Hello,
I did computer engineering during undergrad and have some programming skills. However, it's not like what's out there today. I'm trying to pick up web and mobile development and i'm wondering if it's too late to become proficient at 25. I've read several posts on hacker news whereby people starting out at 22 are somewhat discouraged. I really want to take this up so that I can build things for myself as well as eventually found or join a startup. I'm also trying to decide whether to focus mainly on mobile dev.
I know how many people hate these questions; however, any information provided is much appreciated.
Please advise.
Ask HN: Is 25 too late to become a proficient developer?
1–10 of 30 posts
Re: Ask HN: Is 25 too late to become a proficient developer?
#2Sorry to disappoint you, but the answer is a simple no. Matter of fact, there are very few things that you can't start at 25 and become proficient at.
Re: Ask HN: Is 25 too late to become a proficient developer?
#3There is a fancy indicator for when it is too late to start something and advance towards being proficient. It is called death (maybe not that fancy).
Re: Ask HN: Is 25 too late to become a proficient developer?
#4No. Especially if you already have some programming skills. It means you're starting with a knowledge (or at least familiarity) of programming concepts.
Not sure where this ageism comes from (someone please explain). To me it seems like either you get it or you don't. As long as you get it, have a mind for problem solving, and have the willingness/ability to adapt to new tech and best practices, the age you start doesn't make a difference.
Re: Ask HN: Is 25 too late to become a proficient developer?
#5Your age is only one factor among many other factors. Especially on the internet - how would anybody even know how old you are.
Re: Ask HN: Is 25 too late to become a proficient developer?
#6Age is irrelevant. It's all about what you know and what you're willing to know that determines whether or not you're good at something. I've worked with web developers twice my age in their 50's. Some of them started programming in their late 30's. It sounds like you're proficient enough, so you'll be fine. It's all in your head my friend.
I often worry that being 25 myself is a cause for concern because non of my startup ideas have taken off, but I figure I've got my whole life to try and make a startup work.
Re: Ask HN: Is 25 too late to become a proficient developer?
#7There are always going to be people better than you and worse than you. I think if you have the ability to teach yourself, you will be fine no matter what your age is.I am 33 now and I constantly try and stay on top of things. It is impossible to stay on top of anything for very long in this business, but it is important that you keep trying. I would not be discouraged about that particular age, since that is exactly when I turned mine around. Doubt is your worst enemy.
Re: Ask HN: Is 25 too late to become a proficient developer?
#825 is still pretty young. Take Berkeley's SaaS classes-it will teach you advanced Ruby on Rails.
Re: Ask HN: Is 25 too late to become a proficient developer?
#9Wha-huh? Of course not. Neither is 35, 45, 55... I plan to work until I'm at least 80, if I live that long. I was still playing in the Army at 25. Take a look at MIT's Open Course Wear videos for Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs - half the class looks past 30 and some have gray hair. Go for it.
Re: Ask HN: Is 25 too late to become a proficient developer?
#10Though I had done some html and css before I turned 30, I didn't start programming until I was 33, and now it's my full time gig, so no. At 25, you're still just a pup.
Also, from what I understand, it isn't rare for CS students to be somewhat overwhelmed when starting programming in the real world. In the real world, the technology stack moves very quickly, while most universities are still focused on things like Java. Possibly because these languages are better at teaching you skills that get you into good habits, but I'm not sure.
A word of advice, don't get caught up in chasing every new language, framework and technology. Choose wisely and learn what you're going to need for the next 5 years. Ruby is very much in demand at the moment, and javascript is growing considerably, both because of client side and node.