What Programming Language to Learn this Summer?

[pogs4ever]

Hey Guys,

I am a computer engineer but have been mainly dealing with integrated circuits (digital cameras specifically). Looking to switch career paths and get back into the programming aspect mainly for generally more flexible hours and the opportunity to move to a new location by next winter.

I figure I have about 8-9 months to spruce up on my skill list, curious to know what kind of languages you think would be hot to learn right now. I graduated from school like 10 years ago when they were still teaching c++ and the typical comp eng type languages; assembly/fortran, perl, vhdl, verilog etc. I figure Java would be a minimum.

Key parameter would be availability of jobs in places skiers would want to go.

Thanks in advance!

[nfaust]

Are you looking to get into a specific industry?

In the web-world, seems like PHP and Rails are the hot tickets right now. Maybe check out job postings for the big ecommerce guys (backcountry, etc)? Transworld Business and Malakye just released a report that highlighted major gaps in the ecommerce and operations areas.

PLC programming always seems to be in demand as well, although that's typically platform-specific, though there are certainly common threads between them. No idea what that job market would be like in a ski town though.

Some of the big engineering and architecture firms employ full-time programmers for scripting, but most of those will be based in major cities (San Fran, NYC and LA, namely).

[pix0r]

Lots of opportunities for mobile app developers these days - iPhone/iPad stuff in particular, but across the board it's a growing market.

[ryan b]

Check out:
http://langpop.com/ and http://www.tiobe.com/index.php/conte...pci/index.html

It really depends what you want to do but I think there is a strong case for python plus some database stuff and maybe brushing up on your C and C++ if you already know them. Python is great (and gaining a lot of ground thanks to google using it widely) for web stuff and very popular with GIS and data analysis folk. Prototyping in python and optimizing in C or C++ when required is a really productive work flow.

I dislike java and think Oracle is mismanaging it but there are a lot of jobs out there, particularly if you like enterprise stuff.

[pogs4ever]

hey guys,

thanks for the feedback, yah python is on the list now too. And I agree too that Oracle is mismanaging Java.

Though my gut instinct is against web development, the skier in me would consider that jump because there appears to me quite a bit more opportunity in ski towns as shown by the JH web developer post in this forum!.

I've been perusing linkedin quite a bit for the few days, I'll have to tabulate the data which I think would be an interesting study.

[Like a Boss]

I'm a total programming JONG, but the only language that didn't immediately make my eyes roll back into my head and give me convulsions was Python (tried learning C++ and Java on my own). Come to think of it, "JONG" would be a great name for a new programming language.

[SkiCougar]

i'm a microsoft programmer(visual studio .net), but i would suggest java. it is the most widely used, is the basis of a lot of other languages and will offer you the most opportunity imo.

[Crass3000]

Sounds like you have a solid base with hardware stuff ike vhdl and verilog. Actually sounds like you have experience or exposure to languages in a few different areas. Versions of C (C++, C#) and Java are probably your best bets for languages that are used most often if you want to do straight programming. You really have to look at what type of programming you want to do. Someone in your shoes can probably answer your own question as you already know what the languages you have exposure to are primarily used for. There are just so many different types of programming that it really matters if you want to get into typical programming, testing, controls, etc. Sounds like you want to get out of the hardware design and assembly area.

Just out of curiousity, what languages were you using (VHDL, verilog, possibly assembly if you programmed the chip)? Really just curious cause I find it interesting. I'm pretty far removed from programming.