Programming Language Specialization Dilemma

aremstar writes "I'm a final-year Computer Science student from the UK. During my studies, we covered 3 programming languages: C, C++ and Java. The issue is that we didn't cover any of these languages in sufficient depth for me to claim that I have commercial-ready experience. It's one thing being able to write simple programs for class assignments, but those are quite different from writing something as complex as the Linux kernel or a multi-threaded banking app. I'm thinking of spending a few weeks/months studying in order to specialize in one of those languages. Fortran also entered my consideration, as it is great for numerical computing and used by many financial institutions, banks, etc. In terms of skill requirements in job ads, my (brief) experience suggests that most programming jobs require C++, with Java a close second. C — unfortunately — doesn't appear as much. My question is: if you were in my shoes, which language would win your time investment? My heart suggests C, with a little bit of Fortran to complement it, but I'm a bit worried that there might not be enough demand in the job market."

Forget'em

[oldhack]

Do your best to forget everything you've learned in CS, and go to nursing school. You'd be happier and live longer. :-)

Re:Procedural only? Sad

[godrik]

I would say OP should broaden his mind and learn a functionnal language such as caml [inria.fr]. He will probably never use them professionally but they are so enlightening.

Re:Good News!

[interstellar_donkey]

Specialize in LOGO. There are so few turtle masters out there that you're sure to get a job!

Re:Good News!

[Anonymous Coward]

That is the most +1 Insightful thing I have ever said. Mod parent up.

I know what you're thinking, how could I be my parent? It involves a condom and a timemachine and I don't like talking about it.

Re:Good News!

[metamatic]

You can bash microsoft all you want, but most of the job postings (at least around here) are for .Net/C#

Where is "here"? Redmond, Washington?

Re:Good News!

[micheas]

So buy with Pounds and pad the CV.

Unfortunately that requires paying with real money instead of dollars.

The best idea for business programing

[Anonymous Coward]

is of course, COBOL! Cant go wrong with a good dose of COBOL under your belt- excuse me my card sorter just scattered over the floor.

Re:Good News!

[SlashV]

Considering your logic, he's already ahead of one !