Ask HN: Should I focus on one or multiple languages?
Should I focus on one language and become really good at it or work in multiple languages and stay mediocre? I am full-stack engineer working in Java/JavaScript but I mostly just make changes to an existing large monolithic codebase. I feel like I am not doing much designing and not really learning a lot.
1 comments
> Should I focus on one language and become really good at it or work in multiple languages and stay mediocre?
Both.
Master one, but learn enough to be able get around with the others. Also, learn the language, not just the tools or the new and shiny things. Tools and frameworks come and go, but the language itself will always progress.
> I feel like I am not doing much designing and not really learning a lot.
Work-related code, especially the monolithic, enterprise-y variants, isn't the best place to try something new. Try contributing to open-source projects. They're always in need of additional hands and move relatively fast enough that new stuff comes out regularly.
Both.
Master one, but learn enough to be able get around with the others. Also, learn the language, not just the tools or the new and shiny things. Tools and frameworks come and go, but the language itself will always progress.
> I feel like I am not doing much designing and not really learning a lot.
Work-related code, especially the monolithic, enterprise-y variants, isn't the best place to try something new. Try contributing to open-source projects. They're always in need of additional hands and move relatively fast enough that new stuff comes out regularly.
Thanks, both great points!