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I have been a programmer for over 25 years, started learning in childhood, and still working as a full-stack software engineer. I have seen a lot in this way and always tried to get my job well done. But burned out because find myself in a position where I realized that what I am doing now is not what I intended when started learning programming in childhood. Why I should care about it? Because I deserved it in my age. And everybody deserved it.
I have read this topic https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40962675 and understand that I will not go at all, maybe retired but will still doing programs. And I want to start by remembering programming roots and making efficient things like a hobby now to continue with full energy :) in my retirement.
I have posted this topic https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=41328976 and understand that there are developers like me over here.
I do not call on anyone to do anything and do not force anyone, those who are disgusted or funny by this topic, I ask you just to pass by. I respect you as well. For those who feel the same way as I do, I invite you to the IRC channel on the Libera Сhat - #codecrafters. Maybe we won't create anything new there, but this place was conceived as a cafe - the atmosphere of crafters, representatives of the old and new schools of programming, who feel what I'm talking about...
~ A cozy place in the jungle of the techno world for all programmers who like to create high-quality and effective code from scratch with their own hands. Hobbyists, professionals, beginners, and just curious about how things really work. Open-source, free, quality, and handmade software written with a love for engineering and deep knowledge is code crafting. ~
irc://irc.libera.chat/#codecrafters
1. It won’t save you from everything you’re so tired of.
Firstly, game development, like other areas, is full of its own nuances and pitfalls. And given that a person gets used to everything, you will soon find yourself in the same position. It’s better to look at game development as a hobby, a distraction from your main job. Moreover, for the first few years you will still not be able to earn enough to support yourself and your family.
2. There are no universal tools.
The main question in any field of programming today is which framework and programming language to learn. Here everyone will choose their own - what they can master. But it’s worth noting that in game development when switching, for example, from web development, you need to understand that you won’t be able to use React or even JavaScript if you want to become a real pro. You have to be willing to study hard. These are low-level languages - C, C++, Rust, and the basics of mathematics and physics, and possibly machine learning. It won’t be easy, you just have to keep going. Take a break and study further. There is no need to strive to immediately choose the top and most complex tools; the main thing is to start somewhere.
3. This is a market with tough players.
If you think that you can create a game in a couple of months and immediately start making money, then this is not so. Of course, you can try, but the network is already full of low-grade content, and sometimes you just wonder about the mental health of the “creator”. I think it’s better to create one project, but ideal, adequate and interesting.
4. Hype is temporary, and you only live once.
Lots of technologies, engines, etc. surrounded by a lot of hype. This is not bad for the creators of these things, but if you run after the clouds, you will never get anything done. Let your achievements be modest, but they will be yours. This will save you from burnout at your main job, otherwise there will only be dissatisfaction with yourself.
Add your own…
So here it is. I don’t claim to be a software development guru or a C language expert. I’m just a simple developer.
- Why are we looking for new technologies? Why do we want to be part of a community that is buzzing with new projects? Why do we think that this new programming language will definitely help us create something amazing and truly great and, of course, will make us rich and provide us with a comfortable old age?
- Why are we offered so many courses in so many programming languages and frameworks? Why do we teach what is required for companies that make money from us?
- Why are there a lot of conferences on banal simple things, such as ** framework or ### technology (so as not to offend anyone), and there, with a smart look, newly minted gurus tell us how important it is to be able to transfer the value to the client and how to use certain templates?
- Why do computers become more and more powerful, but programs continue to lag?
- Why, when applying for a job, do we look for a vacancy based on knowledge of a programming language, but find it only based on knowledge of certain frameworks? Is it really difficult for a professional programmer to learn a framework in a week?
- Why do we go into software development with the enthusiasm to create something great, but end up in a situation where we are developing some other catalog or some other digital yo-yo to make money?
Reason: because we want our passion for programming, our interest, to also bring us income. Result: we do not earn this money for ourselves, but for companies whose main goal is to quickly receive income from the software they sell.
P.S.: I look at how programming has changed over the course of 25 years, what they teach at universities, and where they start. And I came to the conclusion that on a large scale, it was all for the benefit of giant companies or the government.
We must protect the “intimate” knowledge of the foundations and water the roots ourselves. Because they don’t realize, they don’t see that if the roots are not watered, the branches on which they sit will dry out. Therefore, who, if not us? Thanks, everyone!
If you can’t give me poetry, can’t you give me poetical science? © Ada Lovelace