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What Programming should I focus on?

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by nathanmiller339

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I am currently an MIS Major. We primarily work with Java. I wanted to see what my focus should be in programming. Should I try to focus more on learning Java? VB.NET? Or should I look at working with the Database side of things? SQL? Oracle? Which will provide the best job opportunies? Which position tends to make the most money? Any help or feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.

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by tony hopkinson

by the time you've finished studying, it will have changed. There are also massive regional variations, never mind those from country to country.

Do you want to be a programmer, do you like it?.

Java is still going strong, C#.Net and ASP.Net are very strong. Learn C#.net, VB.NET is a transition language for VB6ers.

If you are going to program, you need databases anyway, SQL is a language for doing that. You need XML as well.

Learn database theory, apply it with a DBMS, learn programming theory apply it with a language.
Products change, disciplines don't. (well as much)

When you figured out X with Y, try it with Z. You'll learn from differences.

Oh and don't wait until study has ended to start working.
Set up web sites help local businesses out, write some freeware, contribute to open source. But have something on your cv besides the qualification.

by stress junkie

This question comes up all of the time. There has been a discussion about these discussions in the last few days. Look for previous discussions before posting a question. Why should people repeat the same things in this discusson that they have said in the previous 500 identical discussions?

Learn how to use Google.

by uncaalby

You know, it is possible to provide a link - - -

You're probably right about the discussions, but as it so happens, I stumbled upon this one because TechRepublic sent me an e-mail with a link to it.

So, apparently, the Powers That Be at TechRepublic thought this thread had some merit.

Either that, or it's more computerized that I thought!

:-)

by jslarochelle

...and you already have some Java background it would be wise to learn C# and take a look at the .NET platform. In your position it will be an asset to have some C# experience. Tony Hopkinson is right about the extra work you do while still in school. If you can`t find people to work for don`t be afraid to start your own project. Write a program in C# for your own use. Don`t neglect Java, it might be good idea to perfect some aspect of Java that you have not worked with very much.
Good luck!
JS

by kovachevg

Java runs everywhere, so porting is much easier compared to .Net technologies.

It is OK to learn either at the programmer level. However, as you try to breach the management perimeter (sorry, but that's where the money is) you will find that all sorts of technologies come in handy and you need to undertand them all - advantages, disadvantages, and prospects. Then the best way to understand them is to have worked with them, more or less. Of course, there will always be new technologies to explore, but you only need to focus on the ones relevant to your company's business goals.

Step back every two years and ask yourself if thats where you wanna be in your career. If the answer is no, look for a change - maybe another company, maybe a different position with your current employer. IT professionals are notorious about managing their careers. That's probably the best lesson I've been thought in Grad school (CIS major, we are close).

by tony hopkinson

It's much is easier if you guarantee one jvm across your audience. If you can't you are, like many others, going to feel badly let down.

One of the biggest bars to higher quality software in the industry is the idea that getting it is less valuable than man management.

Any organisation worth teching for should have technical track advancement for those who do not want or are unsuited to breaching the management parameter.

Not knocking you for having management aspirations, but I've never understood why taking a good tech and turning him into a crap manager was seen as a good idea for anyone.

by uncaalby

After all, what do we use computers for, if not for the aggregation, filtration, and presentation of data? Hence, databases.

And how can the data be aggregated, fitrated, or presentated without procedural programming? Hence, programming languages.

Procedural programming plus database technology IS computer science. Yes, definitely learn both.

by tony hopkinson

Do the same task in java and .net and asp. Do it with internet services, a socket connect, files.....

Use Mysql, Oracle, PostGre MSSQl, XML.

You'll learn more about each 'product' by it's differences to others than you will perusing the manuals of each individually.

Above all you learn the databases aren't oracle , programming is not java, so many people get that backwards.

You program in a language not with a language.

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