Question

I’ve just finished a my first year of programming Java at varsity and I have a three month break.

In terms of my development would it be better to:

• Cover Java in more depth to acquire a more intermediate level of ability
• Learn a new programming language (if so which) to a similar level as my current Java ability
• Spend timing learning introductory discrete maths, algorithms and data structures

I’m also open to any other possibilities that would be beneficial but that could be covered in about 3 months

Answer 1

Write code. Having written actual code is much more valuable than reading books. It seems it’s a problem that programmers can’t write code – see here. So in order not to be one of those that can’t program, write code.

You can undertake a project of your taste. Since it’s now popular, you can create some social tool, like TweetDeck or HootSuite. Or you can create an arbitrary useful software. For the cornet-shop or car-repair garage of a relative of yours, whatever.