Where to Code First

Whether it's being apart of an open-source project, soloing or partnering with friends, it's important that you know where to start first. Coding naturally starts anywhere, but it's best that you don't hop to different languages every time instead of focusing on one. This saying goes for all of the above that I just listed.

Open-source projects

Whenever you participate in open-source projects, you see each person (in that group) in a certain field; JavaScript Developers, Web Designers, Story Editors, etc. Everyone plays their part and doesn't worry about others unless it affects their area (For example, incorrect name of characters implemented by JavaScript Developers). This kind of process usually leads to success, because everyone informs the project leader whenever ideas come up or when confusion is put into play. The responsibility as a project leader is heavy, because you're expected to have some knowledge in at least one language or the other, especially if you don't have a co-leader to back you up. But you usually see Lead JavaScript Developer and such for a reason, because their job is to obtain the project leader's information and convert his/her words into coding-terms for other programmers (in that field) to understand. So let's say (as a project leader) you wanted random numbers to be generated and added each time it was displayed on screen - the Lead JavaScript Developer would have to take your information and explain to other programmers in a more programmable-sense. It's like converting one language into another. 

I suggest just a few tips for you when you enter open-source projects:

1. If you're really good in a particular language, try to keep your complex code at a lower level for people to understand. This is called consideration and team work.
2. Don't judge nor question the project leader's orders unless you intend to support his idea. The Lead JavaScript Developer usually does that.
3.  Look over your code before posting for others to see, because bugs will occur in the program if you don't. Tiny mistakes like miss of semicolons or wrong boo leans can cause major problems. 
4. If you can't participate, don't participate. It's a open-source project, not your lifetime career.

So, this leads back to the question: "Where do you code first?"

 For open-source projects - whatever field you're good in. 

Soloing on a project

                     photo is not me.

When you're by yourself, it's probably a good idea to be fully aware of what you do. The difference between being apart of an open-source project and soloing is that, you're the leader of the project. So you know what you want instead of being given orders by someone else. Acknowledging this fact is precisely a good idea when soloing on a project, so don't let that deprive you from coding what you please.

Tips that I suggest when soloing are:

1. Don't be afraid to talk to yourself when trying to solve some difficult problems. (troll) 
2. Take a break sometimes. Soloing is a lot for someone with one brain.
3. Never give up on a project you started. That's a major fault with programmers.
4. Ask for help. Having someone assist you won't lose the title as being a "solo project". Erase that pride.

Where should I code first? In my opinion, the HTML file. Designing the layout of your program is better than completing some code and then putting use to it afterwards. You want to see the result of your code fast, not slow. On top of that, creating a nice webpage/design is pretty hard, so it's best that you focus on that first. But make sure you utilize CSS - HTML doesn't look good without it.

Partnering with Friends

What could I possibly say to this? Take your time! You guys are friends. Of course, you want to have some kind of day picked out to work on the project with each other - but take your time. This topic is similar to open-source projects, so reading what I wrote above should be enough to understand what you should/not.

I have two tips that I'd like to suggest:

1. Drink Mountain Dew or Monster (Energy Drink)
2. Have fun and laugh

Where should you code first? Wherever your friends decide on. :)

I hope you guys enjoyed reading this - I had fun writing it! Learning one of the greatest importance is phenomenal in the programming world, so make sure you take this as a valuable lesson! Thanks again, and comment if you may!