I started developing the beginning of this year (2023) in efforts to find a space where I can both be creative and one day find financial freedom which will allow me to spend more time with my loving wife and two amazing little dudes.
In my studies, which feels like a lifetime ago, we went briefly over developing with Python. Unfortunately that put me off a career of developing and focused more on a general IT career. I was bored beyond feeling like a piece of wood nailed to the wall.
15 years later, I have filled most roles in the IT field and now I run a organization in Europe. A big deal for someone that started life in South Africa. However, let me tell you, it is the most unsatisfying thing in the world. I know a lot of people would love to be in a position such as mine. It just frustrates me....
This and the combined want in spending more time with my family, I decided that I would create SaaS applications in my field of expertise in efforts to be financially independent from the corporate associations and live a more relaxed lifestyle.
How does one then even start developing a SaaS application with next to zero development experience? Well hopefully my experience will help you get started from a absolute beginners point of view.
It's all about the language
Let me tell you, there is a whole wide world out there of different languages that you can choose from with their own respective advantages and disadvantages. For my usage, building a SaaS application, some popular languages included Python, Ruby, and JavaScript. However I found that Laravel was the best for me and my "style" of developing.
Do some research, try them out, and choose one that resonates with you. I would also suggest don't just listen to other people's preferences. It is ultimately your decision, so pick what makes you feel the most comfortable.
Learn the basics
Whatever you choose, you will need to learn that languages fundamentals. You can achieve this in multiple ways. For myself, I am a very visual learner. So I went googling and eventually landed on PHP. I watched as many tutorials on Youtube that I could. (It is an amazing place to find free education)
I eventually stumbled on some Laravel tutorials via DevDojo, however that is a whole other story.
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For those that are reading this post, go have a look at the learning material that Tony and the team has created. We have an amazing community of supportive developers here that took the time and effort for us to be able to learn. Use it :)
Choose a tech stack
What on earth is a tech stack? Yea, if you asked me that 2 months ago, I would of just smiled and asked "Why don't you tell me what you think it is?" and agree with your answer.
A tech stack is a combination of technologies, frameworks, and tools used to build your application. Some popular choices for SaaS include the MEAN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, AngularJS, and Node.js) or the MERN stack (which replaces AngularJS with ReactJS). My suggestion is to research different options and select one that aligns with your programming language and goals.
In my case I settled for Tallstack which fits my preferred language and the goals I have. You can find out more on Tallstack here: https://tallstack.dev/
Plan your application
You can't just jump into a project and figure out everything as you go. If you do, you will just end up like me. I once created over 20 different new versions of the same app because I forgot one or two things that would work with the app and make it more user friendly. This was of course before I learnt about Git and version control.
The most valuable lesson I have learnt by far is to spend some time planning your application. Even if that means using a sketchbook to draw out the user interface (Which is what I do. I am oldschool okay) or using a tool like Figma.
Once you create a rough outline of your application, you can then plan the rest of what goes into making your application. Somethings would include database structures, user authentication and so on. I would advise googling apps similar to the one you create for inspiration. You might even find an open source version of your project which would be a massive leap forward in the planning phase of your journey.
Don't worry about a timeline. The worst thing you can do to yourself if put pressure on like a deadline. You are not a professional and hopefully this is just something you are trying out. So keep it light and play around. There is no bugs or angry clients. Only opportunities to learn.
It is also key to look at bugs as features :)
Build, test and learn
Start building your application piece by piece, testing regularly to ensure everything works as you want it to. There is no such thing as a perfect application. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, they're an important part of the learning process.
Regularly seek feedback from your community such as DevDojo and make improvements as needed. Remember everyone in every forum and community started where you are now. They are all very happy to share knowledge with you and watch you grow as a developer.
The more you learn from others and the more you build, eventually you will have something that you can share with the world and they might even pay you to use it.
I hope this post has provided you with some valuable insight into starting your own SaaS journey and especially a journey as a developer. Remember, the key to success is persistence and a willingness to learn.
Best of luck, and happy coding!
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