Some development positions require you to know more languages, but most will require just one. You can become highly sought after with just knowing one language.” ... Though crude, this distinction is the first step for new programmers to realize that learning multiple languages teaches them how (and how not) to code. Additionally, keeping your options open by learning new languages prevents you from being helpless when your tech stack becomes obsolete (such things happen) in the future.
1. More Tools To Get The Job Done
As a developer, the end goal isn’t learning as many languages as you can, or even learning how to code. Instead, it’s about being able to look at a problem and figure out what tools (read: programming languages), you can bring in to get the job done. Naturally, the more tools you have under your belt the more ways you’ll be able to tackle different problems.
Just as there are hammers, screwdrivers, sanders, and an array of other tools for different tasks, there are countless programming languages, with each serving a unique purpose.
2. Pick and Choose the Jobs You Love
Knowing a variety of programming languages, especially in this day and age, helps open up the job market tremendously.
Let’s say you recently graduated from a coding boot camp and are ready to dive headfirst into the field of programming. There are dozens of companies looking for junior developers, although you find only a fraction of them are hiring for the language you learned while attending a coding boot camp. By default, only knowing one programming language automatically limits you to fewer roles.
Having a solid grasp of multiple programming languages, on the other hand, means you have an edge in the job market and qualify for a wider range of job opportunities. You can pick the role and company you love, rather than settle with the limited options you’re dealt with after graduation.
3. Increase Your Salary Potential
More languages equal more money. Don’t believe me? Here’s a recent blog post that highlights the increasing number of companies looking for developers who can work across several different functions (and what they’re willing to dish out in return):
And while companies are often [cross-functional developers] to keep costs down, they’re also prepared to pay more to get someone who can switch between projects and has three or four programming languages at their fingertips. They’re prepared to pay up to a year more for developers who can work in multiple languages.
Facebook is another example of a company that uses a mashup of languages. Facebook.com’s front-end is built on JavaScript, back-end built on Hack, PHP, C++, Java, Python, Erlang, D, Xhp and Haskell, and its database on MySQL, HBase and Cassandra.
Additionally, there are several contributing factors when it comes to determining a developer’s salary. One is whether or not someone is a front-end, back-end or full-stack developer. Full-stack developers know all aspects of the development process and can use both front-end and back-end technologies, making them more valuable to a company. Because of this, companies are willing to pay an average salary that tops out at roughly $20,000 higher than that of a front-end or back-end developer.
4. Don’t Get Left Behind: Become A More Versatile Developer
Learning a programming language isn’t all that different from learning a foreign language. Once you learn your first foreign language, it becomes progressively easier to learn your second, third or even fourth. The reason for this is because while learning your first foreign language you were essentially “learning how to learn.” The same principle goes for learning additional programming languages.
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK AND PINTEREST
DISCLAIMER
The information is provided by Tecquisition for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal advice. If you have any feedback, comments, requests for technical support or other inquiries, please mail us by tecqusition@gmail.com.
Comments