Hello everyone,
I will start of by saying; I dont know if this is the right place to ask these questions, so sorry in advance if it isn't.
I’m a 19-year-old software developer studying to become a software engineer. Software development is my passion, but I also want to start earning some income from it, so I can quit my side job and focus more on my personal projects while studying.
Currently, I’m developing a software platform to control IoT devices, currently focusing on Raspberry Pi and ESP32. The user interface is web-based, and the devices are controlled using WebSocket for real-time interactions or HTTP for non-latency-sensitive devices. The devices will communicate with each other via a local server, which I plan to run on a Raspberry Pi (with docker i think). Just to clarify, this isn't my first software project, so I’m not a complete beginner, but given how broad the software world is, there’s still a lot for me to learn.
For now, I’m primarily working with the ESP32, using the ESP API/lib and the esp-idf, and I’m building abstracted classes around these to suit my needs. I’m also open to exploring new platforms as my project evolves.
At this stage, the project is still in its early development phase, and I can shape it into whatever I want. I’ve considered use cases like controlling escape room scenarios, managing drive-through order screens, or just general IoT device control. I’m still flexible, and that's why I’m reaching out for advice.
Now the real questions come:
- How can I make this project more professional?
- What direction should I take in terms of shaping the software? Should I focus on specific use cases or keep it more general?
- How can I turn this into a product and start selling it? What are some platforms or strategies for selling software like this?
- What should I charge for this type of software? How do I determine pricing when working with clients? And what should I expect to earn?
Any comments, tips, or advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance for your help!
