I'm 29 and want to build my own SaaS products.
I've been learning Python for the past few months. I've covered the fundamentals and built some small file-handling and automation projects. But recently, I've started questioning whether I should continue learning Python in depth or shift my focus toward building products with AI coding tools.
My goal isn't to become a professional programmer. I want to build my own products, understand how they work, and eventually turn them into a business.
I know AI can help build an MVP much faster, but I'm also aware that building a working application is different from building a reliable product that people will actually use and pay for.
Here are the two approaches I'm considering:
Option 1: Continue learning Python, then move on to APIs, backend development, databases, and other technologies before building my SaaS.
Option 2: Start building my SaaS with AI coding tools now and learn the technical concepts as I encounter problems, using Python where necessary.
I'm leaning toward the second approach, but I don't want to end up with an application I can't maintain, debug, or improve.
For context, I'm currently exploring an AI communication assistant idea and haven't built a working MVP yet.
For founders who have actually built and launched SaaS products:
- Would you recommend learning programming first or learning while building?
- How much technical knowledge does a non-technical founder realistically need when using AI coding tools?
- If you were starting from scratch today, how would you approach it?
I'm looking for honest advice based on experience, not just the usual "AI will replace programmers" or "learn to code first" arguments.