I doubt I should pursue this technical path because java isn't as shiny as it used to be, lots of PHP dev and node.js dev is taking over.. java for web development? except for spring boot nothing is relevant. do you feel insecure when you only know a small part? now backend has devops omg I wonder all those tech dudes never stop coming up with new tool, aren't they busy enough to churn out the solutions for businesses or they don't have a family to spend time with?

You don't have to always chase the new shiny thing. Just be good at what you do, lots of enterprise systems run on JAVA, you wont be out of a job anytime soon.

Have a core specialty, then spend some time learning new things so at least you remain somewhat relevant.

I heard people said learning the computer fundamentals is enough, but even computer fundamentals is already a huge subject(Oh, I haven't study 80-bit floating point number).
Now I doubt that, because with limited computer fundamentals knowledge can't earn a living, have to know at least web or mobile app development, or DevOps you were mentioning.

If you want to do something that (most of) other people could understand,
web or mobile, so you could do something to show them and get some feedback.

Yes, I am open to these options, web and mobile (maybe not Xcode which needs a Mac device ).

But at the moment, they remain my hobby programming, i.e. not for money.

This post has been edited by MatQuasar: Dec 26 2023, 02:04 AM

Sometime, it could be harder to get other people's recognise.

There are so many new projects in github everyday,
but only very rare could get a bunch of stars.

Just a rant (not actually a reply to your post):

Actually it is troublesome for a successful project author.

Imagine you have to answer queries everyday, no matter it is bug report, feature request, critique, or very demanding one.

And then you have to maintain the project forever, like for three years, everyday looking way to improve it, to fix bug....

It is not just about "a bunch of stars", it means responsibility after popularity.

No, I wouldn't want that hassle.

java is mainly used by big players. but yes, no one really wanna invest in it as there are more economical solutions to it. anyway, a developer should never confine themselves to specific techs.

From how other people handle projects ?

- Let user know the project roadmap / planning, current progress (bugs / issues / new features / update schedule).

- Choose which are "accepted user request new feature", which are not (e.g. not enough resource to do it).

- Welcome user to make a copy and modify themselves.

- Invite similar interest people to join the project.

- Or even separate free "as-it" version, and customizable paid version.

Criticise ? Demanding ?
if it was right, it help to improve the project.

Why focus with someone don't like it but ignore who love it ?

If more hater than lover, should rethink is it OK to keep going while collecting hates...

Always equip yourself ready to join a new company (update and upgrade your skill / knowledge).

Do something workable or prototype which could put into your portfolio / CV.

Without the fundamentals, your growth is limited.

Without the fundamentals, you pick things up slower too.

The fundamentals won't give you a job immediately, but it sets you up to get the good jobs and allow for career progression.