The Endless Learning Life of a Software Developer by Pablo G.

The Endless Learning Life of a Software Developer

by Pablo G.

I used to get good marks on my high school exams. I wasn't the best of my class but neither did I have to put a lot of effort in to studying. At university, my life changed. Suddenly, I had to learn more than what the teacher lectured about in the classroom to pass my exams. I had to do my own research about the subjects, read every book in the library related to the topic, and solve every problem in the most efficient way. Resultantly, I used to think that when I started my professional life, I'd just need to read a book once in a while to know the "what's new" about my programming language, and that'd be all.

After developing for different systems, I finally settled down in smartphone apps. I started building iOS apps, and, of course, I had to spend many weekends updating my knowledge each time Apple released a new version with new features and changes in the language. Multiple sizes of screen support, push notifications, iCloud, in-app purchases, the list never ends. Then I decided that I still wasn't crazy enough and started to learn Android, so now I have to spend more of my free time learning the new capabilities of the two main smartphone platforms. And, when I have time, I also try to give some tips to those thinking about making apps on my site.

Surely, people will think of me as a geek or a nerd guy that loves to spend hours surrounded by computers and gadgets, but I shouldn't complain. I do like computers and gadgets, and I also like spending time with my girlfriend, watching movies, reading a good book...

So when does this learning process finish? The answer is never. Who can assure me that smartphone apps will generate enough money for my whole professional life? These days some new devices such as Google Glass and smart watches are appearing, and the future seems to belong to the wearables. A new way to open your e-mail, make phone calls, and browse the web is already here. One day we won't have smartphones in our pockets anymore; we'll be the smart devices ourselves.

Nowadays, everyone can work as a programmer after doing a 6-month course and building the same simple software until it is not needed anymore. Nevertheless, give the real developers the credit they deserve because those who spend their free time learning the new technologies are the ones who will create the new services you use every day.