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Is Old the New Cool?
TL;DR: After a decade in web development, I’ve grown skeptical of shiny new technologies and have developed a preference for older, simpler tech in production. What do you think?
Hello fellow tech enthusiasts,
I’m a 31-year-old web developer with a decade of experience, primarily working with small businesses across Europe within the JavaScript ecosystem.
Recently, I’ve been working on a Django app for a client, and it’s been a refreshing change. The setup feels much more solid and cohesive, devoid of the unnecessary embellishments commonly found in the JavaScript world. I even find the classic look of the Django Admin panel charming, much like the appeal of a reliable Toyota with a million miles on the clock.
Throughout my career, I’ve delivered numerous JavaScript applications. In retrospect, many tools I’ve used have either become obsolete or have drastically transformed, rendering the apps unreliable at best.
I’m beginning to question whether the JavaScript ecosystem is the best fit for my needs—as a freelancer developing advanced CRUD apps for small businesses with limited resources. Lately, I’ve sensed it might not be the ideal choice.
This sentiment extends to other technological areas:
– Nowadays, I’d pick SQLite over PostgreSQL unless there’s a compelling reason not to.
– I’d opt for a dedicated server instead of cloud services unless necessary.
– I’d even choose WordPress over a venture-capital-funded CMS-as-a-service or the latest trendy library that might pull the rug out from under you eventually.
I’m curious to hear your thoughts. Are you experiencing something similar? Could this be a case of classic JavaScript fatigue? Am I becoming lazy? Wiser? When does simplicity become too simplistic for professional work?
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2 responses to “Is being old the new trend?”
Old is the New Cool?
Hi fellow developer,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience, and I can resonate with the journey you’re going through. It seems like you’re experiencing what many developers and tech enthusiasts eventually do—the appreciation for simplicity and reliability over the constant chase for the latest and greatest technologies. Let’s dive into a few key aspects of your experience and reflect on them.
The Shift from Shiny New to Tried and True
The Nature of the JS Ecosystem
JavaScript being at the core of modern web development comes with an ever-evolving ecosystem. This can be exhilarating but also exhausting. The pace at which new frameworks and tools emerge often necessitates a constant learning curve and, sometimes, can lead to “JavaScript Fatigue”—where the frequent changes hinder productivity rather than enhancing it.
Benefits of Older, Simpler Technologies
Stability and Reliability: Technologies like Django, SQL, and even WordPress have proven their mettle over time. They may lack some modern features, but often have extensive documentation, community support, and a track record of security and reliability.
Efficiency and Focus: Older technologies can allow you to focus more on solving business problems rather than wrestling with toolchain issues or breaking changes. You spend more time building and less time configuring.
Cost-Effectiveness: Avoiding the cutting-edge often means lower costs—fewer cloud dependencies, less frequent tool upgrades, and possibly reduced hosting and maintenance fees.
Considerations and Trade-offs
While your shift is entirely rational, there are a few factors to keep in mind:
When to Opt-in for New Tech: It’s essential to evaluate when newer technologies provide significant advantages, such as when performance, scalability, or specific features that your project demands are only available or significantly better in newer solutions.
Balance Simplicity and Requirements: Avoid oversimplification where it hinders core functionality or performance. Your intuition about being “too simple” is correct—ensure that simplicity doesn’t compromise the essential requirements or scalability that your client might need in the future.
Personal and Professional Growth
Wiser Not Lazier: You’re likely experiencing wisdom and a refined perspective from years of practical experience. Recognizing that not all problems require modern solutions showcases maturity in decision-making.
Avoiding Tech FOMO: It’s easy to feel the Fear Of Missing Out when you’re not using the latest tools. However, maintaining focus
This is a thought-provoking post that really resonates with the current attitudes towards the fast-evolving tech landscape. I completely understand your shift towards more reliable and established technologies. In a world where frameworks and libraries seem to appear and disappear at a dizzying pace, it’s refreshing to focus on tools that stand the test of time.
Choosing simplicity and reliability over complexity can lead to greater stability for both developers and clients. In my experience, I’ve found that sticking with proven tools like Django or WordPress allows for not only quicker development times but also easier onboarding for clients who may not be technically inclined. It empowers them to manage their platforms without relentless updates and dependency management issues.
The notion that older technologies can sometimes be more robust is a valid observation. For instance, SQLite can be a fantastic choice for smaller applications due to its simplicity and performance, while still offering the ability to scale if needed.
Moreover, your experiences echo a larger theme in software development: the preference for a more pragmatic approach. It’s easy to get caught up in the allure of the newest technology, but often the most effective solutions are those that are reliable and familiar.
I’d love to hear more about how your clients have responded to using Django versus JavaScript technologies. Have they appreciated the difference in reliability? And regarding the question of ‘when does simplicity become too simplistic,’ it might ultimately come down to the specific needs of each project. A balance between simplicity and functionality is key, and it’s great to see you’re actively seeking