Thread: C++ Vs Java : Job market stability & probability.

According to analysts (Evans Data Corp.) the number of Java developers will outnumber the number of C++ developers by the end of next year. This makes it sound as if Java programmers would have greater opportunity in the future (assuming the supply is a function of demand).

An interesting thing I read a couple of months ago, however, said that C++ would still be highly-paid, highly-sought-after skill for at least the next 5 years. C++ developers are the only ones who can maintain C++ programs -- much of the software that exists in most enterprise/corporate situations is still C++. Given that C++ is a more difficult-to-learn and robust to work with language than Java, C++ developers -- good, experienced, senior-level, anyway -- are expected to be worth a great deal more than equitable Java developers.

What does this mean in a nutshell? Java may get you your foot in the door, but C++ will likely get you your own door (think corner office with a window).

C++ will likely get you your own door (think corner office with a window).

you don't actually believe this do you? how about you can keep your job, and here's you cubicle. Sorry, there are no windows in the basement. here' s two million lines of code to debug. that sounds more like someone who maintains the company's code....hah

Actually -- look at it this way:

The number of Java developers in the marketplace are increasing at a far more rapid rate than C++ developers (just look at the required curriculum of many technical schools and traditional universities that offer these courses -- C++ is being pushed as an elective/opt-in route whereas Java is typically required). However, it is common knowledge that learning Java with a C++ skillset is considered fairly painless, whereas learning C++ with a Java skillset is a considerably wilder beast.

Now, consider the increased functionality of C++. While it is unwieldy at times, it is also incredibly powerful for those that know it well. That knowledge far surpasses the "code maintenance" realm, and the same knowledge can be applied to a number of other languages and programs than those just written in C++.

The demand still remains for C++, and while it's not increasing and (some say) is actually marginally decreasing, most agree it's stable. The traditional law of supply and demand means that if demand remains the same, supply would too -- but that speaks proportionately. If the demand for C++ is stable, but new developers entering the workforce are heavily skilled in Java and paying less and less attention to C++, what does that say about supply? Proportionately, it's shrinking.

Now also consider the whole e-commerce, web services, online business initiatives. Java was in its heyday there, because the functionality that Java provided was just enough to respond to the demand of e-businesses, without the overhead that C++ demands. But that too is evolving -- it's going more XML-based (vs. HTML & Javascript -- notably different than Java) for front end, Java for middleware, and good ol' fashioned C++-type of languages for back-end and database. The powerhouse applications -- "mission critical" as the term may be -- are overwhelmingly written in something other than Java. Do you expect these to disappear with the advent of web services? Not in the least -- in fact, more time and attention will be paid in securing these backend systems as more emphasis will be placed on their functionality through web services.

Add to all of this the bonuses that C++ has over Java -- international standardization, non-proprietary, etc. Java has bonuses too, but the main focus lies in its portability -- and with the varying versions of and lack of reverse-compatability with new JVMs, that too is becoming an issue (for example, I believe SUN creates the JVM only for Windows and Solaris -- other OSs' JVMs are written by the OS-maker themselves -- the threat of 'forking' is always a possibility).

Given that information, and responding to the question of Job market stability & probability -- which would you rather have? A C++ developer who has the ability to program your backend, learn your middleware, and manage the development both? Or a Java developer who knows the middleware, but is way in over their head when asked to think outside of their own vaccuum?

I neglected to post this in my last (lengthy) post -- apologies -- but it may provide more information on the Java vs. C++ question:

http://www.extremetech.com/article/0...p%253D1,00.asp

It doesn't matter what the majority of programmers think. Most of them will shine shoes if their boss tells them to, they use whatever they are told to use. An informed programmer already knows the answer and most people will have to wait a few years to find out for themselves.

I was actually having this conversation with my professor today. He said while the job market will be better for C++ developers for years to come, he gave me this analogy......

If C++ is the Earth.....then Java is the Universe.

I think that we have only begun to understand the potential for this language[Java]. He is currently working on a project for a major industrial equipment company using Java. A chip is going to be placed in every piece of equipment being produced. It will monitor all parts, processes being performed by the equipment and it's location at all times. The second something goes wrong or a part breaks for example, information will be instantly transferred to the manufacture via satellite. The proper replacement part will immediately be shipped to the owner of the equipment within 30 minutes of the part breaking. In many cases, the owner of the equipment will have the part within one hour....having never made a phone call or left the job site. Detailed installation instructions will be available immediately via online terminal. Web video conference with a trained technician will also be available. The details of the project go on and on. Powered by Java.

My point is...with technology forever advancing ..the future is hard to predict...but with more powerful languages finally starting to reach their potential ... I think we have some really exciting things in store for us in the future...and in the job market as well.

-DIS

P.S This professor has attened 4 One week long, Professional Java seminars @ around $30,000(U.S) a piece....at the expense of my college of course....boy wouldn't that be nice

Well, i m in IT. Our firm has clients who are into IBM mainframes, AS400, JAVA, C++ ...
If you speak of stability, both in the market and the machine itself, i would say that IBM mainframes definitely score points over the rest of the counterparts. Since these machines are hanging around even before C or Java was developed, the applications on IBM mainframes are many. Add to that the robustness of these machines; big companies keep taking the plunge into mainframes. Yes, the initial set up cost does discourage some. Anyway, due to the sheer number of applications in this field, it has remained largely unaffected by the recession.

What we have observed is that the life span of projects in open systems usually ranges from a few months to a year, while that of mainframes ranges from a year to 5 or 6 years !!! Obviously, that translates into a lot of money for us.

now ask the same question in a java forum.

Java is not only used in internet applications. When looking around in the company where I work, I see that also in automotive applications and other embedded applications like TV's, mobile phones etc. it is used more and more.

In many embedded applications it is used in combination with C++, but in fact there are projects which are entirely done in Java.

I think the question "C++ or Java?" is not specific enough. It depends on what you want to do.

When thinking about jobs and programming languages, I would say: learn both.