Ask HN: I'm a young developer. What should I do next?

#1

Post by hellisonwright » Sat, Jul 27, 2013, 1:49 PM UTC

I have been programming for almost 5 years. In this period I have learnt Python/Django, HTML/CSS/JS and have just started learning Node.js/Meteor as part of Stanford's Startup Engineering Course. During this time I have developed several non-trivial MVC web apps (mostly side projects) and taken many Coursera/Udacity programming courses. I also have a web design business although I am currently struggling to find clients who are not affected by my age.

Frankly, I feel lost in this world of technology and startups. I assumed that the more I knew, the easier it would become, but experience has proved that this isn't the case. I feel I need guidance in order to gain any traction/reputation in a particular field. It would be greatly appreciated if I could have some suggestions as to which direction I should take next.

Many thanks in advance. I have been following HN for almost half a year now and the community here is one of the strongest I have ever seen.

EDIT: Thanks everyone! The feedback has been incredibly helpful and I will take a look at the resources you have commented soon. Also, if you have anything else you want to add more personally, send me an email at: harry01a (at) gmail (dot) com

Re: Ask HN: I'm a young developer. What should I do next?

#2

Post by [deleted] » Sat, Jul 27, 2013, 2:08 PM UTC

[deleted]

Re: Ask HN: I'm a young developer. What should I do next?

#3

Post by thepumpkin1979 » Sat, Jul 27, 2013, 2:15 PM UTC

I'd suggest you to jump into Mobile boat. Since you already know HTML/CSS and JS, develop a simple application using Phonegap and sent it to Google Play and AppStore. I'd also try to make my website look more like my Curriculum(without removing the freelance stuff).

Re: Ask HN: I'm a young developer. What should I do next?

#4

Post by timmm » Sat, Jul 27, 2013, 2:28 PM UTC

The case study really isn't compelling at all, it just doesn't look like a good site.

I doubt people will care much about your age and or just don't mention it.

Side note - "Design" is becoming more and more obsolete as the use of design frameworks becomes more ubiquitous. I started out doing design from scratch but now I just search for the best framework to use and cut my development time into a fraction.

Check out Twitter Bootstrap and Foundation (Zurb)

Re: Ask HN: I'm a young developer. What should I do next?

#5

Post by zachlatta » Sat, Jul 27, 2013, 2:38 PM UTC

I recommend not mentioning your age to your clients until necessary. At least that's what I did. As timmm said, your case study isn't very compelling. If I were you, I'd try to build up a Github with some open source stuff and get more involved in the developer community. Clients will eventually come looking for you.

By the way, shoot me an email at zchlatta (at) gmail.com. I'm currently 15 and am always looking for other young developers to chat with. I'd be more than happy to talk to you about technology and other interesting pursuits.

Re: Ask HN: I'm a young developer. What should I do next?

#6

Post by mapleoin » Sat, Jul 27, 2013, 2:39 PM UTC

Erm, so can you legally be employed (even self-employed) in the UK at 14?

Re: Ask HN: I'm a young developer. What should I do next?

#7

Post by Toshio » Sat, Jul 27, 2013, 2:44 PM UTC

> "What should I do next?"

Become an enlightened developer by learning a functional programming language.

Re: Ask HN: I'm a young developer. What should I do next?

#8

Post by hellisonwright » Sat, Jul 27, 2013, 2:45 PM UTC

zachlatta wrote: post #5

I recommend not mentioning your age to your clients until necessary. At least that's what I did. As timmm said, your case study isn't very compelling. If I were you, I'd try to build up a Github with some open source stuff and get more involved in the developer community. Clients will eventually come looking for you. By the way, shoot me an email at zchlatta (at) gmail.com. I'm currently 15 and am always looking for…

Thanks for the advice, I agree the case study isn't a great example and I will change it soon.

Re: Ask HN: I'm a young developer. What should I do next?

#9

Post by ealexhudson » Sat, Jul 27, 2013, 2:46 PM UTC

mapleoin wrote: post #6

Erm, so can you legally be employed (even self-employed) in the UK at 14?

Yes, you just can't work full-time. For certain professions, you can earn money at any age.

Re: Ask HN: I'm a young developer. What should I do next?

#10

Post by zekenie » Sat, Jul 27, 2013, 2:46 PM UTC

I agree with timmm, the case study isn't compelling for me. I like the way the logo moves from the red to the white. Not a huge fan of centered text. How good are you at javascript? I might hire you for some freelance work if you know how to work with the prototype object.