It turns out Javascript, like PHP on it’s own, is again a not so good language, it’s just a good language, actually.
I agree. I have a BSc in Computer Science and I have experience with programming languages like Assembly, C, C++, Pascal, Delphi, bash, PHP, Ruby, and Javascript. The most I’ve liked was ― in order of importance ― Assembly, Pascal, Ruby, PHP, Javascript, bash, C, C++.
I do not consider myself a world class programmer and I do not write sophisticated code just back-end code like business logic for websites and web applications mostly using PHP and Javascript, earlier Ruby. I don’t really like programming because of the difficulties these languages present for me as a developer.
PHP was so ugly ten years ago I had to switch to Ruby. That was a big relief and I really enjoyed writing Ruby code. With the decline of the language and its web ecosystem I had to switch back to Javascript and PHP, and today I find myself again not enjoying programming.
I think the web is completely broken if these are the two most used languages to program it.
And I also think programming is broken since the code I write is always the same. I never have to invent anything interesting just write boilerplate code and sometimes add a few new, original algorithms. I don’t have to use design patterns, I don’t have reusable code components in the way I have reusable user interface components (design systems). My programming skills are in decline when my design skills are constantly evolving.
I think programming is a huge waste. Why the next messaging app needs billions of investment again? Facebook Messenger, Whatsapp, Telegram, etc. all share the same codebase in a way, yet their codebase are written from scratch every time for huge sums of money, instead of being reused. I have the impression programming got institutionalized which means its first and foremost task is to sustain itself, the programmers, who do the same tasks all over again in different companies.
We have design systems ― like Google Material Design ― which work for many designers and front-end developers. They are free and reusable. We might need something like this for business logic / back-end programming tasks. I would be happy with that instead of rewriting the same code for every new project and wasting time.
I miss the creativity from programming as I experience it every day in design.