled confidence in my approach. I was familiar with most of the tools and frameworks, with one exception. Rather than replicating his setup, I opted to consult the official documentation for the unfamiliar technology to bridge my knowledge gap.

This approach enabled me to make informed decisions regarding the project. I ultimately selected a slightly different stack that offered greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness for the startup's long-term requirements. Upon project completion, I not only met the specified requirements but also incorporated an additional feature that enhanced the user experience. The client expressed great satisfaction and proposed further discussions to expand upon this feature.

The Real Value: Tech Stack and Best Practices

This experience made me rethink how I approach YouTube tutorials. Reproducing 20+ hours of video won’t necessarily make you a better developer. Instead, I found that focusing on the tools and understanding the problem at hand—along with dealing with bugs and challenges on your own—was far more valuable.

I realized that the most valuable aspects of video tutorials aren't necessarily the step-by-step instructions, but rather:

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The tech stack used
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Best practices demonstrated
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Tools and approaches showcased

Armed with this new perspective, I was able to:

Identify the gaps in my knowledge
Choose a more efficient and cost-effective tech stack for my project
Focus on learning the specific technologies I needed

Lessons Learned: A New Approach to Tutorials

This experience has changed how I approach YouTube tutorials. Here are the key takeaways:

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Focus on the big picture: Instead of trying to reproduce a tutorial exactly, pay attention to the overall approach and tech stack.
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Identify knowledge gaps: Use tutorials to understand what you need to learn, then dive into official documentation for detailed learning.
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Embrace challenges: Going through the pain of debugging and overcoming obstacles is often more valuable than following a tutorial step-by-step.
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Learn best practices: Pay attention to coding standards, architectural decisions, and tools used in tutorials.
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Adapt and innovate: Use the knowledge gained from tutorials as a foundation, but don't be afraid to choose different technologies or add your own features.
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Value your time: Be selective about which tutorials you watch fully. Sometimes, just understanding the tech stack and approach is enough.
•
Combine resources: Use a mix of tutorials, official documentation, and hands-on practice for the best learning experience.

Conclusion: Find What Works for You

Ultimately, the value derived from tutorials exceeded my initial expectations. Rather than merely replicating code or processes, the true benefit lay in developing independent thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to make informed decisions based on available technologies.

If you find that tutorials are not contributing to your professional growth, consider reevaluating your approach. Focus on understanding tools, implementing best practices, and embracing challenges. Remember, your growth as a developer is not solely dependent on the tutorials themselves, but on how effectively you apply the acquired knowledge in practical scenarios.

I hope that by sharing my experience and insights, I can provide valuable guidance to others on their developmental journey. Regardless of your experience level, it's crucial to recognize that the most significant learning occurs when you venture beyond tutorials and tackle real-world problems.

Note: These observations reflect my personal experience and methodology. Alternative approaches, including step-by-step tutorials, may prove effective for others. This account is intended as a sharing of personal insights rather than a definitive guide.

😊 Best wishes for your coding endeavors!


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