Subj : Re: What things should successful programmers-to-be learn right now?
To   : comp.programming
From : Scott Moore
Date : Fri Jul 01 2005 12:51 pm

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 ?
> 
> 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.

Its a matter of learning how to program. If you are learning one particular
language, its a good bet you are going to be a bad programmer, to join
the masses of bad programmers that churn out the crap that clogs computers
nowdays.

Hint. There is no formula solution to being a good programmer.

> 
> 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.

I've beem programming since the 70's. Over that time, virtually nothing
has changed for me. No huge times of unemployment, no pay cuts, no
significant change in demand.

However, thats not the same experience as even the guy next door.
Here in silicon valley, we saw mass exodus of programmers, mostly the
ones who came here in the "gold rush" of the late 1990's. I've met
plenty of programmers who can't seem to find a job.

So its going to depend on you. Its really the "French restaurant joke",
if you have to ask how much it costs, you can't afford it. In programming,
if you have to ask if your job market is good, then it won't be.

YOU make your programming market. The market does not make you.

> 
> I'd really like to hear other people's perspectives, ideas and
> insights on this.
> 
> Best regards,
> Rick D.
> 

Luck.

.