Need to keep up with new programming languages..

[Arcadio]

I've been working exclusively with Java, VB.NET, C++, and C# over the past 8 years. What languages should I consider if I want to expand my expertise of programming and development. Should I focus on web development? app development? linux? android and mobile devices? What would you do, especially if you want to get some extra income?

One thing I definitely won't do is website design/photoshop or other "artistic" web development.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Android support seems to be a growing market

 

[YoungGun21]

Android is essentially just Java I believe so you could do that. Not a bad gig if you do it part time and make some paid apps. Also read a story about a 15yo kid that made some iphone apps and is now getting $1mil invested into his company to produce more fully featured apps. So you might just get lucky like that.

 

[Kirby]

Functional language? It definitely forces you to think a different way.

 

[Ken g6]

#1: Javascript and jQuery. (Unless there's some hot new API I don't know about.) For some plugins, they've already done the "web design" work for you.
#2: PHP? You have most of the other common backend languages already. PHP is like Java in Perl's clothing.
#3: Python might give you a gentle introduction to a language capable of some functional programming. (Python list comprehensions bridge the gap for me between SQL queries and lambda expressions. Then again, I've gotten no further than that. )

 

[purbeast0]

one thing that has been popping up quite a bit recently in the mobile market is Flex. you should check it out, it's pretty damn cool.

i've never used it, but basically you can have 1 code base and deploy to tons of different mobile platforms.

it seems like everything you have is fine as well, and can translate to most other languages. if anything else i'd say Ruby because I've seen some high paying job offers for jobs requiring Ruby.

 

[Saint Nick]

Ruby/Rails is getting popular but its a bit more specialized.

 

[aceO07]

Ruby/Rails is getting popular but its a bit more specialized.

I've noticed that Rails postings are trying to get web designer/developer/dba/sys admin in 1 position.

 

[Farang]

Depending on where you're strongest, sounds like the best thing you could get into is Android. For example here in Seattle, a java developer with a few years experience and less than a year on Android could ask for $55-$65/hr. Compare that to a VB.NET C# developer, who with 10 years experience is probably asking for $40-45/hr.

However it should be said that the best Android developers, who start to command $65/hr+, are those who can also do UI work and basically create entire apps from scratch.

 

[Arcadio]

Ok, I will check out Ruby, and maybe start doing some Android Programming... perfect excuse to get an Android tablet.

 

[aceO07]

If you know all those languages, Ruby shouldn't be too hard to pick up. I picked it up on the first day and slowly worked at it. There's still areas of it I haven't touched on, but that's what the internet and books are for.

I don't know if it's possible for you, but I think one important thing is to learn about the industry you're in. It'll help you to understand the software better and also help you if you want to move within the industry.

Of course, this is only really if you don't work in a software shop that has various clients.

 

[the182guy]

+1 for PHP. It's a nice language to get into.

 

[hellfreeze]

Functional language? It definitely forces you to think a different way.

:thumbsup: