Why not mentor?
Ask HN: Self-taught webdev with lots of free time. What should I learn?
21–30 of 326 posts
Re: Ask HN: Self-taught webdev with lots of free time. What should I learn?
#22Learn C. Then maybe one of the newer systems languages like rust, zig, D, nim, etc. If you’re bored with CRUD, there’s a whole other (bigger) world to explore when you get a little closer to the metal. It’s tremendously empowering and fun as hell to get you’re hands dirty a bit, so to speak. You’ll also become a better and more employable programmer as a nice side effect.
Re: Ask HN: Self-taught webdev with lots of free time. What should I learn?
#23Get into security, specifically web app security pentesting. You'll thank me later.
This and the servers/linux stuff is the most interesting part of my job. I do have my doubts about being able to get into it since I suppose you really have to master low level dev (which I don't) and I don't think I can get a job as self-taught in this field.
Re: Ask HN: Self-taught webdev with lots of free time. What should I learn?
#24Learn C. Then maybe one of the newer systems languages like rust, zig, D, nim, etc. If you’re bored with CRUD, there’s a whole other (bigger) world to explore when you get a little closer to the metal. It’s tremendously empowering and fun as hell to get you’re hands dirty a bit, so to speak. You’ll also become a better and more employable programmer as a nice side effect.
C or C++ ? Thought about it, at the very least it would make me a bit more well-rounded.
Re: Ask HN: Self-taught webdev with lots of free time. What should I learn?
#25Learn C. Then maybe one of the newer systems languages like rust, zig, D, nim, etc. If you’re bored with CRUD, there’s a whole other (bigger) world to explore when you get a little closer to the metal. It’s tremendously empowering and fun as hell to get you’re hands dirty a bit, so to speak. You’ll also become a better and more employable programmer as a nice side effect.
I would add SQL to the list
Re: Ask HN: Self-taught webdev with lots of free time. What should I learn?
#26I'd expand on one of your best skills you already have. The "stack" gets more and more complicated so "full stack" will stop to be a thing in the future. If you are already good in react, learn more libraries / frameworks in that ecosystem and increase your day rate. You are a frontend architect now. I'd start with things like nextjs, Gatsby or Redux saga. You could also go into the devops side of Frontend. Learn the…
Build / Deploy / Scaling is the most interesting part of my job right now, so it makes sense to focus on this part. Thanks !
Re: Ask HN: Self-taught webdev with lots of free time. What should I learn?
#27Learn C. Then maybe one of the newer systems languages like rust, zig, D, nim, etc. If you’re bored with CRUD, there’s a whole other (bigger) world to explore when you get a little closer to the metal. It’s tremendously empowering and fun as hell to get you’re hands dirty a bit, so to speak. You’ll also become a better and more employable programmer as a nice side effect.
I would add SQL to the list
Good point. I'm relying on ORMs too much.
Re: Ask HN: Self-taught webdev with lots of free time. What should I learn?
#28I quit webdev after 3 years and I'm now trying more and more thing in the gaming world. Mostly cpp and opengl. Emscripten(was) and WebGL are very nice to make shiny doodles. So maybe try one of those. Or make simple art with css.
Were you able to get a job or freelance gigs in the gaming field ?
Re: Ask HN: Self-taught webdev with lots of free time. What should I learn?
#29Learn C. Then maybe one of the newer systems languages like rust, zig, D, nim, etc. If you’re bored with CRUD, there’s a whole other (bigger) world to explore when you get a little closer to the metal. It’s tremendously empowering and fun as hell to get you’re hands dirty a bit, so to speak. You’ll also become a better and more employable programmer as a nice side effect.
C or C++ ? Thought about it, at the very least it would make me a bit more well-rounded.
C is probably better, less abstractions.
Re: Ask HN: Self-taught webdev with lots of free time. What should I learn?
#30Get into security, specifically web app security pentesting. You'll thank me later.
This and the servers/linux stuff is the most interesting part of my job. I do have my doubts about being able to get into it since I suppose you really have to master low level dev (which I don't) and I don't think I can get a job as self-taught in this field.
Why not try it out by start messing around with it and get a feel for it? But to answer your question: no, you don't. You already have more than enough prerequisites for an easier transition.
https://portswigger.net/web-security
Have fun!
Edit: I'm completely self-taught and I've been working in the field for a few years. No dev or even IT background prior to getting into network pentesting and web app pentesting.