Java vs. .NET question

[ike2010]

I'm not sure if this is the right forum to ask this, but I was wondering if anyone had any comments/insight/suggestions for me. I'm about to graduate with a Computer Science degree and will begin my job search within the next month or so. Here is my situation: I am very comfortable with Java and have some experience with .jsp. I am not very familiar with .NET or .asp. However, most of the jobs I see out there require VB, .asp, etc. experience. I was planning on getting a Java certification soon, but if the job market is poor for those skills, I don't want to put the effort and money into the exam. What are your thoughts on the current market and what people are looking for? Should I continue on my Java path or begin the journey into the Microsoft world? I'm a relatively fast learner, so I could probably pick up on .NET fairly quickly, but I'm just not sure. From what I've seen, I really don't like VB, so if I choose that path, it will only be based on obtaining a job. Thanks.

ike2010

 

[DaveSimmons]

C++ is much more marketable than java, but there is still java work out there for all the companies using linux / unix / solaris.

VB work is plentiful, especially for programs for in-house corporate use, though at lower pay since there are many self-taught and non-CS people doing it. And if you dislike it now, you'll probably hate your job when you're writing it 8 hours a day. It might make more sense to pick up C# for ASP.NET development instead. It's much more java-like and you have a lot less competition even if there are fewer positions.

Or you could accept that you'll have to look harder for a job you'll enjoy, and continue with the java.

 

[WannaFly]

Well it is good that you are good with Java. But, i would suggest getting familiar with .NET also, VB or C#(same thing, code is slightly different). having a java background you will kinda feel familiar coding C#. I do believe that .NET is a valuable skill to have, lots of employers are intrested in it.

 

[replicator]

Yeah, I agree with WannaFly, in that learning C# will be very easy for you.

I learned java in school and took at least 3 classes that used it but still never learned much practical stuff. However, it wasn't a waste since it helped me pick up C# in no time, which I found to be even easier than working with Java. It is easier to wrap your head around things because everything u need is in the one framework. No worrying about different dev environments, servlet engines, and application servers.

Many of the web developers that I know that were big on Java and servlets are moving to ASP .NET because it is faster to develop in and easier to maintain. I think that many businesses will end up moving to .NET for the same said reason.

 

[DT4K]

I'm on the opposite side. I'm a VB/MS SQL guy looking to switch to java/unix/C++ stuff.

I've been looking through job postings at Dice and Monster over the past couple weeks and it seems to me like there are just as many, if not more postings that are java related.

But if you are fluent in Java and OO in general, you will pick up .Net very quickly. Especially if you go the C# route.
Although VB.Net is a completely different language from VB6, I think it will continue to be viewed as a lesser language simply because of the VB name and the fact that most former VB6 programmers will be moving to VB.Net. This is one of the reasons I suggested that my development team standardize on C# for future development instead of VB. More respect and a cleaner syntax (in my opinion).