Tips for Building Side Projects as a Solo Developer

Side projects are a great way to improve your coding skills, develop new interests, and potentially make extra money. However, it can be difficult to know where to start and how to stay motivated. The following tips will help you build successful side projects regardless of your full-time work obligations.

Prioritize Your Ideas

Before you begin any project, it’s important to consider if it’s something you’re truly passionate about. While money is a motivating factor, building something that aligns with your interests and skills will ensure a project’s success. When brainstorming ideas, make a list of projects that pique your interest and prioritize them based on complexity, marketability, and enjoyment.

Set Achievable Goals

When starting a side project, it’s natural to want to build complex features or launch quickly. However, it’s important to set achievable goals that you can complete within a reasonable timeframe. Breaking down your project into smaller milestones can help you stay motivated and make progress each day. Additionally, it’s helpful to schedule specific blocks of time for working on your project to ensure consistent progress. By setting achievable goals, you’ll be more likely to see your project through to completion.

Building successful side projects as a solo developer is a challenging but rewarding experience. By prioritizing your interests and setting achievable goals, you’ll be well on your way to building incredible projects that improve your coding skills and portfolio.