Rob Edwards wrote:
> I have found that the best one so far is KDevelop, writing in C++. Let me know if
>you know of a better one cause I really could do with it, but in my limited use of
>Linux this is the best yet.
That could be fine for people wanting to focus on gui development with KDE, however
there are also other factors to consider. One factor is what country the person is
in. If in the USA, then I wouldn't focus overly much on gui development, because this
is work which can be easily shipped overseas, or for which less expensive foreign
labor is brought in to do. Been in that situation and not only observed it, but also
experienced it.
If you're in the USA and American, then it might be better to develop skills for work
which can't be done from overseas. Examples are systems and network administration
when these involve setting up systems. Systems can be administrated from remote, but
they definitely can't be set up from remote. Systems adminstration also often
requires being on-site. Hence, these types of skills are more secure with respect to
employment, for those for whom this could be a concern.
Database administration is probably also more secure than sw development and
engineering.
As for KDevelop, I'm not sure and can't really recommend one way or the other, but can
open the floor for discussion by saying that KDE is only one of several or many window
manager and desktop environments for Linux, and isn't used on Unix, at least not
as far as I'm aware. In this respect, I'ld open the floor to comments regarding what
gui environment would be better to learn, first: KDE, GNOME, X, Motif, ...
I would put forth the idea that learning to develop tools or apps that will run well
in any wm and desktop gui environment would be the better approach, because, then,
your skills or knowledge are restricted to only one environment. On the other hand,
I believe KDE will increasingly become more commonly used on Linux boxes; therefore,
this is not to knock KDE, which is the wm and desktop I've been using for a few months.
If you don't mind "specializinig", then whether you choose KDE or GNOME to develop
skills with should not matter too much. I look at it, however, from an income point
of view. For example, if there's no income to be made developing in KDE, but there is
in developing with GNOME, then shouldn't be too difficult to guess which of the two
I'ld choose; and vice versa. Etcetera
If you wish to start your own small development business, or you wish to work for KDE,
or a Linux disbributor, then look at what skills would be appropriate. If you wish to
work on large systems for large companies, then there are other considerations,
some at the skill level and some with respect to what's been going on with respect to
massive immigration and the replacement of Americans with foreigners, as well as all
of this leading to age discrimination.
This hasn't happened to all Americans, however for Americans envisioning finding
employment in the USA, there are definitely factors which immediately exist to give
due consideration to. I am one among many who knows this reality.
People in other countries don't have this market factor to worry about, albeit
recently read that similar circumstances are evolving in Germany.
Also, look at market factors, how you want to work, and the kind of work you want to
do.
E.g., sole proprietor vendor, sole proprietor consultant, or employee, for large
systems, business systems, telephony, web - intranet/internet -, gui, database,
systems and or network installation and administration, ... Consider what technical
line is
of potential interest, how you want to work, and market factors.
I don't know what the future is going to be for Americans who focused on developing
gui development skills, but know from experience and observations that many foreigners
are hired for this work and placed in environments were they sit elbow to elbow.
People in other countries may have market factors worth considering, but I'm only
aware of what's been going on and continuing to go on in the USA, as well as what some
large German companies recently said they plan on doing, bringing in many foreigners.
I don't have a link to that article; therefore, for people in Germany, or planning on
looking for work there, this might be worth researching.
If, however, people wish to develop programming skills more as a hobby, with or
without the potential, eventual, possibility, of being able to earn "side" income from
these skills, then there's definitely far less need to be concerned about what you
learn. In that case, take the basic skills, like bash and Perl, learn these, explore
what can be done with these, and then read up on other areas, in "belated" parallel,
to see what else would trigger interest.
All newbies interested in programming can find some relevant information in this.
Those just wanting to develop a hobby have the easy path, because you can do what ever
pleases you without it having any impact on your marketability.
Since the initial questioin didn't indicate which category the person is in, this
should cover both avenues, albeit with an emphasis regarding market conditions in the
USA, which is where I last worked.
Be aware that much or most gui jobs in the USA go to foreigners; however, if you have
friends or connections, then this can make the path much easier. Try to gather more
information, because this is only the perspective of one American, albeit many
others also tell of similar circumstances; therefore, not unique, but I haven't done
the statistical research to know the exact proportions.
This is newbie material.
mike
> >
> > I know that this is rather off-topic, but I notice that Linux comes with a few
>optional programming programs. Out of the wisening experiences you have all had,
>which programming langauge would you guys say that it would be wise to invest in?
>Thanks
> >
> > Drew Jackman
> > [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> > ICQ 20177604
>
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