Subj : Re: What things should successful programmers-to-be learn right now?
To   : comp.programming
From : gswork
Date : Fri Jul 01 2005 08:26 am

Rick D. wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> What are the most important things successful programmers-to-be should
> learn right now, to have a shot at a great career ?

not to over-focus on specific metholodies, languages and technologies
but instead to have a reasonably comprehensive grasp of data structures
and algorithms and the ability to design code to both meet a
requirement and be readable and maintainable.

i would probably expect an understanding of how to implment a program
using OO and procedural methods minimally, and to do so in 2 or more
fairly different languages - just for flexibility and reflecting
learning power.

saying that, become a rare expert in one field with some arcane
language can get you a great job, if you can find it!

> Is it just a matter of learning C#, the .NET api, and visual studio
> these days. Or is .NET highly overhyped and should they focus on more
> conservative languages like C++, JAVA or even VB ? And what
> frameworks, api's, design methods and other skills will be relevant in
> a few years time.

all of the above are in use.   For 'PC' programming learn to use C++,
and a .NET language to keep you in the Win/Lin camps.  For server side
programming you may use Java some more.   and there are plenty more
languages, development tools, platforms and methodologies available.

> Or should they consider an alternative career altogether, because the
> 90's are over and careers in the software industry are not at all
> rewarding anymore both intellectually and financially. And things may
> get even worse in a few years time.

consider learning about something in addition to programming - take an
accounting course to understand better how to implement software for
accounting, for instance.  Programming plus some significant other
skill or know-how is better than programming alone, usually.

.