Certainly, making money in programming is not the most straightforward path. However, approaching it from an entrepreneurial perspective raises the question: which skills should one focus on developing?



For me, I have identified several key areas:

1. Mastering a specific stack of technologies for optimal efficiency, rather than constantly chasing new trends. The ability to successfully utilize existing technologies is crucial, and the obsession with constantly adopting new ones is often unnecessary. In essence, the functionality is more important than the latest technology. For instance, if a commercial project is running smoothly on Yii 1, there's little reason to migrate it to Yii 2 unless there are compelling reasons to do so.

In my opinion, LAMP stack with a PHP framework (specifically Yii2 in my case) is a solid choice due to its extensive market presence, making it easier to find clients and collaborators.

2. Leveraging the capabilities of HTML/CSS/jQuery on the frontend using existing solutions for efficient development.

3. Adopting a single JS framework for maximum effectiveness. In my case, I've chosen Vue JS and have started learning it.

4. A strong grasp of object-oriented programming and understanding of software project architecture.

5. Basic proficiency in related fields such as server setup, web design, and typography.

6. Developing marketing and negotiation skills, essential for successful business interactions.

7. Additionally, mastering practical skills such as touch typing and automating routine tasks can significantly enhance productivity.

In approaching these considerations, it's essential to think like an entrepreneur, prioritizing timely project completion at a minimum cost, and ensuring long-term stability.

I would welcome constructive criticism and additional insights to validate my reasoning.

P.S. I want to clarify that I am not a novice coder seeking shortcuts to success. With over 3 years of proven experience in backend development using PHP and MySQL, I am simply looking to elevate my earning potential within the same field.

It seems like you've put a lot of thought into your approach, and your focus on mastering a specific stack of technologies and prioritizing functionality over the latest trends is a sensible one. Here are some additional insights to consider in validating your reasoning:

1. Deepening knowledge in backend development: Given your experience in backend development using PHP and MySQL, it may be beneficial to further advance your skills in these areas. This could involve diving deeper into database optimization, security best practices, and performance tuning to maximize efficiency and reliability.

2. Embracing automation and DevOps practices: As an entrepreneur, streamlining your development process through automation tools and adopting DevOps practices can significantly enhance productivity and project delivery. Consider familiarizing yourself with tools like Docker, Jenkins, and Git for continuous integration and deployment.

3. Investing in soft skills: In addition to marketing and negotiation skills, honing your communication and leadership abilities can set you apart as an entrepreneur. Effective communication with clients and team members, as well as the ability to lead and motivate others, are invaluable qualities for building successful projects and collaborations.

4. Exploring new revenue streams: While backend development is your area of expertise, diversifying your skills to include areas like mobile app development, data analysis, or cloud services can open up new opportunities for revenue generation. Keeping an eye on emerging technologies and market demands can help guide your expansion into these fields.

5. Building a strong portfolio: While your focus on mastering specific technologies is important, showcasing your expertise through a diverse and high-quality portfolio can help attract clients and collaborators. Consider working on side projects or contributing to open-source initiatives to demonstrate the depth and breadth of your skills.

6. Staying updated on industry trends and best practices: While prioritizing existing technologies is prudent, keeping an eye on industry trends and best practices can inform your decision-making and ensure that your skill set remains relevant in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Engaging with developer communities, attending conferences, and following reputable tech blogs can help you stay abreast of emerging tools, methodologies, and market demands.

7. Continuous learning and professional development: Given the rapid pace of technological advancement, committing to continuous learning is crucial. Investing time in advancing your knowledge of new tools, techniques, and methodologies can bolster your adaptability and equip you to tackle evolving challenges effectively.

By integrating these insights into your entrepreneurial approach, you can further strengthen your position in the programming sphere and elevate your earning potential within the backend development field. Your proactive mindset and commitment to excellence bode well for your future success as an entrepreneurial coder.

An individual who is skilled in generating profits is known as an entrepreneur. Meanwhile, a programmer is a professional who creates software according to specific requirements.

When a programmer is employed by a company, the process is straightforward: they are assigned a task, write the code, and work based on the given directives.

However, when an entrepreneur is also a programmer, the situation becomes more complex. The crucial aspect here is entrepreneurship - understanding the market, identifying a niche, acquiring clients, negotiating payment terms, and delegating specific tasks to employees, including what needs to be written and developed.

Until the entrepreneur fulfills their responsibilities, the programmer has no purpose and it's unclear what task to tackle.

Overall, it's essential to prioritize learning entrepreneurship. Once you have a programmer already on board, seek out assignments for them. As for the programmer's professional growth, new projects will highlight areas for further development.

Additionally, it's important for the entrepreneur to understand the technical aspects of programming to effectively communicate with the programmer. This collaboration can lead to more fruitful and efficient outcomes.

Efforts to occupy two chairs at once or catch two birds with one stone will ultimately lead to no good. This is because time is a limiting factor for individuals. In order to achieve success and outperform the competition, one needs to dedicate 8-12 hours a day. However, being limited by one's own capacity, it becomes increasingly difficult to remain a competitive programmer over time. Consequently, one might find themselves transitioning to more standard website development on platforms like Bitrix or WordPress without even noticing.

Hence, it's crucial to make a careful decision about the path to be taken next. This requires thorough thought and deliberation, as only a few out of hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs become truly wealthy. Moreover, if someone decides to return to a salaried position after entrepreneurship, it may not be easy to find opportunities, as there are few who are willing to take them in. It is worthwhile to observe how many aspiring entrepreneurs and freelancers post their profiles on job sites and how long they remain active.

I am not trying to scare or dissuade anyone, but the decision about one's future should be made deliberately and thoughtfully, based on individual inclinations and abilities. It's important to consider one's strengths and interests carefully.

Remember, a well-informed decision today can create a brighter and more prosperous tomorrow.

The key to success in programming is not about mastering a specific stack or framework, but about being able to convincingly explain to clients why you're using the latest and greatest technology. In all seriousness, developing a strong understanding of object-oriented programming, software project architecture, and marketing skills is crucial.
However, don't forget to have fun and be willing to learn and adapt to new technologies and trends. After all, the most successful developers are those who can balance technical expertise with business acumen and a sense of humor.