Ask HN: Best way to learn new languages professionally as a developer?
1 comments
I’ve worked on some jobs where I worked on a wide range of systems and I just learned whatever language I had to use to get the job done. I’ve often started a job which was about one language that I didn’t know but I was expected to learn it (C# when I was a Java Programmer, then Python work just kept coming after 2013). There was the place where I was hired to do Python but the company pivoted and I did Scala and Typescript.
Occasionally I’d run into the opposite though, like the people who really needed a Ruby-on-Rails programmer right now and couldn’t even accept a quick learner.
I’ve always, however, used major commercial languages for my side project, today that is (i) Python, (ii) Java, and (iii) Javascript. I use Java and Javascript at work now. I could use Typescript for my side projects but I choose not to because I don’t want to be shifting gears all the time, particularly when I have 20 minutes to do a little coding here or there. Similarly I use React as a framework for front end work for small projects on my own account because I’d rather build depth and fluency with the framework I use at work rather than get bogged down in the details of Vue or Svelte. That way my experience at work and play transfer.
Beginning programmers tend to see “learning a new programming language” as a goal but I think that’s putting the cart before the horse. The foundational result of computer science is programming languages are all the same in that they can express the same programs, although there is a huge amount to know in the details. On one hand there is understanding the fundamentals (what does a package manager do in the big picture?) but knowing exactly how to fight with pip, npm, maven and win is one of those challenges you face when you face it, most people are going to flinch anyway.
Occasionally I’d run into the opposite though, like the people who really needed a Ruby-on-Rails programmer right now and couldn’t even accept a quick learner.
I’ve always, however, used major commercial languages for my side project, today that is (i) Python, (ii) Java, and (iii) Javascript. I use Java and Javascript at work now. I could use Typescript for my side projects but I choose not to because I don’t want to be shifting gears all the time, particularly when I have 20 minutes to do a little coding here or there. Similarly I use React as a framework for front end work for small projects on my own account because I’d rather build depth and fluency with the framework I use at work rather than get bogged down in the details of Vue or Svelte. That way my experience at work and play transfer.
Beginning programmers tend to see “learning a new programming language” as a goal but I think that’s putting the cart before the horse. The foundational result of computer science is programming languages are all the same in that they can express the same programs, although there is a huge amount to know in the details. On one hand there is understanding the fundamentals (what does a package manager do in the big picture?) but knowing exactly how to fight with pip, npm, maven and win is one of those challenges you face when you face it, most people are going to flinch anyway.
ChatGPT says this, do you agree?
"It can be challenging to learn new languages as a developer when companies have strict requirements for their tech stack. However, there are several strategies you can use to learn new languages and expand your skill set as a developer:
Invest in your own learning: One of the best ways to learn new languages is to invest in your own learning. Attend conferences, read books, take online courses, and watch video tutorials. This will help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in the industry.
Build personal projects: Building personal projects is a great way to practice and showcase your skills. Choose a language you want to learn and start building small projects to solidify your understanding of the language.
Volunteer on open-source projects: Contributing to open-source projects is a great way to gain practical experience and learn from other developers. Find open-source projects that align with your interests and start contributing code.
Attend local meetups: Attend local meetups to connect with other developers in your area who are interested in the same language or technology as you. This can be a great way to learn from others, ask questions, and build your network.
Take on freelance projects: Taking on freelance projects can help you gain practical experience and build your portfolio. Look for projects that require skills in the language you want to learn and take them on to gain hands-on experience.
Remember, learning new languages takes time and effort. It's important to stay motivated and keep learning, even if it feels like a challenge. By investing in your own learning, building personal projects, volunteering on open-source projects, attending local meetups, and taking on freelance projects, you can expand your skill set as a developer and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-changing industry."