Learn Before Building

Research and understand a domain before writing code. Prevents wasted effort from wrong assumptions.

When to Use

• "I've never used [X] before"
• "I'm not sure how [Y] works"
• Starting work in an unfamiliar codebase area
• Using a new library, API, or framework
• Implementing a pattern you haven't done before
• Before any task where you're unsure of the approach

The Learning Process

Step 1: Define What You Need to Know