Tinyfool's Journey as an Independent Developer
Introduction
In this article, Tinyfool shares his experiences and thoughts on becoming an independent developer. With a long history in the tech industry, Tinyfool reflects on his past achievements, the challenges he faced, and his plans for the future.
A Glimpse into Tinyfool's Past
Tinyfool has been writing code for over two decades. He started in his junior high school days and has been actively involved in the industry since graduating from college in 2001. He highlights some of his past projects, including working on search and consulting for popular websites, developing the iOS version of Youdao Dictionary, and leading the iOS development for Sohu Cloud Reading.
The Road to Depression and Recovery
After leaving Sohu, Tinyfool embarked on his own entrepreneurial journey. However, after a few years, he took on technical leadership roles in two other companies. Eventually, he experienced a period of depression, which led him to take a break from traditional employment. During this time, he focused on writing, maintaining his WeChat public account, and creating videos to make a living.
The Birth of English Easy Read
During his recovery period, Tinyfool collaborated with a friend, Sycx, to develop English Easy Read. Tinyfool was responsible for product design and marketing, while Sycx handled the coding. Although the project was initially ambitious, it faced some challenges. Tinyfool found it difficult to take over Sycx's code, and the project did not achieve the expected success. Nevertheless, they continue to update the app.
The Decision to Become an Independent Developer
Tinyfool's income primarily comes from writing, including book royalties and WeChat public account donations. He also earns from soft articles on his public account and video ads. However, he realizes that this income is unstable. To achieve a more stable income, he decides to become an independent developer and monetize his apps on the App Store.
Reasons for Choosing Independent Development
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Passion for Coding: Tinyfool has a genuine love for programming, comparing it to activities like carpentry and building with blocks. He enjoys the process of creating something from scratch.
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Avoiding Management Challenges: Managing a technical team can be stressful and time-consuming. Tinyfool prefers to work independently and focus on writing code.
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Cost-Efficiency: By living in a lower-cost city like Tianjin instead of a major metropolis like Beijing or Shanghai, Tinyfool can reduce his living expenses and achieve a more cost-effective lifestyle.
Navigating the AI and Open-Source Era
Tinyfool acknowledges the impact of AI and the open-source movement on the tech industry. He encourages developers to embrace these technologies and find ways to leverage them in their projects. He shares his own experiences using AI-powered tools like Grammarly and ChatGPT to improve his productivity.
Challenges and Considerations for Independent Developers
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Age and Energy: As Tinyfool has aged, he has noticed a decline in his energy levels. Staying up late to code is no longer an option for him.
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Changing Industry Landscape: The tech industry is constantly evolving, and Tinyfool realizes that he needs to adapt his approach to stay competitive. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on specific problems and using existing solutions rather than reinventing the wheel.
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Competition and Market Saturation: The app market is highly competitive, and Tinyfool acknowledges that it may be more challenging to succeed as an independent developer today compared to a few years ago. However, he believes that there is still room for innovative and niche apps.
Conclusion
Tinyfool's journey as an independent developer is a testament to his passion for coding and his desire for a more flexible and fulfilling lifestyle. While he faces challenges along the way, he remains optimistic about the future and is committed to exploring new opportunities in the tech industry.