7 key tips for starting your first Mendix project
Our Mendix Trainer, Thomas Rebel, shares his top advice for trainees and junior Mendix developers who are stepping into their first projects.
1. Understand the project’s purpose
Every project has a bigger goal, and understanding this is key to making the right decisions. Ask yourself: what does this app do, and why is it needed? For existing projects, request a walkthrough from a tester or analyst, they’ll explain functionality and purpose without diving too deep into the technical details, which is perfect when you’re just starting out.
2. Get to know your team
Your team will be your biggest asset, so take time to learn their roles and responsibilities. Identify who to approach for what: the Product Owner for business insights, the Scrummaster for process help, and testers or analysts for functional details. Building a good relationship with your team early on will save time and confusion later.
3. Learn the workflow
Every project has its own way of working, so ensure you understand how things are organized. Learn how tasks are tracked on the project board (Jira, Azure DevOps, or similar), how branches and releases are managed, and when and how updates are pushed to testing or production environments. This will help you navigate the project confidently and avoid disrupting ongoing processes.
4. Start with strong foundations
A good app begins with a solid foundation, so prioritize key elements like domain models, security, and structure. Invest time in creating clear and consistent naming conventions, folder organization, and user roles. Also, get familiar with standard Marketplace modules (like Community Commons) to extend functionality efficiently, while adhering to company guidelines.
5. For existing projects: take time to explore
When joining an ongoing project, combine walkthroughs from your team with self-exploration. Use debugging tools to trace key processes and understand how data flows through the application. If possible, work with a local database to safely test and explore without affecting others’ work.
6. Start small and build up gradually
Begin with simpler tasks to get a feel for the application and its structure. Focus on smaller stories, such as adjusting a button or modifying a single feature, to understand the app step by step. Over time, you’ll build confidence and be ready to tackle more complex tasks.
7. Ask questions often
Nobody expects you to know everything on day one, so don’t hesitate to ask for help. Whether it’s about technical details, workflow clarifications, or broader project goals, your team is there to guide you. Asking thoughtful questions not only helps you learn but also shows initiative and engagement.
By following these steps, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your project, build strong team connections, and set yourself up for success in your Mendix journey.
Good luck—you’ve got this! 🚀
Thomas Rebel – Mendix Trainer @ MxBlue Mendix Academy
