thejavajar

So as 2008 comes to a close, I want to reflect on the past year and what I am expecting/looking forward to in 2009. Professionally and personally, I have gained some great experience.

On a professional level, I have experienced a lot of different technologies that have given me a wider, open view when it comes to providing IT solutions. I started 2008 ready to throw Java at almost every development problem I encountered. Now with some experience with Flex/ActionScript, Python, Groovy/Grails and Ruby/Rails, I have realized that I should not look to solve everything with Java unless it is a best fit solution for the problem. I still love Java for many applicable purposes but I have come to the realization that polyglot programming is among us and will grow in popularity in 2009. I still love the Java enterprise stack and I really, really love what SpringSource is doing to ease the overall complexity that shadows enterprise Java.

Personally, I have matured a bit. I realize that people are going to have opinions about technology that I may never understand. What I have come to understand is that their experience has led them to that opinion, good or bad, and I should at least respect that they have an opinion.

I am looking forward to 2009 for many reasons. I am sure the road ahead will not be smooth but I anticipate 2009 being a year that will be worth the bumpy ride. As long as we put down a good foundation, we should be able to re-build what we have lost. To my colleagues/friends: Happy New Year and may 2009 be a prosperous year.