Learning new technologies can be a difficult thing to start, let alone master. In this episode we discuss how we started with new technologies and how to expand those introductions into mastery with a given framework, plugin, or other product.
Segment 1 - Getting Started
Identify Objectives
Ensure that your selected technology cover as many of your objectives as possible
Sometimes your objective is just to learn a given technology - with no specific project objective(s)


Do the "My First App" example
Most documentation have users go through a first introductory app to get them started quickly
Use this first app as a way to get your foot in the door - use it as a foundation for your project, or as a learning platform


Documentation Open
Don't shy away from documentation - I always have it open!
As you look up each and every piece of a given technology you're slowly learning its ins and outs
Eventually you won't need the documentation to complete a given task


Easiest Start
 There are typically a lot of different ways to get started with a given technology (ie install via npm, use via CDN, etc.)
Use the easiest starting point - probably the one that compliments your existing development environment - so that you don't get caught in a rut trying to learn how install something
Find the fastest route to learning



Segment 2 - When to Learn New Technologies
Personal vs Client Work Projects
You must find the balance between learning something new, or using something familiar because you're working on your client's time
Let the client know what you're doing or planning, they may want you to work on learning a new technology - maybe they want a new feature
Do extensive research into a given technology to prevent issues down the line, costing you time and your client needless money


Performance
Sometimes performance becomes important when applications get large, make sure you use the technology that best compliments your objective and gives the best performance
For example: NodeJS is good at concurrent connections


Popularity
Popular apps typically have a job market
Learning React or Angular, as of writing this, would put you in a good position for finding a job
You can also participate in an up and coming technology to get into a growing community


Need
Sometimes you have no choice but to learn a new library, framework, language, etc.



Segment 3 - Get Up and Running Quickly
Researching
Google your issues
Check documentation
At this stage ensure that the tech can cover all your needs


Watching/Reaching Tutorials
Before commiting, watch some YouTube tutorials to see if you like any of them
If you continue working with the technology you now have a reference/video series to learn more


Documentation
Great documentation can make learning a lot easier
Bad documentation does the exact opposite, makes it harder


Community
Take a look at the community and try to avoid toxicity
Check various communities (ie Reddit, Discord, Stack Overflow, etc.)


Your own "My First App"
Choose a simple function that might be a single piece of a project
Gives you a good view on learning and implementing



Web News - Cell Phone Longevity & Endurance
Battery life on cell phones is typically not great, after several product generations of fighting for better battery life (specifically more capacity), it seems that consumers have given up to a degree
Android seems have issues managing background tasks
Apps dont' close completely sometimes
Sometimes they close too early from the "recent apps" 


Manufacturers try and combat this by having various battery management software added to their Android versions
More efficient processors like those in the Snapdragon 600 series offer more efficient battery usage, but don't offer flagship speed like those in the 800 series
Flagship phones have the best features and specs, but typically lack in battery life
Android phones seem to drop in battery performance when you're on the go - GPS turns on a lot even when not navigating

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