So, you're deciding to add a new tool to your toolbox? Well, I've got some great advice for you about which is the best way to learn how to use it and when it should be used. Well, my advice and wording are of course relative as everyone is different and has their own preferred methods for learning.
Firstly, why are you learning how to use this new tool? Are you learning out of necessity, or perhaps out of curiosity? Whatever your reasoning, it actually matters; but why? If you're not learning how to use the tool out of necessity, you'll really need to motivate yourself depending on the cognitive overhead from using the tool. If you can't commit yourself to learn how to use the tool, don't even bother trying as that time could be better spent building on your existing skillset or knowledge.
Now, what is the best way to learn how to use this tool after finally committing yourself to learning how to use it? Well, that is of course a complicated question and will vary from person to person but I can at least tell you what works for me and perhaps extend the scope of my advice to (hopefully) suit you too and your learning style.
As an experienced software developer will tell you, time and patience are the two most important things to have when learning how to use a new programming language. At first, you will make mistakes and feel like you're not understanding it at all (more so if you're learning a language with a different syntax).
But there are many other important factors when it comes to learning how to use your new tool too! You'll also need to ensure that the source of the learning material you are using is either from the developers of the language itself or is an otherwise well-recognised and credible source (like W3). Otherwise, you will run straight into a major issue; bad practice/s and perhaps even a lack of understanding or explanation.
You should start by creating some basic test programs with the language, just to test yourself and your ability to apply the training you have completed and to check how much progress you have made and what you do and don't understand. To come up with a test idea, simply imagine what systems you may expect to use when in the real world such as EPOS, calculators, etc.
Either way, it's ultimately down to your commitment, and don't forget that! If you really struggle to remember language-specific conditions, then try remembering them in different ways (such as word association, graphics, etc).
Firstly, why are you learning how to use this new tool? Are you learning out of necessity, or perhaps out of curiosity? Whatever your reasoning, it actually matters; but why? If you're not learning how to use the tool out of necessity, you'll really need to motivate yourself depending on the cognitive overhead from using the tool. If you can't commit yourself to learn how to use the tool, don't even bother trying as that time could be better spent building on your existing skillset or knowledge.
Now, what is the best way to learn how to use this tool after finally committing yourself to learning how to use it? Well, that is of course a complicated question and will vary from person to person but I can at least tell you what works for me and perhaps extend the scope of my advice to (hopefully) suit you too and your learning style.
As an experienced software developer will tell you, time and patience are the two most important things to have when learning how to use a new programming language. At first, you will make mistakes and feel like you're not understanding it at all (more so if you're learning a language with a different syntax).
But there are many other important factors when it comes to learning how to use your new tool too! You'll also need to ensure that the source of the learning material you are using is either from the developers of the language itself or is an otherwise well-recognised and credible source (like W3). Otherwise, you will run straight into a major issue; bad practice/s and perhaps even a lack of understanding or explanation.
You should start by creating some basic test programs with the language, just to test yourself and your ability to apply the training you have completed and to check how much progress you have made and what you do and don't understand. To come up with a test idea, simply imagine what systems you may expect to use when in the real world such as EPOS, calculators, etc.
Either way, it's ultimately down to your commitment, and don't forget that! If you really struggle to remember language-specific conditions, then try remembering them in different ways (such as word association, graphics, etc).
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