Learning Playbook

How to Learn a Technical Concept

1. Define the concept in one sentence.
2. Draw it as a diagram.
3. Build a tiny example.
4. Break the example intentionally.
5. Explain the failure.
6. Apply the concept in a project.
7. Write trade-offs and limitations.

How to Read Documentation

• Start with the official quickstart.
• Identify core primitives and mental models.
• Copy only the smallest working example.
• Replace demo data with your own data.
• Read security and production notes before deploying.
• Save useful commands in project docs.

How to Read a Paper

Answer these questions:

• What problem does it solve?
• What existed before it?
• What is the key idea?
• What changed after this work?
• What are the limitations?
• How would you implement a simplified version?
• Where would you use it in production?

How to Debug

1. Reproduce the issue.
2. Reduce the problem to the smallest failing case.
3. State expected vs actual behavior.
4. Inspect inputs, outputs, and assumptions.
5. Change one variable at a time.
6. Add a regression test or checklist item.
7. Document the root cause.

How to Build Portfolio Projects

• Start with a realistic problem statement.
• Build a minimal vertical slice first.
• Add evaluation before adding polish.
• Add security before calling it production-style.
• Add architecture diagrams and ADRs.
• Include limitations honestly.

How to Use AI While Learning

• Ask for explanations, not shortcuts.
• Ask for quizzes after studying.
• Ask for review of your design.
• Ask for failure cases.
• Ask for trade-offs.
• Always verify important technical facts with official documentation.