Hey, so I'm making this just to be able to create and avatar but I want to bring something up - why is there so much elitism/gatekeeping in programming in general? Why aren't devs more open to helping interns/juniors out?

Is it because of fear of competition or something else in your opinion?

It's because even juniors should be able to use Google instead of wasting other peoples' time.

I've actually never had that issue in any field I've been (or am) a junior in, so I'll go out on a limb and say that if you do it may be a you-problem more than a them-problem.

I don't mind helping out a junior dev. The problem is that most of the time, the questions a junior dev will ask me are ridiculous. It's either a question I could've answered before, a question Google could've answered, or a question that reveals the dev didn't actually put forth any effort to attempt to solve the problem before coming to me.

And that's when I get annoyed.

@EmberQuill "the dev didn't actually put forth any effort to attempt to solve the problem before coming to me". You said it better than I.

It's because the qualities that make someone a good developer, are negatively correlated with the qualities that make someone sociable.

It's the same effect that make first responders drink and commit suicide. The work has an effect on us, and most don't like to admit it.

they jusk ask stupid questions, simple as that. If you ask interesting question, everybody is willing to help from my experience.

Oh and attitude from junor devs

RTFM is an acronym for a reason. If you are tackling a new problem start by finding a book, document, article, etc. I have a subscription to a book publisher for a reason. Because I often will read up how something works. Many of use spend hours and hours learning things and understanding the nuances of the tech. Its okay to ask questions, but you better have tried to solve the problem or at least understand what needs to be done.

Because most devs are shit and have remained shit since a junior due to attitude. When I go help a junior I have low expectations to begin with, and if I start thinking they aren't putting the effort in to self learn I lose motivation. Why waste time getting someone to a level they can contribute (so they can really self learn) if you suspect they will just sit at that level and produce the lowest quality possible.