This is a great read, Adam. Thanks for writing it.
I think a lot of people don't really understand how HUGE of a field "programming" is. Language theory, semiconductors, CPU opcodes, computer architecture, Assembly, network theory, boolean logic, optimal algorithms, mathematics in multiple bases, LISP, FORTRAN, C, Ada, BASIC... and that only gets you to about the 1970s.
Millions of people have been working and innovating in this field for nearly a century. It is undoubtedly the fastest-growing industry in human history. How could anyone possibly hope to know everything about it?
I think it's important for your sanity to find a niche. I love language design and theory and I really enjoy JVM languages and the idea of a platform (JVM) for their mutual interoperability and development.
I like other parts of programming, and I understand their appeal and applications, but do I want to be a Python master? Not really. Do I want to know every nuance and quirk of JavaScript? Definitely not. I would be content on my deathbed with knowing that I had no idea how DNS really works. It's not something I'm concerned with.
That being said, I still find these things interesting, but in the way I find the Great British Bake-Off interesting. Am I impressed and intrigued? Yes. Do I want to be a professional baker now? No.
Finding your niche and sticking to it is, in my opinion, one of the most critical skills for surviving as a professional in modern society.
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This is a great read, Adam. Thanks for writing it.
I think a lot of people don't really understand how HUGE of a field "programming" is. Language theory, semiconductors, CPU opcodes, computer architecture, Assembly, network theory, boolean logic, optimal algorithms, mathematics in multiple bases, LISP, FORTRAN, C, Ada, BASIC... and that only gets you to about the 1970s.
Millions of people have been working and innovating in this field for nearly a century. It is undoubtedly the fastest-growing industry in human history. How could anyone possibly hope to know everything about it?
I think it's important for your sanity to find a niche. I love language design and theory and I really enjoy JVM languages and the idea of a platform (JVM) for their mutual interoperability and development.
I like other parts of programming, and I understand their appeal and applications, but do I want to be a Python master? Not really. Do I want to know every nuance and quirk of JavaScript? Definitely not. I would be content on my deathbed with knowing that I had no idea how DNS really works. It's not something I'm concerned with.
That being said, I still find these things interesting, but in the way I find the Great British Bake-Off interesting. Am I impressed and intrigued? Yes. Do I want to be a professional baker now? No.
Finding your niche and sticking to it is, in my opinion, one of the most critical skills for surviving as a professional in modern society.