I would recommend checking out some other start ups that may be of interest to you. You should try attending one of the tech meet ups: http://www.meetup.com/sfnewtech/
I'm in college, 20 years old. I've just started teaching myself ruby and python. Do you think I would be able to develop crude prototypes of apps by the time I graduate college? (in about 2 years?) I've been dedicating around 6-10 hours ever week so far and plan to dedicate more once summer starts.
1) start a landing page using Unbounce.com and reach out to some 1st degree connections to be testers
2) start gathering some data to validate your idea--talk to the people around you and ask them questions that revolves around this topic.
3) If it's a Web app, maybe start working on the mobile UI
4) Research competitors (I would check out Okcupid), partners, financial prospects, etc. Learn the industry and do you homework!
-Almost went to Babson... =) Let me know if you're ever in DC, I don't have tech background (currently learning). However, if interested in bouncing ideas... I have PLENTY.
Man, I have the same issue. However, I've decided to stay in school for the time being.
(20 years old, like the other person)
Reasons for not dropping:
1) YOU have a HUGE MARKET. Who know's other college students better then you or myself? Market your product to your peers and use them as your test pilot. VALIDATE your ideas.
2)Also, if you've come up with various ideas and keep coming up with them then you won't miss out on anything. Sure things may change, but also ideas grow and you create new ones.
Definitely work on telling your story. I think thats the most crucial part in creating an imagery of who your consumer audience is.
Also, have you been valued at a price yet? I would be slightly weary of negotiations over equity if you are in your micro stages. Just because it's easier to be valued higher over time. (I.e. you're easier to go from a value of 0 to 10 million then from 1 million to a 10 million valuation) If you're in your infant stages...I would stall it out for awhile, but that's just my 2 cents. =) hope that helps?
I would like to focus on doing Mobile development.
I was told by a previous post to try doing Eloquent Java, HTML5, and then DOM scripting (In that order)
My goal is to build an application similar to TripIt(travel advisor), but tailored towards education.
Thank you so much for your help!
I found some books that I will be using and I will definitely still be needing more advice down the road.
Here is my blog I started, if you'd like to see my progress later down the road:
Thanks for the recommendations! Do you have any recommendations on where to start. I'm currently in college and trying to take this on as a hobby. I wish there were ways to learn these languages a lot faster (like matrix, just plug it in), but I realize I need to spend a decent amount of time to actually pick it up.
Also, any recommendations on whether I should try to be building mobile apps or web apps as my end goal?
Also, do you have any recommendations on whether I should have a end target to build mobile apps or web apps? I know the mobile app industry is growing,but I'm not sure which path to take. Is there a specific language targeted towards mobile app vs. web development? or is it the same background?