Welcome to the community, Jon! The way I would say is to do as you're doing. It's exactly what I did. When I wasn't sure about something, I would read up on various websites, or ask for help from friends. Once you are satisfied with the features you have coded, look to add more complex features, and keep going from there.

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The man who comes back through the Door in the Wall will never be quite the same as the man who went out.