Write a piece of software that you already use. For example, Hacker News.
Ask HN: What do you code when you're learning a new language?
11–18 of 18 posts
Re: Ask HN: What do you code when you're learning a new language?
#121. Hello world.
2. Read ( parse ) JSON and Print JSON
3. Database connectivity.
4. REST API, with full CURD
5. Process Images
Etc
That how I am learning Golang.
Re: Ask HN: What do you code when you're learning a new language?
#13A fully tested cms. Doesn't have to be a web interface based thing. Can even be command line based. Teaches crud, tests, objects if necessary and again, tests. The requirements are as simple as they get, but it touches every necessary part of the basics of the language.
Re: Ask HN: What do you code when you're learning a new language?
#14Usually I decide to learn a new language or framework because I've researched that it will be the best tool for the job for the project I'm currently working on. In my opinion the most useful way to go ahead is to start by developing stripped down, simple versions of the selected components of the project. Then I build, read documentation / code and refactor until the problem is solved in a good way. By then I usually have a good grasp on how to use the language properly and can go on.
Re: Ask HN: What do you code when you're learning a new language?
#15I don't have one "stock" project that I always use for learning new languages... I just do whatever I happen to be thinking about at the time. Long ago, that meant an AD&D (2nd Ed) character generator. Then it was a training database for the volunteer fire department I was with. Later it was an (aborted) attempt to build a decentralized /federated social-network (something like Diaspora, IOW). When I started learning…
I guess I am not alone with my collection of half-implemented D&D character generators in half a dozen different languages.
When I'm learning a new language and don't feel any kind of "itch to scratch," grabbing the nearest roleplaying handbook is quite a nice saver. You pretty much have a full spec sitting right there for you to implement.
Re: Ask HN: What do you code when you're learning a new language?
#16Seems like a great time to give back! (doing so will also look great on your CV when you graduate)
There are many civic and non-profit projects that could use your help (even though you're just learning the language...every little bit helps!!). Check out codeforamerica.org, there are many affiliated groups that hold hack nights and such (like meetup.com/OpenOakland).
Taking on a little piece of a meaningful project might help keep you motivated to learn more and more about about the language.
Re: Ask HN: What do you code when you're learning a new language?
#17I don't have one "stock" project that I always use for learning new languages... I just do whatever I happen to be thinking about at the time. Long ago, that meant an AD&D (2nd Ed) character generator. Then it was a training database for the volunteer fire department I was with. Later it was an (aborted) attempt to build a decentralized /federated social-network (something like Diaspora, IOW). When I started learning…
I guess I am not alone with my collection of half-implemented D&D character generators in half a dozen different languages. When I'm learning a new language and don't feel any kind of "itch to scratch," grabbing the nearest roleplaying handbook is quite a nice saver. You pretty much have a full spec sitting right there for you to implement.
Heh, good point. Yeah, character generators are good learning projects, IMO. Maybe somebody should start cataloging them in various languages / frameworks, ala todomvc.com? :-)
Re: Ask HN: What do you code when you're learning a new language?
#18IRC bots. Being a system administrator I don't generally have a need for UI coding. IRC bots cover networking, just about any sort of text processing you could need. Add in a standard complement of "tools/utils" and you can also add in "plugins/modules" to also toss in database handling, fetching and storing of data, etc.