A web developper desire to master native development

I’ve been working as a web developer for quite some time now, writing JavaScript and TypeScript and building the UI in React. It’s a world I’m very comfortable in. Yet, somewhere in the back of my mind, there was this itch to try my hand at mobile and native development. I always wanted to build an optimal, performant native app to create my projects ideas. However, I was never able to commit because of the desire to learn the new hot cross platform tech stack and with the pool of family obligations.

App Projects Roller Coaster

My journey into app development is a catacomb with haft working projects. I’d get an idea, start building, hit a wall, fix it, then get bored and pass to the next one. Well, you probably know the drill. The excitement of a new project would wear off when things got more complicated. Leaving a trail of half-baked apps collecting virtual dust in my workspace folder. My inner perfectionist and the sheer scope of mobile development kept pulling me back to the familiar embrace of JavaScript and React.

A New Approach: Start Small and Ship It

I knew I was going about this all wrong. On one side I was trying to build the next big thing on my first go while not taking it seriously. Instead of just starting with something simple and attainable. So, I decided to take a new approach: start small and ship it, no matter what. This time, I promised myself I’d actually finish an app, even if it was the most basic thing imaginable.

The “Master Chef” Moment

I do love grilling tasty steaks and burgers on the barbecue. But to be honest, I always overcook everything. Maybe if I could be able to remember the ideal internal temperature for different meats. So, I thought, why not build an app to help with that? Enter: my first finished app—a simple watchOS application that shows the perfect internal temperature for various meats. Nothing fancy, no bells and whistles—just a handy little tool to help me cook like a pro.

Building this app was straightforward, mainly because I kept the scope manageable. First, I focused on learning the basics of Swift and SwiftUI. Then, I was trying my best not to get bogged down trying to make the next big thing, sadly I maybe have wasted to much time on icons. Finally, I embraced the simplicity, and you know what? It ready to be shipped! Now, whenever I fire up the grill, my watch is right there to help me make sure my steaks are perfection.

Start Small and Stick to It

Does it resonate with you? To have hope of building that killer app but keep getting sidetracked or overwhelmed, here’s my advice: start small and stick with it. Don’t aim for a top-tier, feature-packed app right out of the gate. Find a small problem you can solve, build a simple app around it, and ship it. The feeling of completing and releasing something—no matter how basic—is incredibly rewarding. And who knows, that little app might just be the spark that ignites your passion for mobile development!

At this moment, I’m waiting the app for validation.

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In my next post I’ll talk a bit more in details about the app. Thank you

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