I learn best by doing. I imagine how something might work (I am usually wrong!), and try building it. When I discover that I need to learn something, I try to

I learn best by doing. I imagine how something might work (I am usually wrong!), and try building it. When I discover that I need to learn something, I try to communicate what I'm trying to build, why I am trying to build it, and where I got stuck. Then I ask around a bit (StackOverflow, Quora, Reddit, coworkers) to see if someone has insight how I might succeed. The depth and quality of answers I receive hint at the quality of my question, or the familiarity others have with the problem I am solving. If I get no answers, I usually grind away at the problem until I lose interest, can ask a better question, or make enough progress that I can answer my own question. Useful answers include offering: - a suggestion to use alternative solution with acceptable trade-offs - a different approach to how I solve my problem - a specific answer to the question I asked - to collaborate with me in finding a solution - a supportive comment (the cutting edge can be lonely!) - understanding about a trade-off or consequence of how I am approaching the problem - a suggestion on improving the quality of the question - a referral to someone who knows the answer