These days, English has become a crucial tool in communication across most professions, and the IT industry is no exception. In fact, I’d say that knowing English is pretty much a must-have if you want to succeed as a programmer.
When people often ask, "Which language should I learn first?" hoping for a quick answer like Python or JavaScript, the response they sometimes get is: "Start with English!" 🌍
If you're not into reading, you can always check out this video instead:
And honestly, I completely agree with that. No matter if you’re working on frontend, backend, DevOps, or any other area in tech, English will always be necessary.
It’s practically impossible to fully immerse yourself in programming without some knowledge of English. Sure, you might learn the basics using resources in your native language—there are plenty of Polish tutorials, for instance. But, the reality is that everything you write in code, like variable names and commands, will be in English.
I recommend learning the fundamentals of programming in your native language first because, let’s face it, understanding concepts like variables and functions can be tricky when explained in a foreign language. But once you’ve grasped the basics, being able to search for and understand information in English will be an essential skill. The majority of resources are in English, and they’re generally of higher quality too! 📚
Why Do Programmers Need to Know English? 🧐
1. Most Resources and Documentation Are in English 📖
Whether you’ve just started learning or have been programming for a while, you’ll often hear instructors or mentors tell you to "read the documentation" to better understand what you’re doing. And this advice is 100% spot on.
Right now, I’m working on a project in Gatsby, and I find myself constantly referring to the documentation. Yes, documentation can sometimes feel boring and long-winded, but it has everything you need. Way better than relying on some random tutorial that might not cover everything, right?
But here's the catch: a lot of this documentation is written in English using complex technical terms. And if you’re not comfortable with English, this can make things more challenging. Even though documentation is designed to be as accessible as possible, some jargon is just inevitable.
Even if your English is pretty good, you’ll still find yourself hitting up a translation tool from time to time just to fully understand certain words. So, English isn’t just helpful; it’s necessary for programmers.
2. The Developer Community Speaks English 🗣️
One of the most important skills a programmer should have is the ability to ask questions. Almost every developer will eventually face a problem they can’t solve alone. It happens to the best of us!
This skill is essential because, when you ask for help, you need to explain your issue clearly so others can understand your problem. Let’s be honest—understanding someone else’s code can already be tough, so clear communication is key!
Whether it’s Stack Overflow, Medium, blog posts, or random search results, most solutions and answers you’ll find online are in English.
3. Job Opportunities 🏢
Nowadays, many companies are hiring programmers remotely, which means they’re not restricted to looking for talent locally. They can hire developers from anywhere in the world! 🌎 Imagine working remotely for a company based in a country with a stronger currency—this means you could potentially earn more than your peers working in the local market.
Plus, many companies have set up branches in countries where the cost of hiring developers is lower, making salaries more competitive internationally. This means knowing English opens up more opportunities for you, whether you're aiming for full-time remote positions or freelance gigs.
The reality is, recruiters prefer to communicate in English, especially for international opportunities.
What Are the Perks of Knowing English as a Programmer? 💼
For programmers looking to advance their careers—especially those seeking international opportunities—English is the gateway. And it’s not just about mastering technical terms; it’s about communicating and collaborating with clients and team members in English.
Whether you plan to work in Poland, Europe, or even further west, English is the primary language of the software industry. Advanced English skills are crucial for developers who want to compete globally or work for international companies.
If you're working with a platform where most of the documentation is in English, how will you effectively communicate with your team or explain your work to non-technical clients if you don’t understand the language?
Programmers with weak English skills may also struggle at international conferences or tech events, where the dominant language is usually English. Without a solid grasp of the language, you might miss out on key insights or opportunities.
On the flip side, when you’re confident in your English skills, it can really boost your confidence as a programmer—especially if you're working for a multinational company.
How Fluent Does Your English Need to Be? 🧐
I’m not going to sit here and throw levels like B2, C1, or C2 at you. The most important thing is being able to communicate. This means being able to read, listen, and speak with at least some level of fluency.
You’ll need English for:
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Communication: From teammates and clients to remote colleagues across different countries, English will help you engage effectively.
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Reading and listening: This is crucial for learning new skills, reading documentation, and finding solutions to problems.
What Extra Opportunities Does English Offer to Developers? 🚀
For developers wanting to push their careers further—especially those eyeing international gigs—English is non-negotiable. It’s not just about knowing technical terminology; it’s about being able to communicate smoothly with clients, team members, and other non-programmers.
If you're thinking of working for companies in Poland, Europe, or further west, then good news: English is the default language of the tech world. To compete globally or land a job at a company with a worldwide presence, advanced English skills are a game-changer.
Also, think about international conferences and meetups. If you want to keep up with the latest trends or network effectively, knowing English makes a huge difference.
In terms of job interviews, many companies will assess your English communication skills as part of the hiring process. Sometimes, the ability to communicate well in English can be the deciding factor between you and another candidate.
What Level of English Do You Really Need? 📚
You don’t have to be a Shakespeare-level poet. 😄 The most important thing is to be able to communicate clearly, both in written and spoken English, and to understand what you’re reading.
Good reading and listening comprehension will help you gather information, understand documentation, and find solutions faster. In terms of writing and speaking, these skills will come in handy when you’re communicating with clients, teammates, or even presenting at meetings.
Summing Up 🎯
In today’s world, knowing English isn’t really optional anymore—it’s a given, especially in the tech industry.
Make sure your CV is in English because even Polish companies often communicate in English. I made the mistake of sending my CV in Polish once, only to be asked to resubmit it in English. 😅 So, if a job posting is in English, respond in English and make sure your CV matches.
In conclusion, English is essential for any programmer who wants to be competitive in the modern tech world. Whether it’s for accessing high-quality learning resources, communicating with a global team, or landing a better-paying job, knowing English gives you a clear advantage.
So, what do you think? Time to dust off those English books? 😉
