From C# to Java

Question

I don't know whether this is a valid question to ask here or not, but I made an attempt.

I am basically a C# guy. But since the last 7 days I have been asked to work in java (J2SE 1.4) and I am working in that. and gradually I am finding interest in that.

I want to learn more about it and since I am finding a lot of similarity between C# and Java(what ever I have gleaned + worked so far in those 7 days), I am planning to steer my career in that.

But having spent for more than 2 years in C# and then moving to java, will it be a problem in future (say after 3/4 months) if I need to change my job.. I mean my most of the exp. lies in C# and just started JAVA. so how the technical panel will accept me if I need to change the platform?

Thanks

Answer 1

so how the technical panel will accept me if I need to change the platform?

If they have any sense, they will look at the amount of Java experience you have, and also take into account that you have significant experience in a technically similar language.

People in the IT industry are constantly learning new (or different) technologies. Any recruiter who will only look at someone's experience in the primary language / technologies / buzzwords for the current job is going to miss a lot of good talent with broader knowledge and experience.

Answer 2

Focus on becoming a better developer. Learn as many languages as you can. Any employer that won't hire you because you don't have X months experience with Java/C#/MSMQ/LOLCODE is clueless.

Good companies want to hire smart, well-rounded developers. Not someone who listed a magic combination of technologies on their CV.

Answer 3

I think most everybody on this site would encourage you to learn a new language if it interests you. IMHO, the fact that you've been focusing on C# would not stop me from hiring you in a Java position. If you have a strong grasp of C# then you should not have any problem switching to Java.