Hacker News Reader

Comment by mihai_maruseac | Hacker News Reader

Yes, production code is C++, but the way the models are built is Python code, colab, save via Orbax/TF SavedModel, etc and then serve in C++. All (most, to hedge it) development is done via Python.

I don't directly develop the models, I played with some for fuzzing [1] and I'm working on security for them [2]. And, before joining GOSST, I was leading the OSS DevInfra team in TF. I still have the most number of commits made by a human [3] even after 2 days of leaving the team, though I see the next person only needs 4 more :)

[1]: https://security.googleblog.com/2023/08/ai-powered-fuzzing-b... [2]: https://security.googleblog.com/2023/10/increasing-transpare... [3]: https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/graphs/contributors

View on HN

Hello! Can I ask you for some random career advice? I am mid-career, in a low-level mgmt position but want to return to being an IC. My team's tech stack is Python and Kotlin, but in my position I don't get to code. I code for fun at home but it gravitates towards Python (as it is highly relevant for doing Deep Learning work). My question is if I ever go into a backend role, what language best lets me get into a deep tech position at a MANG. With Python's limited use in production in MANGS, I don't see how I'll pass the Leetcode coding interviews. I used to do distributed systems a long time ago and really miss it (Did professional work in C,C++, Java, Go and Erlang/Elixir but it has been a while). I have a child now that takes up a lot of time, so I can't invest in getting good (again) in too many languages. I also have generally bad memory (remembering all the functions in std lib in Java or STL in C++ is just impossible anymore). I generally love coding but my algorithms are pretty rusty too. Advice on how to pick a darn tech stack? Thank you.

It's not language, it's experience, network, and having a differentiator that makes potential employers say, "Wow, we need to hire brutus1213 for our team because they have a really unique skill at <X>!" (X could be Kubernetes, deep learning, Erlang, whatever... the more uncommon, the better though.)

To that end, focus heavily on whatever exists in the vertex of what you're good at (which did you like and excel at of those things you did?) and a growth area (example: Python, C++ and the multitudinous ways they continue to be used together in AI etc).

So you have to look at what existing leverage you have and build upon that foundation. It will be very difficult to get a role without getting some hands on experience back first, so where I'd start is, could you step down to become IC at your current job? I'd be more interested to evaluate a candidate doing Python/Kotlin that wants to move into something adjacent than someone in management who just wants to be a dev again.

VBA.

Good luck!

Reply on news.ycombinator.com