To quote a teacher from my past:
Success requires three things:
1. A great idea as a solution to a known or unknown problem
2. Someone to implement it
3. Someone to bring it to market
And if you have a great #2 and a great #3, you can always hire people to do #1
I see programming languages and computers as tools used by implementers.
How does one market a specific tool?
If you're big tool makers like DeWalt or Lee Valley, you identify different categories of tool users.
Then you go where they are hanging out (the two mentioned above go to hardware stores and trade shows) and
give users demonstrations of what can be done faster and better with their tools.
If you are an implementer (paid or unpaid), your success depends on your skill in selecting and using your tools.
Your customers (paying or not) only see your final product, and if they are satisfied, your work is successful.
BUT, when customers don't know or worry about "your skill in selecting and using your tools", then
they will use proxies for real knowledge:
1. How many people work for you?
2. How long have you been doing this?
3. Do you have any samples to show?
4. How big is your workshop?
5. Where is it located?
6. What is your training?
7. Have you had satisfied/dissatisfied customers?
8. Have they heard of some of the tools you will you use?
Am I skilled in selecting and using my software tools?
When in doubt, I know where to look. When in uncharted territory, I experiment.
I have a small but well-stocked workshop, but I regularly search for new improved tools.
B4X as a language is to easy to extend with classes, templates, and B4XLibs.
When all else fails, it is easy to make a custom code generator that puts prepared code on the Logs.
Implementers need tools, but also skill enhancement and techniques that can be acquired from other implementers.
I am continuously learning new things from the Forum. That's why follow it closely.
