Being a software developer is not an end in itself. It is a means to an end. Our knowledge of different programming languages is not what makes us any different. It is our ability to solve problems with the skills that we have developed. It is our ability to think out and implement novel ways of solving problems that makes this job of ours unique and of high value.
All this while, I've always thought that because I know three programming languages, that's what makes me a programming 'guru'. Lies! Knowing different programming languages does not make you any better than the guy who knows one very well and is able to solve diverse problems with the language he has decided to stick with. I'm not saying that learning different programming languages is bad. No! It actually increases your chances of employment and it broadens your scope on the different possible technologies that can be utilized in solving a problem.
However, where the problem lies is when we start thinking that our knowledge of different programming languages is a silver bullet to the 5-star programmer status we all aspire to.Programming is cool and it widens your angle of thought and method of approach to problems.
In all, programming is not about claiming status based on the knowledge that we possess. Programming is about solving problems. It is about enriching the lives of others with the skills we possess. It is about humility in status and faithfulness to the end game.
Top comments (4)
Scott Hanselman says it this way: "Do you have 10 years of experience? Or do you have the same year of experience 10 times?"
This is rather a thoughtful question.
That is exactly what I think when I get a lot of language trivia on a job interview, and not a single question about real problem solving. :)
Totally agree