A few days ago, someone started a discussion about IT vs web programming. Would anyone care to weigh in on a meatier version of the same question?
Let me explain. I’m a relative newbie (1.5 years at my first full-time programming job) who realizes that there’s a great big wide programming world out there. Since I began, I’ve managed to learn many good practices, discard even more bad habits, become comfortable on both unix and windows, and pick up some tips and tricks. Along the way I’vepicked up Java and VB, to add to C/C++.
So, what next? What should I add to my nearly blank slate? What areas of programming are the most fun? hold the most promise? are cutting edge?
As an engineer turned programmer, I’m intrigued by graphics – on the math side rather than the artistic/ design side. Who is doing graphics programming? Do you like it?
Embedded programming (as I understand it) seems intriguing, since there’s much talk about moving beyond the p.c. What languages are involved? What OS’s? Is it an interesting challenge, or a nuisance?
How many people are doing artificial intelligence? Is it considered a narrow field? What has AI done lately? Are you doing academic research, or commercial software?
I know I’ve left out everyone else, (as I said, it’s a big wide world), but I’m just trying to get a discussion started.
Cheers