A little background: Through my teens in the 90’s I did a lot of the things you may expect. I was a script kiddie on mIRC, made a tank game in Unreal Engine, and did some Quake modding. From 2002-2004 I landed a job doing Java web dev, SQL, and overall database administration because my father’s friend needed someone that could do that. I was ok at the job, but not great. Being young, my hobby that turned into a 9-5 made me want to stab my eyes out and I quit.

With that said, I can understand a lot of what’s going on, but it doesn’t “click” anymore. I spent 20 years as a career machinist, but I physically can’t do that anymore. Here’s the rub - my twin brother is a brittle diabetic and can’t work (lots of other stuff going on as well), and our mother is getting old (father passed this year). The only reasonable way forward that I can see in order to be able to support my brother is trying to get back into development.

When I stopped, subversion was what we used. I’m trying to understand Git, but it’s a giant conceptual leap. I guess, what I’d like to hear from you all is a way to jump back in as quickly as possible in such a way that it may be a career.

Thanks

  • mox@lemmy.sdf.org
    0·
    12 days ago

    I’m trying to understand Git, but it’s a giant conceptual leap.

    In that case, I suggest learning Mercurial first. Its underlying design is very similar to Git, but the interface is more consistent and does a much better job of presenting the concepts to humans (especially those already familiar with traditional version control). Then, once you’re comfortable with the concepts and commands in Mercurial, learn Git, since it’s everywhere nowadays.

    Consider learning at least one new language. Java is only one of many (and not even a nice one IMHO). If you want something more flexible, consider Python. For more structure, maybe Go. If mobile apps interest you, there are Kotlin (Android), Swift (iOS), and Dart (both). If joining the web development army appeals to you, JavaScript. If you fancy the esoteric (and well-paying), Elixir and Erlang are worth a look. Try to find a language that you enjoy using; your programming life will be better for it.

    Above all, please make sure you’re reserving time for things that make you happy, sleep, and (if still possible) some kind of exercise. Your own physical and mental health are important. If you tolerate a bad working environment or wear yourself thin for too long, you will burn out, and then you won’t be able to provide for yourself or anyone else.

    Take care, OP.