I've been working as a programmer for about a year and a half now, and lately, I've been feeling really lost. The more I try to grasp the concepts, the more confused I become about everything I'm learning. I often wonder, 'Why do I need to know all of this if I won't use it in my own projects?'
In this time, I've worked at two very different companies: the first used old-school practices with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP all mixed in one file, which made it tough to get things done with no version control and programming directly in production. The second company is super modern, using Python, Django, Vue, and all these advanced tools like integrated development environments, CI/CD, and Docker.
While the first job was chaotic and challenging due to the messy codebase, the second is proving to be even more daunting because of the high level of abstraction. Everything seems to be hidden in a web of numerous imports and proprietary models that are difficult to understand without a proper background. This level of abstraction seems to stifle creativity, as even the simplest fixes require navigating a complex process and you risk missing something crucial.
Currently, I'm struggling to keep pace with everything that's changing while trying to gain a solid understanding, but it feels like I'm moving at a snail's pace. What should I do to improve my skills and regain my confidence? I'd appreciate any advice!
1 Answer
It sounds like you're going through a common rite of passage for new programmers, especially when jumping into different environments. It can definitely feel overwhelming, but remember, this journey is about taking it one step at a time. I've worked in various roles over my 25-year career, and I've found that focusing on development can be super rewarding, especially when you start understanding the systems in place. It's okay to take your time!
Do you think working in DevOps allows for more creativity? I find programming can feel very constrained sometimes.