Over the past four years, I've spent countless hours learning software development with the sole purpose of becoming a digital nomad.

[comment]: <> (In this blog, I will share all the things I have learned and experienced throughout my journey.)

[comment]: <> (These are some of the few questions I want to give answers to in this blog.)

# What is a digital nomad?

A digital nomad is simply a person who works online but is not affiliated with or attached to any company while traveling around the world.

That is precisely the definition of a digital nomad. But let's try to give it some analysis.

Digital nomad is comprised of two words, namely digital and nomad. Digital basically means computers, while a nomad is a person with no permanent place and who travels a lot.

So based on the definition of these two words, we can get a simple definition of a digital nomad.   
`A person with no permanent place and who travels a lot using a computer.`

# What are some of the benefits and disadvantages of being a digital nomad?

Every career path in life has always had ups and downs, just like being a digital nomad.

## Advantages of Being a Digital Nomad

![advantages of a digital nomad](https://pub-9c57eec207bf46e8acf2f916d8ea29e7.r2.dev/solodevhub/digital-nomad-goal/DEVELOPER.webp)

### • Freedom

Freedom is what makes a digital nomad very worthwhile.

If you have experienced working in the corporate world, stuck in an office for at least 8 hours a day, then you have definitely experienced the `rat race`. 

When you are a digital nomad, you are not bound to anything. You are free to work and earn without being stuck in one place.

### • You are your own boss

It's up to you what type of work you're going to do. 

You can follow your passion and start earning from what you love. This may sound naive or cliché, but it really is doable; nothing is impossible!

### • Travel the world

What makes being a digital nomad great is that you can do what you love, earn money, and at the same time travel wherever you want to go.

You have no office to work for. You have only your laptop, which is where you mostly work.

## Disadvantages of Being a Digital Nomad

![drawbacks of a digital nomad](https://pub-9c57eec207bf46e8acf2f916d8ea29e7.r2.dev/solodevhub/digital-nomad-goal/drawback.webp)

### • Solitude

For most of the time, you will be alone. You will sometimes feel lonely by being yourself. 

Sometimes you are longing for workmates and camaraderie.

### • It's hard.

It's not an easy path to follow, especially in the early years when you barely earn anything. You doubt a lot and feel hopeless.

### • High Risk

This career path is extremely risky. There's no assurance that you will earn money and succeed working online.

# How can a solo developer achieve being a digital nomad?

In order to become a digital nomad, you must first become a solo developer.

![a solo developer](https://pub-9c57eec207bf46e8acf2f916d8ea29e7.r2.dev/solodevhub/digital-nomad-goal/solo-developer.webp)

## What is a solo developer?

A solo developer is a person who works independently, developing various products and services, mostly online.

You can read more about what a solo developer is in [this article of mine](https://solodevhub.com/posts/what-is-a-solo-developer).

# How do I become a solo developer and ultimately become a digital nomad?

To become a solo developer takes a lot of effort and time, but it is definitely doable.

## Step 1. Learn a programming language.
A programming language is necessary to build a software application.    
Examples of a programming language:
- JavaSript
- C#
- Python

## Step 2. Learn how to use a framework, a game engine, or an API.

### What is a framework?
A framework is a piece of software that is used to easily build or create another application.    
Examples of a framework:
- ReactJS
- NextJS
- ExpressJS
- Svelte
- AstroJS

You can read more about frameworks in [this article of mine](https://solodevhub.com/posts/top-5-trending-frameworks-used-by-solo-web-developers-in-2023).

### What is a game engine?
A game engine is a piece of software that lets you build games.  
Examples of a game engine:
- Unity
- Unreal Engine
- Godot

#### What is an API?
An Application Programming Interface (API) is basically just an interface to connect two or more software applications.    
Examples of an API:
- [OpenWeatherMap API](https://openweathermap.org/api)
- [AniDB](https://wiki.anidb.net/HTTP_API_Definition) (Anime Database)
- [Cat](https://developers.thecatapi.com/view-account/ylX4blBYT9FaoVd6OhvR?report=bOoHBz-8t)

You can check out hundreds of free APIs in this [Github repository](https://github.com/public-apis/public-apis).

## Step 3. Build your own software application from scratch.

Using the things that you have learned in Steps 1 and 2, you can now build your own original software application.

It may be a website or a game that you want to build; anything is possible.

Building your own software takes a lot of time and effort. It doesn't happen overnight. It would take weeks, months, or even years, depending on the scale of your dream project.

I have written a very detailed [step-by-step guide on how to become a solo developer](https://solodevhub.com/posts/how-to-become-a-solo-developer-and-earn-money-independently).

# Conclusion

In order to become a digital nomad, one must first become a solo developer.

Being a digital nomad means freedom from corporate chains. The path to becoming one is not easy, but it's definitely doable. It takes a lot of time, perseverance, and patience.

You have to believe in your goal, work on it one day at a time, and sooner or later it will happen.

I wish you the best of luck and success in your career. Cheers!