1. The first rule to actually be able to build stuff is to learn real life programming: know a couple of languages, their libraries and ecosystems. Tip: use op

1. The first rule to actually be able to build stuff is to learn real life programming: know a couple of languages, their libraries and ecosystems. Tip: use open source tools 2. Know algorithms to make smart software. If you make a board game, A* comes in hadndy for the AI. If you make a service like dropbox Minimum bounding box algorithms lower your costs. Now you can build some stuff. Time to sell. 3. Learn the basics of finance and legal stuff of your country to be able to solve paperwork related stuff. 4. Learn some marketing to attract users Profit! Tip: A lot more in Ask HN Archive - http://www.gabrielweinberg.com/startupswiki/Ask_YC_Archive http://www.gabrielweinberg.com/startupswiki/Ask_YC_Archive