10 replies to this topic

[mbridges]

I am learning to program at the moment, in C#. And I wanted to know what languages would be helpful/useful. And after C# I was thinking about learning Java, but I want to know what it mainly is used for. Thank you!

[WingedPanther]

Java can be used for just about anything C# is, but it runs on Linux and Mac as well. It's used on web servers, desktop apps, embedded devices, etc.

[GMVResources]

Best thing about Java is that it can be used on any machine or operating system

[manux]

I've often heard that Microsoft just took Java, changed a few things so it looked worse, then called it C# :D.
No... in fact they added more features, but I heard more good from Java than from C#.
Comparison of Java and C Sharp - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Davide]

Java is mostly identicaly to C#, but it runs on all operating systems. Yet, i'd rather use C# because Visual Studio makes my job easier ten times. The GUI designer is great, and Intellisense even greater.

[abzero]

I would say learn as many languages as you feel your interested in. Then when you have a task you'll be able to pick the right tool for the right job. It's worth learning Java to get another Slant on the modern managed byte-coded language (like C#.) It's also worth looking into C/C++ as you will learn some low level stuff you're protected from in those. Also if you havn't learn a non-procedural language, Haskel, Prolog etc...

[InfiniteRecursion]

To Davide: I would agree with you that Visual Studio would be a great IDE because of the awesome GUI designer; however, NetBean also has an easy to use GUI designer as well.

So I would most likely go with Java because of the JVM where it makes it possible to run on any machine and of course with the ability of the zipping all of your class into a .jar file is also a great deal in java

[Davide]

I find the NetBeans IDE pretty good, yet there are some things that REALLY need to be fixed if they want people to use it. Apart from that, I hate to publish my application as a .jar file, even though there are ways to turn it into an .exe or .app.

[kweku]

Learning java can benefit you, I would say learn it now rather than have to learn it later.

As for the tools, I personnally prefer netbeans, there is also a new version of it (netbeans 6.9), but you must find something that you are most confotable to work with.

[marwex89]

I think he was talking about learning both?

Java is absolutely worth the time. Lots and lots of jobs require Java knowledge. It was the most popular language last time I checked. I hate it. But it's absolutely worth knowing.

[farrell2k]

Yes, Java is worth learning. I love Java. Once you get an understanding of the basics, you realize how truly wonderful the language is. I have tried forcing interest in c# here and there, but I always fall back to Java. If I write something, I can run it on Windows, mac, and Linux with little to no changes, which makes me happy. I am also interested in mobile development, and in that arena Java is absolutely dominant.