Would you rather be expert in one path or intermediate in many?

Question

As a developer, we all have that one question popping up in our minds everyday. Whether we need to expand our skillls in different programming languages/software development paths or to stick with a certain path and deep dive into it to master every aspect of it. I am Android developer and I spend most of my time learning new things related to Android, but I always think of expanding my web development knowledge. Then, I gave a Java backend with Spring Boot and Hibernate a try and it was really interesting to be able to develop backend API. It helps me a lot as a mobile developer. Tech paths and stacks are not as old times now, everyday there's a new competition between giant companies and new technology comes out everyday. How are you guys dealing with the hopping? What do you guys think is a better way of becoming a better software developer?

Answer 1

Two views:

1. Learning only one language will help you concentrate your efforts into just one area. In no time you would be a pro.

2. If the only tool you have is a hammer everything looks like a nail. If you only know one language. It's very likely that you would be using it for purposes it was not intended for and is not efficient in.

My summary:
1. Choose a field of interest.
2. Think based on projects not languages. For example if you have a new project to embark on. Research on the best tools to do the job. If you don't already have the required skillset. Then learn what you need to learn.
3. Don't be afraid to learn something new if you have to and don't be scared to decline projects you are not competent in(if you have the liberty to do so). You should have your speciality and keep learning in that direction.

Please read the story of the old man with an hammer
https://steemit.com/story/@khaled-dz/giant-ship-engine-and-old-man

Answer 2

Ore Adeleye thanks for the piece of advice. I have been hopping from web to mobile and to data science recently. I learnt a lot, but I declined too many of my projects and it made me feel completely lost at some time. However, I managed to keep on working on my Android projects while I'm learning new things. I think if we are good at time management we can learn more and become professional in many tech stacks.

Answer 3

Expert in one

Answer 4

At work I'm typically asked to assist with development in SQL, Perl, and VB.net. I've found it important to have a basic understanding of many languages, but focus on mastering one at a time. I'm learning C# now to work on a Blazor project.