Like most people, I learnt C++ after C. I learnt C++ because it was one of those languages which fetched jobs. I am still studying (doing masters) though. One of my cousins has been working as a developer for around 12 years.
He advises me to learn Java so that I can land up in a good job. He says only few sectors like tele communications use C++ and almost all the enterprise software is developed in Java. I am working as a student technician in my university. The job involves Windows programming in C++. I learnt core Java. I do not know any of those Struts, Hibernate or whatever is out there.
To be on the safer side, I am planning to master both. But I think Java is an ocean, though it’s easier to program in Java than C++ (this is my opinion. C++ lovers don’t kill me).
What do you geeks and professionals out there advise me. Do you think I should learn both of them. Which sectors of the software industry use C++?
Best advice I ever got as an undergraduate was from my languages professor, who told me (paraphrasing here): ‘Don’t memorize languages; don’t marry yourself to a language. They’re just tools. They all do the same basic things. Instead of learning a specific language, learn the foundations of good software development. Then you’ll be able to take any language and be successful with it.’
I feared learning new languages before he told me that. Afterwords, I took his advice to heart and it’s made all the difference. Languages are just tools in your toolbox. If you can program and write good software in one language, you can do it in another.