Should Today’s Developers Be More or Less Specialized?

For the last few years, we’ve heard a lot about full-stack developers. In fact, some hiring managers prefer them. However, the growing complexity of software development requires specialized knowledge that generalists might not have. On the other hand, specialists may lack the big picture view full-stack developers have. 

The Case for More Generalists 

On Freund, CEO and co-founder of Wilco, an upskilling platform for software engineers, says specializing is not future proof because skills always change.  

“If you want to specialize, you should specialize in the ability to easily pick up new skills,” says Freund in an email interview. “Developers should focus on being generalists who can easily adapt to new technologies and methodologies. This is particularly true with AI, as the assumption should be that AI will eventually take over any given skill or specialty. If you can acquire new skills, you can pivot to the areas needed.” 

Ghazenfer Mansoor, founder and CEO at healthcare mobile and web app development company Technology Rivers, believes there is an increasing need for full-stack developers. 

“The trend shows a move away from the usual specialist jobs,” says Mansoor in an email interview. “Due to this trend, big questions come up about the way companies can mix expert knowledge with wider skills to handle today and tomorrow’s technology needs.” 

Related:What Is a Software Developer and What's the Best Way to Become One?

Andrea Malagodi, CIO at clean code solution provider Sonar, thinks having a broader skillset allows one to take advantage of opportunities that come along and that overspecialization can be a barrier to building a software development career. 

“I think having a diverse background, and a broader understanding and skillset is important for a successful long-term career in software development. Knowledge and experience with different programming languages and technologies are extremely valuable,” says Malagodi. “This helps developers think more critically and creatively and ultimately enhance their role as a software designer/programmer. It’s also important to be open-minded about the future.” 

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