Comment by davismwfl | Hacker News Reader

Comment by davismwfl | Hacker News Reader

Web development is still a viable choice IMO. But I do see it as an entry position that is being commoditized differently than other development positions. The key is how that shakes out will change what the value of a web dev is. However, for the next 10 years or so I don't see it changing to the point it isn't a viable entry space for you, and possibly a full career.

If you enjoy development, start with web and learn other technology. I've been writing code for a very long time and have been a founder more than once. The key I have learned myself and from others is if you keep learning all the time, you can always find a home someplace.

Also remember, web development in enterprises is slower to change than in startups, so even say startups see web dev decline in 10-15 years in favor of some new tech or mobile only etc. Enterprises will still have positions and needs beyond that as they trail the startups considerably in changes, for valid reasons.

Web development has always been an entry-level position, lead frontend or lead web developer is always lower-class than lead backend or what have you. But it's still good, well-compensated work. OP should be careful to not get caught up in our industry's dick measuring contests. My experience is that the most prized opportunities are also the most scarce and guarded, and that to pursue them is a risky career choice.

I would argue that this definitely depends at which company. The most important position is where the most important component is, and if that's web/front-end, well that'll be the most important position.

Certainly, I only mentioned it because I've noticed that pattern. If you look at job listings for the same company, the frontend positions often pay less, have less stringent requirements, etc.

I disagree web dev has always been entry-level. When I called it an entry level position, I meant only because the barrier to learning web development is lower than the barrier to get hired as an embedded C engineer or a backend API developer or a distributed systems dev. But there are plenty of very senior engineers that specialized themselves in web and are paid appropriately for their contributions. And in some cases the web component is the most critical component to the end user and requires very senior web devs to make it work properly.

I agree not to get caught up in the idea one developer specialty is better than another, they are just different and have different complexities.

In the end, the OP learning web dev is a great lower barrier way to enter the market and learn and find what they really want to do/build.

We are saying the same thing. There are way more entry-level opportunites in web development, and the barrier to entry is lower.

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