Open Post: What Programming Language is Hot and Employable?

[brcmapgirl]

One of my friends is having his contract cut prematurely in about a month. He's got one month to bone up on something new and find a new gig. As a single-parent, this is nothing to sneeze at. Summer camp ain't free.

So I ask you guys, what do you think will find him a job fast?

Comments

[talldean]

Several years of experience in Java or C# make one pretty much instantly employable, but those aren't the kind of thing to bone up on in a month with no background.

What skillset is the friend starting with?

[clynne]

It's not hot, but Perl is always employable, if you're good at it.

[ipsin]

Yeah, I think perl and python are pretty high up on the "effort versus reward" curve.

While java or C# might be more employable, one month will barely get you started.

Whatever the language, the toughest part is finding good examples. I find it's easiest to learn by copying patterns, and bad patterns make for bad code and a bad interview.

I haven't seen the latest O'Reilly books on perl... Do they provide a good section on object-oriented perl, and how to structure larger projects? Their first perl books (before perl 5) were all "here's how the gun works... have fun!"

[ziptie]

Scan CL in your area and see what's in demand. And see this:
http://radar.oreilly.com/2009/02/state-of-the-computer-book-mar-22.html

[l_stboy]

We're trying to hire more than 10 C++ or Java programmers with an interest in aviation at NASA Ames at the moment, and having a hard time of it. We've got projects in both languages that need smart people.