proficiency in programming languages

[EmperorNero]

when pertaining to getting a successful job, is it better to learn several languages moderately-to semi-proficient or to learn one popular language VERY well?

 

[spwango]

IMHO, I would learn Java, Standard C++, and as much as I loathe and hate it, some MFC. Any other languages that you learn are certainly a plus, but Java and C++ (Visual and Standard) are the biggies these days...I'm not big into memorizing syntax. These days, there is so much to learn, there are very few of us smart enough to memorize it all. The only people that need to flat out memorize all the syntax of a programming language are text book writers anyway. You should be able to code just about anything--keep in mind that it is perfectly OK to use a reference...but I could be wrong

Thanks,

spwango

 

[chemos]

Nero>
it's best to specialize, but not necessarily in just one language. i'd say, rather, a range of languages which fit well into whatever environment you want to program for. for example, you could easily group together many languages which are used to design websites. you can also use a combination of languages (and apps) for creating certain types of games. or programs specifically designed to communicate over the internet.

the idea is to decide what area of development you'd most like to explore, then research the relevant languages/apps associated with it. here are some examples.

database--SQL, pervasive (ick), oracle
web development--vb/javascript, java, php, perl, html

as far as games and apps, i've had much less experience with them. consider what type of games/apps you'd like to work at, then research the language "tool" which is best for the job. keep in mind that games in particular often include much more than programming, such as animations, graphic design, etc.

 

[coder1]

Don't forget Visual Basic, It's one of the most currently used languages.

I kept getting a lot of questions on the topic of where to start in the programming field. So I thought I would write down my opinion of the matter. This info (for me) has accumulated over the last 4 years of my programming experinece.

#1 You first need to decide what type of programming you want to do. Exm: Games, Windows Apps, Legacy Platforms, Web Development.

#2 You also need to decide if you want to be in an area where there is a lot of jobs are in demand. Exm. Games or Database development. Obviously anyone who has gone to Monster.com or Computerjobs.com and looked for programming jobs would see database and eb development are more in demand than games. But Games may be what you want to do. So again you have to refer to #1

#3 How much money do you want to make. Some coding is harder than others, some is more in demand (Again #2) If you just do ASP and HTML, your not going ot make as much as someone who does VB/VC COM and COM+ (This is mostly speculative, I know this will very from are to area, as well as the employer)

To explain a little about myself. I currently work for a .com company (Yes one of the few who are still around, Hopefully for a little while longer anyways, I do alot of Visual Basic COM+ and some ASP and Client side script. (but for the most part I just do the COM+) I have also in the pass done C++ (MFC) and Java. But from my experience, in my area there is a lot of demand for some high-end VB developers. Decent Pay too. I enjoy what I do, I would like to do more Java down the road, but all in good time.

I know there are some very good programmers on this board, If you would like to add some of your experiences as well. Some of the people interested in this field I'm sure would like to hear. If you have any questions just post them here, Maybe we can answer em.

I do apologize again if some people are offended that I didn't put this in OT. I just knew alot of the hardware guys were interested as well.