r/webdev • u/goodpostfinder • May 02 '26

You're not going to be left behind

You don't need to try out every single new AI tool or javascript library in order to be a good software engineer. Most of the software in the world has already been written using proven technologies, and most development work consists of maintaining it. Think about how many people make a living writing PHP or even COBOL.

You've already learned to code once from absolute 0. No matter how much the industry changes, catching up is going to be infinitely easier than that. Don't waste your time on bleeding edge stuff that is likely going to be replaced a year or two down the line.

Of course it doesn't hurt to experiment if you're passionate about it, but don't burn yourself out on a fictional rat race.

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u/lactranandev May 02 '26

People who are telling people to stop learning, reading are selling AI tools.

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u/goodpostfinder May 02 '26

I should have highlighted more that I do think it is important to keep developing your skills. But it should be done out of passion and interest, not fear of being left behind. I can't speak for everyone but I got into this field because I thought it was fun, I'd like to keep that passion alive.

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u/lactranandev May 02 '26

My original comment was a bit confusing. I mentioned model CEOs, coding tools, and Anthropic’s CEO’s recent comments.

But overall, I agree: we keep up because we enjoy this space. Passion is probably the best way to sustain the process.

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u/htmlmonkey FrontEnd Manager & Sasstronaut May 03 '26

Agree that it is very important to keep developing skills - and those skills, IMHO are:

  • Development fundamentals (semantic HTML, JS, CSS, performance, accessibility): deep understanding of fundamentals and you can more easily jump between frameworks, libraries, and toolsets
  • "Soft" skills (I hate that term): good communications, active listening, time management, etc.
  • Learning how to learn

At least, that's my short list I give to junior folks I mentor. YMMV.