Do you need to learn a new programming language every year? And other learning techniques

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Do you need to learn a new programming language every year? And other learning techniques

The authors of the pragmatic programmer say you have to keep your knowledge portfolio sharp. And they recommend techniques to keep up your learning skills. In fact they compare it a lot to financial investing (which was a bit lost on me, and it says a lot about their target audience if they think that it won’t be). But I know enough to follow along. So here are some of their tips:
  • Learn a new programming language every year
  • Read a technical book every month 
  • Read a nontechnical book (every month?)
  • Go to meet-ups
  • Read news about tech
I think there are a lot of themes here. Like get out of your head. Speak to other people who are working on other projects. Learn a language even if you don’t need it because it might help you to solve another problem. And learn new skills for when you might just need them.

A few thoughts from ya girl:
  • I would love to learn a new programming language every year. Luckily I am still learning. React is gonna have to be my big thing of the year for sure. Last year it was Python. If I ever have time I’d love to play around with some Swift or try out some other Frontend frameworks. I’m sorry but I do see myself as a Frontend developer through and through. But I am yet to try mobile.
  • Reading a technical book a month is loads! And many people I know don’t like technical books. I’m inclined to agree. They go out of date quickly. I prefer to focus on my most relevant work. But I do love technical books. They look so pretty. In theory it’s a wonderful plan
  • What do they mean by nontechnical books? I read a lot of fiction 9-12 (sadly true or not so sadly as it is amazing) does that count? Do I have to read business books? Yuck! Do I get to read dating books (just kidding I stopped read those when I was 15) 
  • I used to love meetups but being a woman at meet ups is hard. I find myself ignored by some people and sidelined from some conversations. But that is just some other people. I often find myself talking to the other minorities in the room. Good. We have more fun
  • I like the idea of technical news. I used to be subscribed to this week in react. But it is scary
Lastly they say to be critical of everything. Think about your source. Who is saying this and why? Which brings me to my favourite way to learn. 

From other people and mentors in the company. They definitely don’t emphasise this enough 
A boon by o Reilly called learning typescript
My last employer got me this but bro I did not read
Any other thoughts? They recommend reading in dead time. At doctors, at dentists. Who is this book aimed at? Is it aimed at single mothers with kids who work? Is it aimed at people with lots of down time? Is it aimed at Susanna’s who like to read on the bus and will carry this book around with them everywhere they go but as of yet will only dream of investing 

Who knows 

P.s. one last cool thing they said was that you should read books somewhat targeted around your aims and style of work which Tbf was quite cool thanks bros 

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