Backend, Frontend or DevOps? How to Decide!

If you're trying to become a developer then chances are you are making this one mistake - and it's likely what is holding you back from landing a job. This mistake is jumping from topic to topic & field to field without really understanding what it is that you need to focus on.
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If you want to land a developer job: techwithtim.net/dev
⏳ Timestamps ⏳
00:00 | The BIGGEST Mistake
01:57 | A DevOps Tool You NEED
02:49 | Difficulty/Ease of Access
05:59 | The MONEY
07:35 | A Detailed Breakdown (Frontend)
09:42 | A Detailed Breakdown (Backend)
12:30 | A Detailed Breakdown (DevOps)
14:00 | What About Other Roles?
15:13 | How To Decide!
Hashtags
#techwithtim
#frontenddevelopment
#backendwebdevelopment
#devops

[@TechWithTim]

If you want to learn frontend, backend to devops you can do so in my program with course careers! techwithtim.net/dev

[@nedthehead6853]

Started right out of college in a devops role. I knew nothing going into it. Never even heard of any of tools that we use. My tech lead told me told me he chose me based on my attitude and my willingness to learn. A little more than 2 years in and I am thriving on my team. I love it and truly couldn’t imagine doing anything else!

[@dontemcl]

Congratulations. How do I begin in Devops?

[@WoWUndad]

wow this must've been in 2002 because noone hires without 5 years of experience now

[@bugra320]

A backend developer is never just a backender. He is also expected to know frontend, devops, cloud at some degree

[@DJRanoia]

Don’t forget devOp/platform engineering means you have to be ok with an on call rotation so expect to be available 24/7 when you are on call.

[@TheXamazing]

Defining what you want to do was one of the most crucial steps I took on my journey so far. It helps focus your efforts on what really matters to landing a job especially as a self taught dev. I loved your advise to spend a few days looking at tutorials and small projects for each field to see what resonates. Overall great video!

[@sadique_x_]

thank you so much Tim, this really helped me solidify my decision as i'm currently a junior frontend developer

[@devil88bg62]

Nice content. I have almost 7 years of experience, and now I am a lead developer and I am specialised in backend and recently devops. I think some transitions will appear very natural, but I agree that devops can't be a job for beginners as you need to have a lot of knowledge and knows how everything works. I sucks in Front-End development because I am not really a visual person, but I still like the logic behind some framework, and I help my team to keep the code clean, with some architectural work. The software engineer, if you like, is one of the most interesting career that you can get, because sometimes the switch between one position, to another will be natural, maybe some job needs to be done within the same company etc...

[@tylee23]

Exactly what l needed, thanks Tim!

[@MissoyKE]

Thank you this. It's really eye-opening

[@kevanbarter]

Great video! I started of as a Software Test Engineer after my Masters Degree in Computer Science making around $60k back in September of 2022. Just landed my first junior Frontend Developer position back in November last making around $85k. Just got to take what ever position to break into the industry and keep growing your skills

[@angiedee2722]

Which school did you do masters in? Are you in USA?

[@kevanbarter]

@@angiedee2722 Northeastern University satellite campus in Seattle and yes I’m in the US

[@kevanbarter]

@@angiedee2722 did my Masters at Northeastern University but attended the Seattle campus

[@victoryamadi9646]

I'm about to finish my foundations course, and I'm to choose between front-end or backend for my 3 months specialisations. I open KZbin and this is the first video I see. I love you God!

[@CodeForChange]

Cohort 20 here, good luck i wish you a beautiful journey

[@victoryamadi9646]

@@CodeForChange thank you

[@zucchinirosti]

Currently looking for my 1st job as a developer, this video is a godsend. Thank you Tim for helping me in realizing that I need to focus on backend instead of trying to do everything at once!

[@Dilluded]

This video came at the right time, I just started learning PHP (LAMP Stack), really enjoying modern PHP and going to go all in on backend learning

[@throbicon]

Thank you for making this video! It is clear to me now!

[@leoleoxiii]

Man you're algorithm is on point! Been watching alot of your python videos. Thanks for this idea it helps me a lot! more python videos!

[@minminaung4527]

Thank you. Very clear explanation.

[@vethya9345]

Great video! This was very useful for me.

[@ahmadyasirseyar6065]

Useful ❤ Thank you tim

[@wizardgaming9230]

Loved your all videos 🤩❤

[@Dee-zy2xv]

gracious i am for this in depth and thought processing video breakdown TIM!! you DA MAN!! its kind of a general question I had from time to time as to once you establish the SD Essentials...ok "Now What?" as it pertained to the specialization aspect and which route to go in :)

[@Just_A_Tech.._]

Thanks alot Tim 🤝💓

[@hardiklokwani6444]

Great video Tim ! I think you missed one major fundamental skill everyone needs to master in order to work in DevOps and that's Linux. A best advice for people who are actually trying to get into IT and specifically DevOps can start with a role of an Linux SysAdmin and then try to work their way up ! I am doing the same and couldn't have found a better way... It only sounds difficult but once you give it some time you'll start building up the confidence !!!

[@HemaPavuluri]

Great Explanation.

[@crimsonx_]

in today's job market, all these 3 are needed. Either passively or actively.

[@div_walkar]

Thank you sir 🙏🏻

[@davidmutua6971]

After watching this, I have realized I do all that and have touched all those tools. Also nowadays been switching between different backend languages e.g. While on PHP a times I go watch Elixir Tutorials and relate concepts.

[@darrenfrancis8126]

Wow so much stuff to learn

[@pragpandey]

Thank youhhh❤❤

[@Talhahere443]

Hi Tim! As you mentioned we don't have to spend much time while exploring certain feild. Can you share a way to explore which is best to explore certain feild in a week to find our interest!

[@stalinengoma7680]

Really nice video. As an experienced DevOps engineer I will add Linux system administrator on the list as well if you don’t mind.

[@kapibara2440]

Valuable video. Thanks Tim for sharing these little tips. 😊

[@zabsetu4964]

Thanks Tim, as a university student this was the best overview of the 3 specialisations! I'm not too sure what I like tbh but backend seems the most interesting as it has a variety of things you can learn compared to fronted but feels the work can be harder. Do you have any advice on how I can overcome the fear of being scared of backend work though I feel like it's more useful to me

[@Alsehr_]

dude just do it! i am drop out cuz i cant afford to waste my time anymore. i just want to start even thou there is alot to learn but idc :) i will go with frontend

[@Mecagothits]

Thanks bro

[@aymenbachiri-yh2hd]

Thank you

[@EmmanuelBronyah]

Hello Tim, I hope this message finds you well. I have a request that I believe would be immensely valuable to many. Could you please consider creating a video tutorial on the process of building a desktop application and then converting it into an executable format that can be installed on various operating systems, with a preference for Windows? Your expertise in this area would be greatly appreciated, and I'm certain that many viewers, including myself, would benefit greatly from such a comprehensive guide. Thank you for considering my request, and I look forward to your future content. Best regards❤❤

[@neomangeo7822]

Just to mention that there are many roles which are sort of more generalist out there eg. Software Developer/Software Engineer/Full Stack (Developer/Engineer). For people newly getting into the industry - just be aware that these roles can vary a lot on where your focus may be, no two jobs are the same there usually... so just be aware of that.

[@archardor3392]

Nice video. The reality is, the answer is all 3. With time, of course. Not all at once.

[@Ohiostategenerationx]

I'll be learning python first and then learning HTML and JS. I wished I could find a recent selenium video. I haven't been able to get it to work yet.

[@vascoguerreiro341]

thank you

[@awosikaolakanmi3608]

This is amazing

[@sifo_io]

hey Tim, which countries DJANGO roles are in demand the most

[@JohnpaulAnyanwu]

You're talking to me😢

[@sportzeditz2023]

Hello Mr.Tim I am still waiting for intermediate JAvaScript projects following the beginner.

[@mednmovies6959]

Is it me or is Tim getting a little buffed😅, anyway thanks for the advice, always find it helpful 🙂

[@helomydestiny8431]

Now i'm kinda like to learn a lot ( game development , devops , data ) which one should i choose for my long career ?

[@daze8410]

It's not about the best workout, it's about the workout that gets you to come back to the gym

[@Quan-dr8iy]

Thanks for this insightful video Tim. Quick question: I am currently learning Python, I know a little bit of HTML and CSS. Should I learn JavaScript as well or should I focus on mastering Python? I have long concluded that I want to work in backend/database but my fear is that it might be difficult for me to land an entry-level job without understanding JavaScript/frontend.

[@FaryalImran-pv1nk]

Learn both. In Python learn the frameworks if you are focused on AL/ML and Javascript is also needed for better performance such as Node.js and Express.js for APIs

[@anon3746]

I'm a backend dev because that's the only thing I could get after uni and I just stayed because inertia.

[@haneeshuppalapati2591]

Maybe learn a stack after thinking thoroughly , stick to it but actually there's no sticking to a particular thing, when someone says you should stick a particular thing to sustain in the job market ... understand what exactly it means by getting good at one thing... do not blindly follow them. Some of them maybe lying(or not exactly) and some have very low expectations or do not know what they do most of the time

[@zb2747]

Pick an area and GO. Dream, work, build, and create Put your phone down. Go read the docs and/or specs Learn, implement/build, and repeat This journey never ends. Keep learning and DONT STOP MOVING FORWARD

[@usamahussain4461]

How would you recommend for someone trying to break into ML engg.? Should s/he first pursue dev and then try ML/DS or should they start from ML/DS?

[@clementborisov7050]

For newer people to programming, I'd suggest sticking with frontend or devops if you don't want to burn, quite literally.

[@giziko_97]

Hi. I want to pursue a machine learning developer. I want to know what should I specialize first before transitioning to ML dev?

[@aristonsaizoxic1048]

Since I already like python and i also weak in maths (so no AI pathway)..... backend pathway by becoming python developer is the only way.

[@dapolc]

Any good source on X, Medium, telegram etc to learn about blockchain development and blockchain in general? Would be very much appreciated

[@syydsalman]

I'm working toward a backend role, I'm working with python and django, FastAPI with postgres. I can't find a job tho, the job market sucks. :__(

[@cursoderobotica]

It is missing the firmware developer 😅 working with hardware and embedded software. Good video 😁

[@abnormal010]

Your job is safer

[@rtothec1234]

As a generalist i’m making more money and am less expendable by midsize companies. Never thought this would be a good path. Not easy though.

[@PAFBEAST]

So you learned all these?

[@venky3639]

Just in time, 😮

[@shrinivaschaurasia6666]

I am going to college this year... but confused which branch of engineering should I pick... ECE or CSE?

[@dylankoonjoobeeharry9453]

TIM, how about Salesforce Dev?

[@rayyanalam4815]

What is your domain?

[@wilbertraymundrayos4175]

I love how you used rust game logo instead of the language.

[@satyampratikkanungo3949]

What are the fundamentals of programming? Please explain

[@jabirmustafasulaiman5147]

Tim are you full stack developer

[@saqibuzair7670]

best video ever

[@user-sm7vt1qy1k]

Am into game development cause i like playing games mostly pc games or console games

[@justiceessiel6123]

Do all and create a start up

[@PAFBEAST]

I'm thinking the same😂

[@sweoding1535]

Funny to see the pay in USA. In Sweden you are lucky to get about 50-60k dollars a year as fully payed with good experience and years of experience :)

[@mehmettahacolak5483]

In Turkey a perfect senior developer can earn max 35-40k dollars a year. Just imagine it :)

[@user-ov1ps7go4m]

What about full stack?

[@leojohn6702]

What about fullstack.

[@furqantarique3484]

I am interested never did developer

[@AbuAl7sn1]

i like backend .. it is endless fun world

[@Immabadliar]

What about full stack

[@CustAndCode]

I like the backend and DevOps stuff, because I don't want to discuss with designers 🤪

[@fbarr050]

Hi Tim and everyone! I want to buy a new laptop for programming... what would you recommend, a windows laptop with an intel processor and nvidia graphics card or a macbook pro with m3 chip? I want something versatile and powerful to build different kinds of apps

[@buidling]

M3 always

[@fbarr050]

@@buidling thanks a lot!

[@howtopassthat]

@@fbarr050 nah get a Windows machine offers way more value for the money and freedom to explore as a programmer you can even run Linux on it or another OS if you don't like Windows to me windows machines are just way more powerful and have more value compared to a mac in case you opt for windows you don't really need an Nvidia graphic card for programming just opt for anything above Intel Core i3 10th gen and later or Ryzen 3plus ideally at least intel core i5 or ryzen 5 with 16 GB RAM you will be fine if you got guts A.K.A money go for dell xps 15 perfect for programming also comes with nice GPU

[@fbarr050]

@@howtopassthat thank you for the advice

[@DavidParathyras]

DevOps rock!!

[@bernardparinas1038]

fullstack + devops combo

[@Tobsson]

Just go for a startup. No need do decide as you do them all.

[@gabrielbarrantes6946]

Even better, start your own company lol... I have learned more in two months doing it than 3 years working on engineering roles

[@PseudoProphet]

Frontend development is almost dead, in future designers will do that job 😢😢. We all should start learning prompt engineering.😅

[@mishkathossain2984]

What is site reliability engineering?? is it frontend??

[@datasciency]

It is full stack.

[@vishnshiv7349]

but still if you are a software engineer and you know everything about java, then you go upto >200k.

[@mdabdulaziz6589]

for backend do you guys still think someone should start with cpp ? my first language was python, then i learned go. now i will start my collage this month and i want to learn low level language. so we have cpp and rust mostly. learning both is not a good idea. if i think about the industry currently everything is based on cpp/c but it moving towards rust. so i am confused which one should i learn. One request to both cpp and rust lovers please don't start fighting and help me make the decision

[@NinTheLost]

cpp isn’t really often used for backend. i’d highly recommend sticking with python for backend

[@mdabdulaziz6589]

@@NinTheLost i mentioned i want to learn a low level language brother

[@NinTheLost]

@@mdabdulaziz6589 you can learn cpp and you’ll find a ton of value from learning it, it’s a very powerful language, just that it’s not widely used for backend compared to python. python is very popular for data science and backend specifically.

[@idontcareaboutthisshit]

cpp isn't a low level programming language, c is

[@mdabdulaziz6589]

@@idontcareaboutthisshit 🤣

[@williamakoto6391]

This is made for me, I'm at a crossroads

[@noveltunez6546]

Full stack developers staring from a distance

[@justin9494]

in reality, you need three of those

[@obelekingsley9224]

Hey first comment🎉

[@skinnytimmy1]

There is so much misinformation out there. People will tell you to go for devops when you have 0 experience, lol.

[@abnormal010]

DevOps is more AI resistant so DevOps should be the choice.

[@andreiiosup6622]

Ai is not at all the number 1 concern. So far it's a tool not a replacement

[@isi1044]

Devops is my least favourite thing in software development cause of overly unnecessarily complex services like aws

[@DallasGraves]

There is a lot of value add with public cloud services like AWS. Complexity is certainly a barrier to entry but considering if an app is designed correctly, these cloud services allow the app to scale effortlessly and make the IaC model much easier to achieve.

[@Badmintonforall3]

Frontend ---------‹

[@OBlTO-02-10]

OBITO

[@miyu545]

These terms are just buzz-words, you either are a software developer and can do it all, or just a guy who can code. There is a serious difference between the two. I find there are a ton of coders out there but very few developers. If you have no idea how to do any of those - you're never going to be able to be a proper developer for any one of them on your own.

[@agentkillua]

Is this AI generated? Blinking is so unnatural..

[@girmawakeyo4143]

1m dollar advice lol

[@frstchan]

Backend is actual coding. Frontend is messing around with CSS and devops is just like a IT-tech guy. (extremely simplified and a bit jokingly for those who dont get it)

[@its_finn96]

You’re very unfamiliar with all three disciplines lol

[@anoopaiyappan6487]

that pretty lame answer..means u dont know any of these fields..iam into devops and man there are lot of problem solving in it

[@indian_tech6185]

Just beginner thinks 😂.....front-end is not only about css...it is more than that....css is just a start

[@obelekingsley9224]

Pls like ❤

[@sargismartirosyan9946]

First 😊 Can i get pin ? I earned that 😅

[@user-ws5wf7dk1j]

first

[@josersleal]

BS. learn it all. its easy. choose any tech stack and stick to it. then learn business, find problems and solve them. then sell your own stuff. this is hamster wheel advice.