Article by Ayman Alheraki in October 28 2024 10:31 AM
In the constantly evolving world of programming, newcomers often find themselves caught between the multitude of available languages and technologies. Often, current work demands and market needs shape these choices, but it is crucial to understand that programming is fundamentally about selecting tools to solve problems. This article explores how circumstances and initial career choices can impact a programmer's journey, emphasizing the importance of balancing personal interests with market demands. A real-life story is also shared to demonstrate how excessive attachment to certain tools can pose future challenges and how smart choices can lead to sustainable professional success.
It is natural for initial circumstances, like available job opportunities or specific project requirements, to influence a programmer's choice of programming languages. While this direction may be beneficial initially, it can become a challenge if the chosen tools are neither widely known nor well-supported.
For example, I was responsible for designing and developing a comprehensive business management program for a government agency, working on it for eight years. The program became highly successful, efficiently meeting remote work needs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, it received a government award for enabling the agency to fully operate remotely. Despite its success, there was an unexpected challenge: I often received warnings from officials regarding the program's future support. The language and tools I had used were unfamiliar locally, and there were no other programmers capable of maintaining it if I left my position.
Lesson Learned from This Experience: This experience made me realize the importance of selecting widely used tools that can be easily supported, even if they meet all current technical requirements. Eventually, I left the position and provided remote support until the data was migrated to a new, web-based program built with more common technologies. My program remained in use as an archive for older data.
New programmers should remember that programming languages are merely tools to solve specific problems. Selecting the right tool requires a deep understanding of the problem and an awareness of market needs. A language that suits a project now might not be the best choice in the long run if it lacks support or a broad developer community.
Just as we select the appropriate tool to solve a mechanical issue, choosing the right programming language is an essential technical decision. Programmers should avoid being overly attached to a single language; true expertise lies not in one language but in choosing the most suitable tool for the job.
While having a passion for a specific language is essential, it should not come at the expense of career opportunities. A popular language with extensive market support increases job prospects and makes it easier to find technical support and ensure project continuity. When programmers can provide solutions using in-demand languages, they are better positioned to compete.
One of the primary reasons I chose to leave the government program I developed was its lack of future support. Despite its success in meeting institutional needs, the absence of developers skilled in the language I used taught me the importance of choosing popular tools that the market demands. This experience showed me that a beloved language might be suitable as a hobby, while the professional focus should remain on widely used tools.
It’s natural for programmers to want to learn languages or technologies they enjoy, but this passion should not override professional reality. What you love can remain a hobby to develop your creative skills, while using the most common and marketable tools should be the career focus.
"Keep your love for a specific language as a hobby, while your career focuses on what the market needs." Knowing the market and responding to its demands is crucial for achieving career success and longevity, especially since clients and organizations prefer using tools with reliable technical support.
To succeed and remain relevant, new programmers must make conscious decisions based on market requirements and project needs. With the understanding that programming languages are simply tools, their primary goal should be to solve problems effectively by selecting the right tool. They should listen to market needs to broaden job opportunities and freelancing options. My personal experience with designing a government program with limited support clearly illustrates the importance of making decisions aligned with market requirements, not just passion. Therefore, balancing technical interests with professional realities is essential, leaving room for passion as a hobby, since success lies in choosing tools with intelligence and awareness.