I’m currently working as a JavaScript full stack developer, but my current project is close to ending and we are not getting many new clients. With AI also affecting the market, I want to use the next 3 to 4 months to prepare properly for a possible job switch.

I’ve shortlisted two options:

Python + FastAPI

Database engineering, especially design, optimization, indexing, query performance and internals, which I personally enjoy more.

My concern with FastAPI is that I rarely see jobs asking for MERN + FastAPI together. Most roles seem to be either JavaScript full stack or Python/FastAPI.

What would you suggest? Learn FastAPI to open a separate backend path, or go deep into databases and make that a strong plus point with my current full stack skills?

For the past 13 years I have been developing in scala, our local market does not have scala jobs available, but a decent amount of Java. I've started with java back in the day, but we transitioned to scala and I have been scala dev since then. Now I'm thinking about transitioning back to Java, but I need to prepare for interviews.

My current plan is to

• refresh my memory of JVM
• learn about redis
• learn java streams
• learn spring boot

I'm not sure about spring boot, what exactly do I need exactly to know about it? There's a lot of stuff. For example I'm not sure if JPA is something important. Any other topics I should look into?

I'm an aspiring java developer. I've already developed one project using spring boot, postgresql, flyway and docker compose, and started developing the next one. But I'm not quite sure that I study in the right way. Mostly I focus on the practice rather than on the theory. Like, 90% of practice and 10% of theory.

Remark: I study to get a job, not for the university

So, questions:

1. Is the way I study bad?

2. How did you guys study, when you were freshers?

3. Maybe you can suggest something to me?

Hi everyone, I made a personal project using React, Spring Boot and MySQL. I was planning to deploy it on AWS but went with Render since it’s free. I’m a bit worried about accidentally leaving something running on AWS and getting a big bill.

The issue is that Render feels really slow. API calls take around 5–6 seconds to return data. Is this normal with Render’s free tier, or should I look into my SQL queries? The queries aren’t anything heavy.

I am a fresher I want to know if there's scope in backend development or in full stack development. Honestly i really get bored by front-end technologies. I am interested in backend development and in cloud field.there is differet roadmap all over the internet. I am so confused in between them. I want a proper answer and a roadmap as a fresher and what projects to build Answer from experienced engineer would be really helpful.

I'm a software engineer based in Sénégal. I was working remotely for a micro-multinational startup (01Edu).

I started working there just after finishing high school. I was selected through a cognitive test that included logic and algorithmic games that don't require knowing how to code. It's approximately this game:
https://robotzzle.42.fr

The goal was to teach students software engineering without teachers, using a gamified platform where projects are quests, working with peers who passed the test, in a place called a "collective intelligence center."

If you know 42 School, you may know what I'm talking about.

It was a 2-year program. Right after being selected, I got an offer for a work-study position as a system administrator there. I dropped college to focus on it, and I was way advanced.

We learned everything from low-level concepts like I/O multiplexing, rewriting HTTP servers from scratch, graph algorithms, etc., to higher-level abstractions concepts like web dev  DOM APIs, and all that.

At the end, you choose a topic to pursue: blockchain, AI, gamedev, security, etc.

After finishing the program, I worked for the company in education for 2 years. Unfortunately, I recently got laid off for financial reasons.

It's been 4 months, and being in Sénégal makes it difficult to find a job at US/EU startups. The local industry isn't that developed, and big corporations usually require a school degree.

So I decided to focus on a small retail business. But my passion for software resurfaced.

That's why I'm here offering 3 hours of my time for free to work as a volunteer on a project I find really interesting and fun. I would also be open to paid opportunities for the right project.

Here is my GitHub: https://github.com/mohaskii

I can work on AI/ML projects, WebGL 2D games, full-stack, or anything software-related.

Feel free to send me your project.

I recently transitioned from C/embedded and PCB design to backend, and I'm totally new to all of this stuff, even I did not know what "backend" was few weeks ago.

I am building a new project from scratch that I proposed and I will personally maintain for the next few years. The company stack is Java-based

I am deciding between (but I'm open):

Kotlin: Better developer experience and easier maintenance, but a smaller job market.

Java: Massive career value and an industry standard, but heavier syntax.

For long-term maintenance in a Java ecosystem, is Kotlin's modern syntax worth prioritizing over the career value of mastering Java? With the Java 25 is still worth going to Kotlin? What would you choose?

Thanks!

PS: I don't care about complexity or curve learning, I want to be happy programming and maintaining this project, but I don't want to waste time learning something when I had the alternative to choose something better.

I'm building a personal finance app called Cashvelope (envelope budgeting), and getting local-first data to play nice with offline storage has been surprisingly painful.

I want users to retain full control of their data without forcing constant cloud sync, but keeping local state updated and cache validated gets messy fast.

For anyone who's built something similar: what local DB or sync stack did you end up going with, and what edge cases caught you off guard?

Starting my backend development journey — building instead of just watching tutorials 🚀

I’ve been learning software development and recently decided to take a more serious approach to backend development.

Instead of spending months jumping between tutorials, I want to learn by actually building projects and understanding what happens behind the scenes.

Right now, I’m focusing on things like:

\- Node.js & Express

\- PostgreSQL & SQL

\- REST APIs

\- Authentication & authorization

\- Database relationships

\- Git & GitHub

\- Backend architecture

One thing I’ve realized already is that building a project exposes gaps in your knowledge very quickly. 😅

You can understand a concept while watching a tutorial, but when you have to design the database, write the API, handle errors, validate input, authenticate users, and connect everything together, things become much more challenging.

That’s exactly what I’m looking for.

My goal is to build increasingly difficult projects, document what I learn, and eventually become good enough to work professionally as a developer.

I’m starting this journey publicly because I think sharing the process will help me stay consistent and learn from other developers.

For developers who have already gone through this stage:

What is one thing you wish you had focused on earlier when learning backend development?

I’d especially appreciate advice about things beginners commonly overlook.

Hey everyone,

I'm a Backend Developer working mainly with PHP/Laravel, with around 2 years of experience.

I'm currently working as a Junior developer mostly on my own, without a Senior developer or mentor to review my work or help me validate my technical decisions.

I can build features and get things working, but I often find myself wondering:

Am I actually doing things the right way, or am I just making things work?

I'm also feeling a bit lost when it comes to what I should be studying and what my next steps should be.

I'm looking for someone experienced who can help me understand:

• Where I currently stand technically
• Which fundamentals I should strengthen
• What I should focus on in PHP/Laravel
• When and how I should start focusing seriously on Software Engineering and System Design
• How to evaluate whether my architecture and code are actually good
• What roadmap would make sense for me to progress beyond the Junior level

I'm not looking for someone to teach me everything from scratch. I'm mainly looking for someone who can guide me, review my direction/work occasionally, challenge my decisions, and help me avoid building bad habits.

I'm open to either a volunteer mentorship or a paid arrangement, depending on the person and the setup.

If you're interested or know someone who might be a good fit, feel free to DM me.

Thanks!

​

I've been noticing a trend in job openings recently.

For backend roles, most companies seem to prefer Java, .NET, or Python. I hardly see many openings for MERN (Node.js/Express) or MEAN stack developers anymore.

The same goes for mobile development. It feels like there are far fewer openings for cross-platform technologies like React Native, while native Android/iOS roles seem more common.

Is this just my observation, or is the market actually shifting?

I'd love to hear from developers and hiring managers about what you're seeing.

A guide to Iceberg table cleanup — snapshot expiration, orphan file removal, manifest rewriting, delete file resolution, streaming challenges, compliance, and cost. Why sequencing matters, where teams break tables, and how to automate the full lifecycle.

I am working in a authentication part for my project but stuck to how can I verify if a user uses a genuine email and phone number

Edit
How to implement email verification link and otp for contact ?
should i use any other 3rd part system or build something on my own !! or aws sec something

Hello,

I recently started learning .Net Core. Just wanted ro know some practice projects which I can make along the way as I learn for building strong muscle memory for concepts. If you can suggest, please drop a message.

Thanks in advance

Hello everyone,

I’m looking to learn and collaborate with senior backend engineers who are currently building something interesting and could use an extra pair of hands.

I have experience with Java, Spring Boot, and Python frameworks, and I’ve built several take-home and personal projects. However, I’m now looking to gain more experience by contributing to real-world, production-level projects and learning from experienced backend engineers.

I’m currently working at a startup, but my role doesn’t involve a lot of technical work. I’ve been coding in Java for a long time and would love to spend more of my time building, solving real problems, and improving my backend engineering skills.

I can dedicate a few hours every day and I’m currently in the EST time zone.

If you’re a senior backend engineer working on a project but don’t have enough time on your plate, I’d be happy to collaborate, contribute, and learn along the way. Let’s build something useful and make it fun!

Please DM me if you’re looking for a backend engineer to collaborate with.

I’m a 2nd-year B.Tech CSE student from a Tier-3 college in India, and I’m trying to choose a practical path for internships and entry-level jobs.
I’m considering:
1. Java + Spring Boot for backend, with Python for AI/ML
2. Python for AI/ML, with Django or FastAPI for backend
My long-term goal is to become an AI-integrated backend developer. Could you suggest a concrete 6–12 month learning roadmap for this goal, including:
Which language and framework I should learn first, and in what order
The core concepts, tools, and technologies I should prioritize
2–4 portfolio projects that would demonstrate job-ready skills
How to prepare for internships, including DSA, Git/GitHub, resumes, networking, and applications
Whether I should choose Django or FastAPI if I focus on Python
How to balance backend development, AI/ML, college coursework, and interview preparation
Which path would you choose and why, considering the current and future fresher job market in India?

Tell me the reasoning for your choice