College freshman with an idea. How should I spend my summer?

[zachthewf]

I'm a freshman at MIT majoring in computer science. I have a startup idea that I'm really excited about, but don't think I have the technical expertise to build it.

I have about 1.5 years of programming experience, and enough web development under my belt that I could build a sloppy but working prototype.

My question: this summer, should I jump right into building my idea? Or should I do other things to raise my programming IQ (internship/side projects/reading/your suggestions) until I feel more technically confident?

[bigiain]

In my opinion working on your own project is by far the quickest way up the programming learning curve (with the possible exception of convincing somebody brilliant to work on it alongside you).

Do it. Build a prototype.

[brokentone]

Working on a project is the best way to learn for sure, whether your own or another person's. You'll figure out the most important elements of the languages you're working in quickly, and the holes will be filled in over the next few years of school. Although, you should be reading books/blogs in your field as you go (but, really, you should always be doing that)

[matomesc]

I would definitely start working on the idea and come up with a prototype.

[bartonfink]

Jump in and do it. What's the worst that could happen?