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If you’ve been part of the Mendix ecosystem — as a developer, manager, or trainer — you’ve probably seen this pattern: someone completes the learning paths, watches a few videos, passes a couple of exams… and then freezes the moment they’re asked to build a real app. The reason is simple: understanding theory isn’t the same as applying it.
Don’t get me wrong — the Mendix Learning Paths are a great way to get started if you’re new to low-code technologies and want a solid overview of what’s possible. But they can’t replace a personalized, hands-on Mendix training based on a real-life case study, guided by an experienced Mendix expert.
At BlueBerk, we’ve seen how powerful it is when learning moves from passive to practical. We’ve trained everyone from complete beginners to experienced developers — and the result is always the same: the lessons you practice stick. The ones you only read about, don’t.
In this post, we’ll explore why hands-on training is essential for Mendix developers, what it looks like in real life, and how you can build it into your own learning or team development process.

Why Theoretical Learning Isn’t Enough for Mendix Developers

Let’s be clear — theory matters. It gives you the vocabulary and structure of Mendix: what nanoflows do, how entities relate, how security works. But theory alone is like learning to drive by reading the manual. You might know what each pedal does, but you won’t know how to handle rush-hour traffic or fix a breakdown halfway through a trip. Practical experience is what turns knowledge into skill.

The Limitations of Step-by-Step Mendix Tutorials

During our hands-on sessions, developers make mistakes, troubleshoot, debug, and finally reach that “aha!” moment when everything clicks. That’s where real learning happens — through doing, experimenting, and solving problems in context. Traditional step-by-step guides are great for learning basic navigation and understanding how Studio Pro works. But real Mendix projects don’t come with instructions.You won’t be told: “Create an entity called ‘Customer’ and link it to a new page. ”Instead, you’ll hear: “We need to reduce delays in our order-to-cash process and improve cash flow.” That’s a completely different challenge — one that requires analysis, design thinking, and decision-making. That’s why, at BlueBerk, we go beyond scripted exercises. We use real-world cases that are sometimes vague or incomplete — just like actual projects. We coach participants to find solutions: where to look, what to try, how to debug, and how to recover when something fails. It’s not always neat or easy — but it’s far more effective.

How Hands-On Practice Builds Confident Mendix Developers

The biggest gap between developers who’ve studied theory and those who’ve built real apps is confidence. You can learn all about microflows and associations, but until you’ve debugged a broken logic chain or fixed inconsistent data, you won’t truly feel ready. That’s where confidence comes from — from solving problems when the answers aren’t handed to you. This kind of learning builds transferable skills. You’re not memorizing a solution for one scenario; you’re learning how to think and adapt across many. It may feel uncomfortable at first — like failing — but it’s actually productive struggle, one of the most powerful forms of learning.

Real Business Scenarios in Mendix Training

Earlier this year, we trained a new group of Mendix developers at BlueBerk. They were sharp, motivated, and completely new to the platform. Instead of following rigid tutorials, we designed sessions around real business cases. We introduced just enough theory to get started, then gave them space to experiment. The results were fast and impressive — not only in skill but in mindset. The trainees began asking deeper questions, anticipating problems, and proposing creative solutions. That’s the difference between passive learning and active problem-solving.

Key Takeaways for Effective Mendix Learning

Learning Mendix isn’t about completing courses or collecting badges — it’s about becoming someone who can think critically, design effectively, and keep improving as the platform evolves. Developers who thrive in Mendix aren’t made by “click here, do this” tutorials. They’re shaped through exploration, trial, error, and iteration. Because the best way to learn Mendix is simple — you learn it by building.

Let’s build something great with Mendix – together.

About the Author

Florian Junker is a Senior Consultant and Trainer at BlueBerk, responsible for app development, team management, Mendix training, and presales activities. He leads the BlueBerk Academy, where he kickstarts new employees and trains clients to get the most out of Mendix. When it comes to Mendix certifications, he’s got them covered. Flo is an Expert-level Mendix Developer and an Advanced-level Mendix Trainer, currently on his way to becoming a Mendix MVP.