Introduction:
In the fast-paced world of JavaScript frameworks, one can observe a peculiar trend when it comes to the "most hated" frameworks, as reflected in surveys like Stack Overflow's developer survey. Contrary to popular belief, the statistics measuring developer dissatisfaction do not solely revolve around the technical aspects or user experience. Having witnessed a similar pattern in unrelated fields, such as the culinary world, it became evident to me that human beings despise being told what they must do. In this blog post, I will explore this phenomenon, drawing parallels between software development and the culinary arts, while predicting a potential future scenario where Svelte, the beloved framework of today, might encounter widespread disapproval.
The Perceived Effect of Imposed Choices:
Let's consider two developers, Sally and Barry, to illustrate this point. Sally is employed by a large company that utilises the MERN stack, while Barry, working on his personal website, opts for React after researching the framework. Both developers embark on building the same application over an equal period of time. Can you guess how each of them feels about React? As expected, Sally might develop a dislike for it, whereas Barry is likely to embrace it. Surprisingly, both developers may face the same challenges and hurdles while using the tool. However, when Sally inadvertently creates an implicit infinite loop by setting state within a render function, she attributes her wasted time to React, feeling compelled to use it. Conversely, when Barry encounters the same issue, he finds it intriguing and enjoys the learning experience. This distinction stems from the perception of being "forced" into a choice, rather than the inherent qualities of the framework itself.
Parallel Observations in the Culinary World:
The same phenomenon is evident in other fields, such as the culinary arts. As a professional chef, I have witnessed countless examples of frustration when cooks are instructed to deviate from the menu or create particularly challenging dishes. However, those same chefs often shine when approached by a waitress on a break, seeking a creative and tasty meal suggestion. In such instances, their love for cooking and the desire to make people happy shines through. Yet, the feeling of being coerced or constrained drains all the enjoyment out of the experience. This insight is crucial, as it lies at the root of burnout among developers and professionals in various industries. Surprisingly, those who spend the most time programming or cooking at home tend to be the ones who are less prone to burnout or recover from it swiftly.
The Cycle Continues:
This profound misunderstanding of the relationship between personal choice and forced adoption lays the foundation for a potential issue as the current generation of junior and mid-level developers, who ardently adore Svelte, ascends to lead roles. Their personal projects heavily feature Svelte, while they are "forced" to use React at work. Consequently, they might impose Svelte on the next generation of juniors, touting its superior developer experience. It is important to note that this observation is not an indictment against Svelte—on the contrary, I personally love it. However, the trajectory appears clear, pointing towards a potential future where the widespread adoption of Svelte might eventually elicit discontent and resistance.
Conclusion:
The human aversion to being compelled or restricted in their choices has far-reaching consequences in various fields, including software development. The widely acclaimed "developer experience" is not solely contingent on technical aspects but also influenced by personal freedom and the perception of choice. Understanding this phenomenon is vital to addressing burnout and creating a positive work environment. While Svelte's present popularity is well-deserved, it remains imperative for the industry to navigate future trends with caution, ensuring that choices are made consciously and thoughtfully rather than being
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