Choosing Between Kotlin and JavaScript/TypeScript for Backend Development. Career Paths, Project Suitability, and Long-term Sustainability: Seeking Advice and Experiences

Hello everyone,

I’m at a crossroads in terms of advancing my backend development skills and am torn between deepening my expertise in Kotlin or shifting towards JavaScript/TypeScript. With a strong background in Java and Spring, and a basic understanding of JavaScript, I’m trying to figure out which path might offer the best opportunities for future projects and career growth.

Here are some specific areas where I could really use your advice:

  1. Career Opportunities: In my region, there seems to be a higher demand for Node.js roles, but roughly 80-90% of these are for full-stack positions. I’m hesitant to dive into front-end development as I feel there are many aspects of backend development I have yet to master. Between Kotlin and JavaScript/TypeScript, which do you think would open more doors career-wise?
  2. Project Suitability: For those who have experience with both Kotlin and JavaScript/TypeScript, how do you choose between them for your projects? What are the deciding factors that influence your choice of language and technology stack?
  3. Long-term Benefits: From a sustainability standpoint, which language do you believe is more viable for backend development in the long run? Is there a distinct advantage in focusing on one over the other?
  4. Language Investment: Sticking with Kotlin allows me to remain within the JVM ecosystem and leverage its robust libraries and frameworks. Conversely, I’m contemplating learning TypeScript as a segue to potentially ease into front-end frameworks in the future. However, I’m not entirely convinced I want to head in that direction. Any insights or advice would be incredibly helpful.

I appreciate any thoughts or experiences you can share, as they will significantly aid me in making a more informed decision.

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