How to learn new techniques?

Question

How to practice new technique when there is no programming jobs related to that technique? Such techniques as sql/wpf etc..

Answer 1

You just have to come up with a project of your own which you can solve with the new technique. Is there some task you need (or want) at home that might work?

From my own experience: I wrote an app to scan my music files and display the results in a grid. The first version used reflection to populate the grid so I didn't have to rewrite the front end if I changed what information I wanted to display.

More recently I converted it to WPF (the first version was in WinForms) and I've also implemented very basic Dependency Injection so I can use the same front end to check the tags on my photos.

Answer 2

I find that the best thing to do is to come up with an idea for a little application that "showcases" the technology. Doesn't have to be anything innovative - in fact, copying an existing app is probably best as you'll spend less time on design issues.

There's nothing like trying to build something realistic to really understand a new technology. Tutorials are all well and good, but information gained from them rarely stands up when you hit your first realistic application.

Answer 3

Learn or practice?

For learning new techniques it's important to communicate. Join a local group, or talk to other people interested in related subjects. They might give you ideas, explain, discuss, tell you what's good and what's bad.

Reading is of course a given; there are lots of good books out there on just about every subject you can imagine. And of course blogs, newsgroups, SO.. :)

For practicing new techniques... well, practice. Create a test/pet project and/or join/assist/use an open-source project. If possible, don't do it alone. Having a friend on a small project can be beneficial. Or perhaps someone you met at your local community? Or online?