Tonight I found this very interesting article about why working alone on programming projects is a bad thing. I can really relate to this article because I have been working solo on most project for NINE YEARS. I don't feel it is necessary to elaborate on how we operate, but I would like to mention a few things that would make the perfect work environment for me:

• I don't want to be the best Java programmer at the office, especially not the only Java programmer at the office. My mentor is Google, mailing lists and Sun paid support. I envy the guys I met at JavaOne who's mentors were people who designed profilers, compilers, fancy enterprise systems etc... These guys learned a lot from their mentor, and ended up specializing in a specific area. I don't really have a specialty.
• Now that we're growing, we're starting to investigate formal processes such as the Agile Unified Process and Scrum. I really look forward to the day when all projects follow these processes. I -need- this kind of formal structure, planning and documentation. I need to feel like a professional.
• I wish we could standardize on a programming language, frameworks and tools. I don't like mixing up all kinds of languages and tools because the only resources available only know those languages and tools. Some say choose the right language for the job. I honestly believe that Java is the right language for almost every job, no matter what anyone says to me. I don't care if something is a bit quicker or easier to write in an other language. I want the power, scalability, maintainability and standards that Java provides me with. I want to work on end-to-end Java projects with people who have the same passion for Java, standards and professionalism that I have.

I have been given great opportunities to explore and learn Java at work, and the opportunity to make big company-wide changes. The number of positive changes we've made lately has made me excited about getting up in the morning and going to work again. I can see myself working there for as long as I'm needed. Now if I could only make those VB6, PHP, and C++ guys realize that Java is the truth, the way, and the light ;)