How to stay relevant as a programmer

Easy Answer:

• Learn what's popular.
• Problem: Tools become obsolete with time.

Real Answer:

• Learn fundamentals of programming:

  • Majority of fundamentals of programming were figured out in 70's and have been true since.

• Learn programming in general.

• Take time to learn the programming language your tools are built in.

• Learn the principles of the tools that you use. Learn them so well that you can build your own tools.

• Use a tool because you don't want to write that tool yourself and not because you can't.

Some challenges you can try:

• Learn a programming language way out of your comfort zone.

• Create your own programming language. It's easier than you might think.

• Learn data structures, design patterns, anti-patterns.

• Learn how Unicode actually works.

• Learn about kinds of garbage collections, Turing machine, how memory works.

Summary:

• Learn programming, not tools

Source:

• Mattias Petter Johansson - Staying relevant as a programmer - Youtube
• Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZUY37RQS-k