42. Mass Effect 2

3 min readAug 30, 2023

My Journey into Backend Programming with JavaScript

As a programmer, I embarked on a quest to explore the vast universe of backend development using JavaScript. It was a journey filled with excitement, challenges, and of course, a sprinkle of humor. So grab your towel and let’s dive into the world of coding!

Why JavaScript?

JavaScript, often referred to as the language of the web, has become a prominent player in both frontend and backend development. Its versatility and widespread adoption made it an obvious choice for me to venture into the realm of backend programming.

But before I set off on my programming adventure, I couldn’t help but recall the iconic number 42 from Douglas Adams’ “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” Little did I know that this reference would follow me through my journey, popping up unexpectedly like a hidden Easter egg in my code.

The Mass Effect 2 of Backend Development

Armed with my trusty editor, I embarked on my mission, ready to conquer the challenges of backend programming. Little did I know that it would feel like playing Mass Effect 2 on insanity mode — exhilarating, unpredictable, and occasionally frustrating.

Just like Commander Shepard assembling their team to save the galaxy, I had to assemble my toolkit of JavaScript libraries and frameworks. From Express.js to Node.js, MongoDB to PostgreSQL, I felt like I was recruiting the best squad members to complete my backend mission.

But as any Mass Effect fan knows, it’s not all about the main quest. Side quests, or in my case, debugging, became an integral part of my journey. Every time I encountered a bug, I couldn’t help but think, “I should have chosen a different dialogue option.”

JavaScript’s Backend Superpowers

Despite the occasional hurdles, diving into backend programming with JavaScript was an eye-opening experience. I discovered the superpowers that make JavaScript a formidable force in the backend world.

One of these superpowers is JavaScript’s ability to handle asynchronous operations like a champ. With the help of promises and async/await, I was able to write code that could juggle multiple tasks simultaneously, just like Shepard managing their squad during intense combat.

Another superpower lies in the vast collection of npm packages available. It felt like stumbling upon a treasure trove of powerful tools, each providing a unique ability to enhance my backend applications. It was like finding a hidden stash of omni-gel in Mass Effect 2 — a valuable resource to solve problems quickly.

Life, the Universe, and 42

Throughout my journey, the number 42 kept making its presence felt, reminding me of the absurdity and humor that can be found in coding. Sometimes, the answer to a problem was as elusive as the meaning of life, but with perseverance and a dash of creativity, I managed to unravel the mysteries hidden within my code.

As I wrapped up my journey into backend programming with JavaScript, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. The challenges I faced, the bugs I squashed, and the solutions I crafted made me a better programmer. It was a journey worth taking, and I was glad I didn’t panic when faced with the unexpected.

So, whether you’re venturing into backend programming or exploring the vastness of the universe, remember to keep your sense of humor intact. After all, life, coding, and the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything — it’s all a bit like JavaScript and Mass Effect 2: an adventure waiting to be experienced, filled with surprises, laughter, and a healthy dose of 42.