in reply to C++, C# or Java

A lot depends on what platforms you want to work on. Java is good if you are doing webapps and want to continue doing so. C# is kinda the same, but limits you to IIS. C++ is more for guts development. You're going to be tied kinda primarily to Visual C++, cause that's the one I've seen more job offers for. That's going to be more if you want to develop against the Win32 API.

Personally, I'd learn Java (to put bread on the table), then learn something like hardcore C and start hacking away at your favorite open-source project. Having opensource projects to my name has gotten me 2 jobs my last two jobs and two other job offers. (This during the "IT downturn" with a "dying language".)

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We are the carpenters and bricklayers of the Information Age.

Then there are Damian modules.... *sigh* ... that's not about being less-lazy -- that's about being on some really good drugs -- you know, there is no spoon. - flyingmoose

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C# on *nix as well (mono)
by g00n (Hermit) on Apr 03, 2004 at 04:18 UTC
    C# is kinda the same, but limits you to IIS

    No dont forget Mono. If you know Perl, you can embed it with Mono. Refs:

    How useful this is to the original question is debatable. One thing I didn't get from the original post was *what* type of work and what industry they want to work in.

    My advice would be: A) take dragonchild's advice (tactical short term) and then B)*expand* your existing skillset beyond programming into areas such as usability (strategic longer term).

    As the IT industry matures comodity tasks like programming (sigh) are being outsourced. Higher level tasks such as usability *could* (caevet emptor) be in much higher demand.

    update: looking for an open source problem? - read this article, usability and CUSP (Common Unix Printing System).
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Re: Re: C++, C# or Java
by gellyfish (Monsignor) on Apr 16, 2004 at 10:22 UTC
    C# is kinda the same, but limits you to IIS

    I'm not so sure the OP was talking about web development. As has been pointed out we now have mono and if one is interested in web development it will work with Apache. I have also experimented with using the MS .NET stuff with Apache on windows but that is a discussion for elesewhere

    Right now I would say C# is going to get you more work for a while as it is still relatively new with fewer programmers than c++ and Java, but with quite a lot of PHB brainshare - I see quite a few roles where they are also looking for experience with other MS software such as BizTalk and SQL Sew^hrver - but with some good rates (at least in the UK right now).

    /J\

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