Learn faster by pushing limits
One technique I use to learn tools and techniques more quickly is pushing the limits of the tool or technique I’m trying to learn.
Here’s a coding example: In Lisp-based programming languages, there’s a meta-programming technique called macros. They’re like functions, but they operate on code. You’re only supposed to use macros when functions wouldn’t suffice.
I started abusing macros by writing them everywhere to learn when and when not to use them.
You can do the same thing for learning cloud infrastructure.
Let’s say I wanted to learn serverless. I would try to deploy all my infrastructure using serverless offerings—everything from static landing pages to CI Runners and databases. One thing I learned from this experience is that CI runners cannot be run in privileged mode on AWS Fargate.
Don’t do this in production, of course.
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