So a month ago I started a new adventure at Up-Rev that has already proven to be a challenge. I was hired as a SR. Software Engineer with my primary language being PHP. The fun thing about the company is they have no problem with developers stepping outside their comfort zones to learn new things. So when I was given my first project that is exactly what I did!
The new project was to develop a system that could support a high volume of request, process data into a ML classification system, and send out notifications. I could have easily turned to PHP and be in a familiar place, I decided to build the multiples APIs in NodeJS. Even with the new language I was able to complete the APis and the Web Administration portal within two weeks, about 4 weeks ahead of expectations. The point of this story? Step outside your comfort zone and be willing to learn other things.
With the project completed and no other web projects in the pipeline, I was once again asked to step outside my comfort zone and help with a Android projects. I am not going to say I was worried when I started the project as it was an existing project that I had no knowledge of and would be working in a language and platform that I had only looked at a long time ago.
The main worry for me was being held to the same expectations as I was held to when I was working on the web service project. I think this was what drove me to learn as quickly as I could and for the last 2 weeks I have been able to keep up with the tasks and keeping up with the tight timeline of the client. I know I still have a lot to learn developing on Android, I am a lot more confidant than I was two weeks ago!
I am once again having loving what I do and I hope this will get me to blog a lot more as I keep jumping outside my PHP world and explore not only web technologies but more mobile development. The ultimate goal is for me to build the Web Services team which I am looking forward to. So be on the look out as I post more on my adventure to come!