Erlang's Role in Learning and Using Elixir for Programming

The discussion revolves around a question posed by hezwat regarding the need for Elixir programmers to have prior knowledge of Erlang, given that Elixir runs on the Erlang VM. Users from various backgrounds, some even with conference speaking experience, share personal anecdotes and professional insights. The consensus suggests that while knowledge of Erlang isn't essential for Elixir development, familiarity with certain aspects of Erlang can enhance understanding and be occasionally necessary for tasks that involve Erlang libraries or lower-level BEAM interactions. Some users highlight the benefits of starting with Elixir and then learning Erlang to comprehend its documentation and ecosystem nuances. They also discuss different resources and approaches, emphasizing personal projects, the helpful Elixir community, and books as efficient ways to climb up the Elixir learning curve and prepare for professional opportunities.