Is There a Sufficient Number of Mentors in the Programming World?
When I began my coding journey nearly two decades ago, the landscape looked quite different, but even then it was hard to find a mentor. With the current influx of new developers, a question lingers – do we have enough experienced mentors for the upcoming generation?
Let’s review some data to gain a clearer perspective.
A Look Back: The Growth of Programmers Over the Years
Note: For the purpose of this article, I’ve used approximated statistics from various sources to provide a general overview.
- 30 Years Ago (1993)
- Worldwide: ~1 million
- USA: 400,000
- Mexico/Argentina/Colombia: 20,000
- Europe: 200,000 (with a significant portion in Western Europe)
- Asia: 80,000 (primarily in Japan and a few other advanced regions)
- 20 Years Ago (2003)
- Worldwide: ~6 million
- USA: 800,000
- Mexico/Argentina/Colombia: 70,000
- Europe: 650,000 (with countries like Germany, France, and the UK taking the lead)
- Asia: 1.5 million (marked by growing numbers in India and China)
- 2022
- Worldwide: 26,900,000
- USA: 1,365,500
- Mexico/Argentina/Colombia: ~420,000
- Europe: 1,950,000 (with an impressive 900,000 in Germany)
- Asia: 6,540,000 (with a substantial 5,800,000 in India)
Navigating the Mentorship Challenge
The internet overflows with learning resources, but pinpointing quality content can be daunting. A beginner, with just a year or two under their belt, might not even recognize what they’re missing. Hence, they may remain unaware of essential topics or deeper insights.
Engaging directly with a seasoned programmer can address this gap. A decade-long experience undoubtedly holds value, but nearing two decades in the field offers profound insights, nuances, and a richer understanding.
Another pivotal aspect is the geographical dispersion of emerging developers. Initially, programming flourished predominantly in developed countries. Today, however, significant growth is observed in nations like China, India, and parts of South America. This shift could partly explain the perceived decline in code quality from these regions. Simply put, it’s less probable for a novice developer in these countries to have direct mentorship from a highly seasoned expert.
The Evolving Image of a ‘Programmer’
About 15 years back, being termed a programmer carried a certain prestige. It was a niche, revered profession. Today, the essence of the role remains unchanged, but with the sheer number of individuals identifying as programmers, the depth and intricacy of the field may seem diluted to outsiders.
Concluding Thoughts
The swift increase in programmer numbers, especially in areas with limited mentoring, is concerning. While the democratization of coding is commendable, preserving skill quality is paramount.
To my veteran programmer peers, I implore you – let’s guide the next wave of coders. Their enthusiasm combined with our wealth of knowledge can reshape the future of coding.