You're struggling to make the right decisions in software engineering. How can you improve your skills?

Define Clear Objectives: Determine what specific areas of software engineering you want to improve. Is it mastering a new language, becoming proficient in a framework, enhancing problem-solving skills, or something else? Set Measurable Goals: Make your goals specific and measurable. For example, "Complete three projects using Laravel by the end of the year" or "Achieve a certain score on a programming challenge platform." Create a Plan: Break down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks. This could involve daily coding challenges, online courses, or personal projects.

If you're struggling making decisions regarding software engineering it's probably because you're not experienced enough in the full life cycle of software products so I would suggest you listen to more experienced people Beware to prefer the ones that have successfully delivered

Code Reviews: If possible, participate in or initiate code reviews. Feedback from peers can help identify areas for improvement. Mentorship: If available, seek mentorship from more experienced developers. They can offer guidance, share their experiences, and provide valuable insights. Online Communities: Join forums, subreddits, or Discord channels related to PHP, Laravel, and software engineering. Engage in discussions and ask for feedback on your code.

Everything in software industry changes in a rapid phase. It's mandatory to keep up with it. One of the best ways of learning is to follow the stories of tech giants. Learn how they provided solutions for once impossible tasks. How they overcome the challenges and what are the resources they have used to do so. You can rely on them because they are leading companies in the world! Obviously they did something right! Learn how they did what they did and why they did it. By understanding why they took a decision, and what lead them to do it you can understanding the thinking behind it. Which will improve your knowledge and thinking pattern.

Stay Updated: Follow blogs, newsletters, and social media accounts of Laravel and PHP experts. This helps you stay informed about new features, best practices, and industry trends. Online Courses and Tutorials: Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Laracasts offer comprehensive courses on PHP and Laravel. Dedicate time to learn and practice regularly. Read Documentation: Laravel's official documentation is an invaluable resource. Familiarize yourself with it to understand the framework's capabilities and best practices.

Build Projects: The best way to learn is by doing. Start small projects using Laravel, gradually increasing complexity. Try New Features: Experiment with new features introduced in Laravel. Create sample projects to understand how they work and when to use them. Refactor Code: As you learn new techniques, revisit your old projects. Refactor code to apply best practices you've learned.

Embrace Challenges: Don't shy away from difficult tasks or projects. Challenges are opportunities to learn and grow. Learn from Failures: Not every project or code will be perfect. Analyze failures, understand what went wrong, and use it as a learning experience. Stay Open-Minded: The tech landscape evolves rapidly. Be open to new ideas, technologies, and methodologies.

Most complex software engineering problems have a rather simple solution, only if your keep the people experience at the core. Think about the people who will be using this and how you can improve their experience.

Contribute to Open Source: Participating in open-source projects exposes you to real-world codebases and collaborative development. It also looks great on your portfolio. Attend Meetups and Conferences: If possible, attend PHP and Laravel meetups, workshops, and conferences. Networking with professionals can offer new perspectives and opportunities. Practice Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, and time management are crucial for any software engineer. Practice these skills alongside technical skills.