Follow or Forge
December 23rd, 2005
I consider myself at a crossroads right now in my web development career. Ruby? PHP? MVC? Functions? Classes? My head has been spinning lately as I try to decide the path that I will either follow or forge. Following is easier, but forging will most likely be more rewarding. I know my current methods are not efficient enough and I need to make some changes.
Following
The hot language and framework right now is hands down Ruby on Rails. I have already covered my initial reaction and have even toyed around with some of the ideas. I pride myself on learning new things, improving my methods and increasing the speed at which I can accomplish tasks. I would have to learn Ruby, my code would achieve greater lengths of seperation and all signs point to an increase in speed. It feels right. So what holds me back?
Forging
Earlier this week, I had decided to focus a lot of attention on Rails. However, after reading Harry Fuecks recent post on Sitepoint.com, I’ve found myself torn once again. The article is long, but thought provoking and definitely worth a read. What I gathered from it is settling is never a solution. Even though MVC works and is probably the best option at this point, there is most likely something better out there that we haven’t thought of.
Questions
So where do I go from here? Do I follow the crowd and give Ruby On Rails a shot becuase it seems to be the best option? Do I attempt to come up with something better? Am I capable of coming up with something better?
I mainly write this post for myself. I think it will be interesting to look back on in a year when I know what path I have chosen. Ah, who am I kidding? As long as people continue to forge new ideas, there will always be multiple paths. I guess it all comes down to follow or forge, both sides having advantages and drawbacks.
Subscribe
I would agree with your conflict. I too have been faced with the same dilemma. However, I think that the point is to remain flexible. My primary background is PHP Development and that is where my strength lies, however I have been using Ruby (particulary Ruby on Rails) more and more lately.
I probably won’t switch to RoR all the time, but I think that knowing BOTH technologies makes me more valuable than someone who is an expert in 1 field.
@Justin - That is a good point. Each has their strength.
Forging never happens in a vacuum. I constantly find myself bumping into MVC and thinking that it’s a suit two sizes to small. However, if I hadn’t spent the past 2½ years really learning Ruby, I wouldn’t be anywhere NEAR the programmer I am today. The next big thing will happen. You might make it, I might make it, who knows. Just be ready for it :)