Is it better to learn multiple skillsets or stick to one?
Posted by sleepybiscu1t@reddit | learnprogramming | View on Reddit | 11 comments
Hey all! I made a post about learning programming almost half a year ago and someone recommended The Odin Project. Overall I’ve been loving it and have seen immense improvement in my coding skills.
However, as I look to enter college next year I’ve decided to dual major in CS and Stats. I still like the idea of web dev and software engineering but with the prospects right now I want to diversify.
It seems that the projects in that world are with Python, SQL, Panda, etc, all things that are a departure from HTML, CSS, and JS.
I’m not sure how to balance the two without losing focus or being mediocre at both. Do these blend well or should I pivot completely? (I know CS majors use more than one language but I don’t know if these are entirely different skillsets)
I realize I have so little knowledge about this that even the phrasing of the question or what I’m asking may be misguided, but I’d very much appreciate any advice or insight.
Thanks so much!
SoundSolidarity@reddit
I would say its a balancing of both. You need to be able to specialize to some degree, that way you can master certain skills or languages so you can stand out vs a jack of all trades. However, the roles you are specializing will have less jobs posted than a more general cs gigs. So, foundations which allow you to pivot are also invaluable.
iLiveForTruth@reddit
I think early on it actually helps to try a few things and see what clicks.
Once you find something you enjoy, going deeper feels way easier.
Kind of like hobbies, you don’t really know your thing until you’ve sampled a bit.
Fantastic-Note6841@reddit
stick to one, master it -> move next
No_Lawyer1947@reddit
Do what interests you, and that will keep you fired up to learn about programming. You may context switch, but right now you want to be spreading your wings and tasting from the menu.
sleepybiscu1t@reddit (OP)
True! I’m sure I’ll end up changing my mind again so it’s better just to start
No_Lawyer1947@reddit
Also better way to know what to work on is to think backwards. Work from shit you want to build rather than the tech stack. The tech will change and evolve. Who cares that you know, just know how to structure solutions to existing problems, and know how to figure things out. That way you don't feel fomo :)
sleepybiscu1t@reddit (OP)
Yeah that’s definitely a good point. As a beginner I’m scared to switch around too much and not get far in anything, but I think basing the goal off of the product is a good way to go, thanks!
Confident-Entry-1784@reddit
Stick with both. Python for stats, JS for building web stuff. College will cover the core CS stuff that ties it all together. Being good at both is valuable.
Legitimate-Eye-5733@reddit
Python and JS actually complement each other pretty well in real world - you can build full stack apps where Python handles data analysis and JS does the frontend stuff. Plus learning different languages makes you better programmer overall since you start seeing patterns between them 💻
Air Force taught me jack of all trades approach works better than being super specialized in one thing, especially when job market is unpredictable like now 😂
sleepybiscu1t@reddit (OP)
Ah that’s actually very interesting. I wasn’t sure how well they worked together, but blending them together seems exactly like what I’m interested in if that’s an option. Thanks!
sleepybiscu1t@reddit (OP)
Well I want to be valuable so that sounds like a good plan!