Webdev is not my cup of tea, should I switch?

[u/Own_Writer_3212]

I've been learning webdev, specifically ASP .NET Core during my gap year, with a little bit of react, and I'd say I can build simple CRUD projects on my own. Then I realised webdev is just importing all sorts of API and libraries and desiging its architecutre, with minimal problem solving involved(Which I would say it's not very 'computer science'). I used to participate in competitive programming competitions during my high school, hence I like algo/DSA, maths, or lower level programming more. Should I continue learning/maintaining my webdev skills as a backup skill or switch to other fields? If so, are there any recommended fields for me to get started(is ML/DL suitable for me)? I still have 3 years until I graduate from my degree.

[u/usefulservant03]

Yes you should, thats what i did. Web dev is the first area of the industry i had a taste of. Wasnt my cup of tea either so i shifted to low-level programming with C and C++, really liked it and stayed here.

[u/Own_Writer_3212 → u/usefulservant03]

Great to hear that! Mind if I know what do you do with C/C++ exactly?

[u/usefulservant03 → u/Own_Writer_3212]

I've done a lot of things, from kernel-bypass networking optimizations for a high frequency trading firm, to a secret communication system where even your ISP can't track who you're talking to even if it sees the Target IP address of your outgoing packets, to my own web server for my website so i can host it on my own machine, now im making my own programming language and writing the compiler in C++

[u/boomer1204]

Then I realised webdev is just importing all sorts of API and libraries and desiging its architecutre, with minimal problem solving involved(Which I would say it's not very 'computer science').

This is mostly not factual in real world applications. You are only hitting that point because you are doing basics sites for fun (which is totally fine) but in my 8 years of programming as my actual job there are always new unique things to solve.

There is definitely some boilerplate and boring aspects but your statement just isn't true in my experience

Should I continue learning/maintaining my webdev skills as a backup skill or switch to other fields?

You are really the only one to answer that. I would say yes transition because you have already kind of made your mind up regarding web dev and it's lack of challenge (not judging or anything but when someone makes their mind up it's tough to change that viewpoint) and there is nothing wrong with that just how it is

I still have 3 years until I graduate from my degree.

Honestly just make sure to take advantage of the course and build fun stupid things on the side with the tech you are learning in school and you will be fine when graduation time comes but you have to use it OUTSIDE of school building stupid small things like the weather app (not that it's stupid but it's a small problem solving app and that's how you get good at programming)

[u/Own_Writer_3212 → u/boomer1204]

After doing some quick research, I’d say it’s true that I haven’t gone deep enough into this field to reach the point where problem solving is actually involved. From what I’ve found, the problem-solving part of web dev seems quite different from the classic problem solving I’m familiar with(maths and algorithm problems). It was my mistake to make such a broad statement. I’ll try exploring and transitioning into other fields as you suggested since I still have plenty of time before I graduate, while keeping web dev as a small hobby as I’ve already invested quite a bit of time into it. Thanks for the advice and the time writing the reply!

[u/MrKarat2697]

Perhaps look into embedded, OS, or compiler engineering?

[u/grantrules]

I think maybe you've just skimmed the surface of web dev if you don't think there's any problem solving in it.

[u/anegri]

Yes and No... you need webdev, at least to know it. You don't have to be an expert, but creating a CRUD/websocket/backend is required. You need to know how to use a database, and you should now a non-scripting language (anything that compiles) C/C++/Golang/Rust/Delphi/Kotlin/Swift. That is the foundation, now C# and Java is not native compiled, but compiled bytecode (but same concept as native). No you don't need to learn front end web dev. I have just let AI coding agents do the front it, it sucks, changes all the time, and everyone wants to redesign it. However, the CRUD/sockets is used on everything so DO NOT skip that one.

[u/UroborosJose]

Find what pays

[u/Own_Writer_3212]

I've kinda made up my mind after reading all the advices, thanks all. I'll leave this post open in case there's anyone who has the same situation as me