Want to find a web developer programming job

Senior Member Joined: Jan 11 2010 Posts: 186

I am currently a programmer working close to home in a language that is not commonly used and have worked there for many years.

Financially, I have to look for something more current with longer hours and better pay.

I have begun to teach myself using Visual Web Developer (asp.net,VB,HTML, java scripts.)

I am feeling discouraged that my "experience" will not be in these things, and that it will hard to find a new job.

I will be able to work longer hours than I currently do, but will have to tele-commute.

What suggestions do any programmers out there have - as to what to learn or what to look for.

Is there an advanced programming type of course I could take? Would that sound better?

Thank you.

Diamond Member Joined: May 24 2007 Posts: 4622

I personally find that once you know one language the others are easy to pick up.

The languages mainly used today is asp.net, asp classic, and php

e-commerce platforms backend are often in java, webapps also.

front end is asp php etc.

Obviously right now there's a massive market for apps, mobile especially, but post windows 8 there will be surge in win apps, so definitely worth going down the .net route for that.

Senior Member Joined: Jan 06 2009 Posts: 240

I agree with e1234 and shoeboxgirly. Speaking from personal experience as both a developer and project manager in financial and media firms:

1. Depending on which languages you are already familiar with, learning a new isn't very hard. For example, C (top down programming) to Java (Object Oriented) is mostly a shift in understanding the way the logic is processed, however, the syntax is a pretty easty transition. Once you understand those two languages, any other language is a walk in the park.

SQL is it's own animal - Sybase and SQL Server are very similar and Oracle a bit different in the syntax.

ASP, Scripting, PHP, are a pretty simple to pick up if you have a good understanding of several other languages. In addition, all of these have excellent, free documentation online.

May I ask what you are currently working in?

2. You should spend time picking up front end languages. Mobile development, especially tablet, are picking up more and more. I know that media, advertising, and gaming companies spend lots of capital and invest heavily in this. This area will keep on growing in the next few years as well.

What you could do also, is go on monster.com or dice.com and look at the listings. See what requirements seem to appear over and over.

3. You shouldn't have to spend money on a classroom course. There a excellent tutorials and sites out there. Once you pick a language/focus, I'm sure some imamother developers can suggest sites for you.

4. Lastly, also important, you should focus on something you love. For example, if you love graphics, find a niche in that. You want to enjoy something you spend 8 hours a day doing.

Senior Member Joined: Jan 11 2010 Posts: 186

Thank you for your replies - I don't have the internet at home - only check here at work.

I am currently programming in something called Magic.

I have visual web developer installed at home, and am working on learning it - finding it hard to have the time.

I am not great a graphics & will never have that talent or creativity.

Senior Member Joined: Jan 11 2010 Posts: 186

I'm just continuing - you might find it strange that I don't have the internet at home - but currently don't need it so I don't want it if it can be avoided.

I do have a family member I could go to in the evenings if I wanted to start another tutorial. Meanwhile what I'm working with (Visual Web Developer) - I was able to install it and can work with it independently.

I do know C but from years ago.

Sounds like many are saying focus on asp.net. Php seems similar to asp, just with it's own syntax, am I right?