What is the best way to handle a difficult task?

Question

Freelance

As many argue, the best way to learn something is to take a complex order and try to fulfill it, because only then you will understand how everything works. This is the part I understand. But what is the best way to work with regards to the order itself.
For example, "Landing layout on a self-written engine (yii2)". Deadline 2 weeks. If, for example, you only know a couple of basic php before, how best to implement it. Take it and immediately assemble the project by typing a little bit. Or 4-5 days to shine the study of the theory that concerns only the task and then the rest of the time to cut more correctly. The main thing is that the task is performed correctly from the point of view of the code, qualitatively, so that it does not break at the slightest change. That is, "it works - do not touch it" is not suitable.
Ie at random or an organized method. This brings to mind the words of Abraham Lincoln.
"If I had eight hours to chop down a tree,
I would spend six hours sharpening my ax"
What do you think about this?
PS without tedious advice like "first study everything to the crumbs, only then take the order" - for me this method is for weak and insecure people who just sit in the comfort zone

Answer 1

First, do a couple of your projects:
- just learn how to set up and configure a frame
- make a couple of modules (if Yii2 for example), you can practice by taking Yii2 tasks from here:
PHP junior programmer test tasks
- do your project - for example, not a big startup or service
...
- you can take orders ... and then with a reservation on the level

Answer 2

PS without tedious advice like "first study everything to the crumbs, only then take the order" - for me this method is for weak and insecure people who just sit in the comfort zone

What? After the first lesson in a driving school, you will not go to participate in Formula 1 races. Why do you do things differently in programming? If you take on a complex job with little experience, you jeopardize the efficient use of your customer's time and money.

Answer 3

PS without tedious advice like "first study everything to the crumbs, only then take the order" - for me this method is for weak and insecure people who just sit in the comfort zone

Imagine such a situation, drawing an unsuccessful analogy at least, you want repairs, and then someone like you comes to you, and from you he is given the task of making a cap. repairs, he beats his chest that "Yeah, everything will be done boss, don't worry, hehe!" ...
And here it begins, let's learn from you and what does sewerage do for your money, and how will you then run around the apartment with a bucket covered in feces, I hope you don’t need to go further in detail

Answer 4

With such an approach, and a measure of responsibility, it is simply contraindicated for you to freelance.
As a freelancer, you need to constantly worry about your reputation, it is very important, and its drawdown has a catastrophic effect on getting orders. Your path leads directly to its loss.
You can’t learn from customer projects, especially as a freelancer. Just take it as an axiom.
I want to learn in practice - this is a great idea! Find a task for yourself, you can just take it as the customer suggests somewhere, and solve it for yourself in order to understand how much you can do it and gain experience.
Also, to increase the skill, participation in some open source projects is well suited, for example: this is not only experience, by the way, but also connections, as well as a certain fame that can result in orders. And, of course, the most important thing is feedback on the quality of your work.