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What are the impact of a developer when he/she changes technology, like from PHP to Java? [closed]
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I am a software developer currently working in PHP technology for 2 years. I am also pursuing my M.S program. I decided to change my technology to Java in my existing company.
When I requested my manager on the same, he said he would support me for a change, but he listed out some impacts. A change in technology affects a person's career because, he said, I will be losing experience which I gained in PHP for 2 years.
He also told me to prepare in my mind that I would be competing with freshers when I change technologies.
He also suggested me to work in Java as an interest apart from my work, but I won't get much out of it.
I think I can manage my learning curve, but I am not sure about my career curve. I am confused, like what would happen if I change my company.
I want to change. What would be the impacts for the developer when he/she changes his/her technology?
career-development technology career-switch
edited Jan 12 '13 at 19:09
jmort253♦
10.4k54376
asked Jan 12 '13 at 15:13
Dinesh Kumar Sarangapani
1154
closed as off topic by gnat, Oded, jcmeloni Jan 12 '13 at 21:06
Questions on The Workplace Stack Exchange are expected to relate to the workplace within the scope defined by the community. Consider editing the question or leaving comments for improvement if you believe the question can be reworded to fit within the scope. Read more about reopening questions here. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
favorite
I am a software developer currently working in PHP technology for 2 years. I am also pursuing my M.S program. I decided to change my technology to Java in my existing company.
When I requested my manager on the same, he said he would support me for a change, but he listed out some impacts. A change in technology affects a person's career because, he said, I will be losing experience which I gained in PHP for 2 years.
He also told me to prepare in my mind that I would be competing with freshers when I change technologies.
He also suggested me to work in Java as an interest apart from my work, but I won't get much out of it.
I think I can manage my learning curve, but I am not sure about my career curve. I am confused, like what would happen if I change my company.
I want to change. What would be the impacts for the developer when he/she changes his/her technology?
career-development technology career-switch
edited Jan 12 '13 at 19:09
jmort253♦
10.4k54376
asked Jan 12 '13 at 15:13
Dinesh Kumar Sarangapani
1154
closed as off topic by gnat, Oded, jcmeloni Jan 12 '13 at 21:06
Questions on The Workplace Stack Exchange are expected to relate to the workplace within the scope defined by the community. Consider editing the question or leaving comments for improvement if you believe the question can be reworded to fit within the scope. Read more about reopening questions here. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
Typical Indian losing mentality , you can beat Java coder in salary , performance when you switch to Magento platform.Dont you read anything on Internet other than "PHP will give you less payscale" ??
– Pratik C Joshi
Jan 30 '15 at 9:24
1
Don't assume salary is the only reason for my switch because I am an Indian. I wanted to learn a new language and I chose Java.FYI, Now I have learnt 4 languages and will learn multiple things as I grow. That's my Interest. I just wanted to understand my manager's perspective and Companies view in it, Hence the question.
– Dinesh Kumar Sarangapani
Feb 2 '15 at 14:05
Sorry , I didnt read your question properly. I thoght you may be saying like other loser PHP developers -> "Should I switch to Java as I dont get decent salary" .Sorry about that ! Really sorry ! And you know 4 languages , keep it up !!!
– Pratik C Joshi
Feb 2 '15 at 15:09
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
favorite
up vote
0
down vote
favorite
I am a software developer currently working in PHP technology for 2 years. I am also pursuing my M.S program. I decided to change my technology to Java in my existing company.
When I requested my manager on the same, he said he would support me for a change, but he listed out some impacts. A change in technology affects a person's career because, he said, I will be losing experience which I gained in PHP for 2 years.
He also told me to prepare in my mind that I would be competing with freshers when I change technologies.
He also suggested me to work in Java as an interest apart from my work, but I won't get much out of it.
I think I can manage my learning curve, but I am not sure about my career curve. I am confused, like what would happen if I change my company.
I want to change. What would be the impacts for the developer when he/she changes his/her technology?
career-development technology career-switch
edited Jan 12 '13 at 19:09
jmort253♦
10.4k54376
asked Jan 12 '13 at 15:13
Dinesh Kumar Sarangapani
1154
I am a software developer currently working in PHP technology for 2 years. I am also pursuing my M.S program. I decided to change my technology to Java in my existing company.
When I requested my manager on the same, he said he would support me for a change, but he listed out some impacts. A change in technology affects a person's career because, he said, I will be losing experience which I gained in PHP for 2 years.
He also told me to prepare in my mind that I would be competing with freshers when I change technologies.
He also suggested me to work in Java as an interest apart from my work, but I won't get much out of it.
I think I can manage my learning curve, but I am not sure about my career curve. I am confused, like what would happen if I change my company.
I want to change. What would be the impacts for the developer when he/she changes his/her technology?
career-development technology career-switch
edited Jan 12 '13 at 19:09
jmort253♦
10.4k54376
asked Jan 12 '13 at 15:13
Dinesh Kumar Sarangapani
1154
edited Jan 12 '13 at 19:09
jmort253♦
10.4k54376
edited Jan 12 '13 at 19:09
jmort253♦
10.4k54376
edited Jan 12 '13 at 19:09
jmort253♦
10.4k54376
10.4k54376
asked Jan 12 '13 at 15:13
Dinesh Kumar Sarangapani
1154
asked Jan 12 '13 at 15:13
Dinesh Kumar Sarangapani
1154
asked Jan 12 '13 at 15:13
Dinesh Kumar Sarangapani
1154
1154
closed as off topic by gnat, Oded, jcmeloni Jan 12 '13 at 21:06
Questions on The Workplace Stack Exchange are expected to relate to the workplace within the scope defined by the community. Consider editing the question or leaving comments for improvement if you believe the question can be reworded to fit within the scope. Read more about reopening questions here. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
closed as off topic by gnat, Oded, jcmeloni Jan 12 '13 at 21:06
Questions on The Workplace Stack Exchange are expected to relate to the workplace within the scope defined by the community. Consider editing the question or leaving comments for improvement if you believe the question can be reworded to fit within the scope. Read more about reopening questions here. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
Typical Indian losing mentality , you can beat Java coder in salary , performance when you switch to Magento platform.Dont you read anything on Internet other than "PHP will give you less payscale" ??
– Pratik C Joshi
Jan 30 '15 at 9:24
1
Don't assume salary is the only reason for my switch because I am an Indian. I wanted to learn a new language and I chose Java.FYI, Now I have learnt 4 languages and will learn multiple things as I grow. That's my Interest. I just wanted to understand my manager's perspective and Companies view in it, Hence the question.
– Dinesh Kumar Sarangapani
Feb 2 '15 at 14:05
Sorry , I didnt read your question properly. I thoght you may be saying like other loser PHP developers -> "Should I switch to Java as I dont get decent salary" .Sorry about that ! Really sorry ! And you know 4 languages , keep it up !!!
– Pratik C Joshi
Feb 2 '15 at 15:09
add a comment |Â
Typical Indian losing mentality , you can beat Java coder in salary , performance when you switch to Magento platform.Dont you read anything on Internet other than "PHP will give you less payscale" ??
– Pratik C Joshi
Jan 30 '15 at 9:24
1
Don't assume salary is the only reason for my switch because I am an Indian. I wanted to learn a new language and I chose Java.FYI, Now I have learnt 4 languages and will learn multiple things as I grow. That's my Interest. I just wanted to understand my manager's perspective and Companies view in it, Hence the question.
– Dinesh Kumar Sarangapani
Feb 2 '15 at 14:05
Sorry , I didnt read your question properly. I thoght you may be saying like other loser PHP developers -> "Should I switch to Java as I dont get decent salary" .Sorry about that ! Really sorry ! And you know 4 languages , keep it up !!!
– Pratik C Joshi
Feb 2 '15 at 15:09
Typical Indian losing mentality , you can beat Java coder in salary , performance when you switch to Magento platform.Dont you read anything on Internet other than "PHP will give you less payscale" ??
– Pratik C Joshi
Jan 30 '15 at 9:24
Typical Indian losing mentality , you can beat Java coder in salary , performance when you switch to Magento platform.Dont you read anything on Internet other than "PHP will give you less payscale" ??
– Pratik C Joshi
Jan 30 '15 at 9:24
1
1
Don't assume salary is the only reason for my switch because I am an Indian. I wanted to learn a new language and I chose Java.FYI, Now I have learnt 4 languages and will learn multiple things as I grow. That's my Interest. I just wanted to understand my manager's perspective and Companies view in it, Hence the question.
– Dinesh Kumar Sarangapani
Feb 2 '15 at 14:05
Don't assume salary is the only reason for my switch because I am an Indian. I wanted to learn a new language and I chose Java.FYI, Now I have learnt 4 languages and will learn multiple things as I grow. That's my Interest. I just wanted to understand my manager's perspective and Companies view in it, Hence the question.
– Dinesh Kumar Sarangapani
Feb 2 '15 at 14:05
Sorry , I didnt read your question properly. I thoght you may be saying like other loser PHP developers -> "Should I switch to Java as I dont get decent salary" .Sorry about that ! Really sorry ! And you know 4 languages , keep it up !!!
– Pratik C Joshi
Feb 2 '15 at 15:09
Sorry , I didnt read your question properly. I thoght you may be saying like other loser PHP developers -> "Should I switch to Java as I dont get decent salary" .Sorry about that ! Really sorry ! And you know 4 languages , keep it up !!!
– Pratik C Joshi
Feb 2 '15 at 15:09
add a comment |Â
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
up vote
16
down vote
accepted
When I look at a resume and I see for example "from 2008-2010 worked as a PHP developer, from 2010-2012 worked as a Java developer" I read that as 4 years of software development experience with a background in Java and PHP. Of course your ability to code in a language you use every day will be greater than your ability to code in a language you haven't written for 2 years. But a few solid weeks of practice should refresh your memory. And those two years you spent writing Java may give you a fresh perspective on PHP, improving the quality of your code.
That said, I think it's important to remember that your project and organization may dictate the language you write code in. For example, if I'm working in a shop that writes embedded C++ firmware for some medical device, I can't simply decide that I want to write Java code now on the same team and project.
Switching languages may also put a burden on your peers who must maintain your code, and management may decide not to permit that. I personally enjoy writing Python. However, I work in a Java shop where the majority of my peers do not know Python. Those peers may someday have to maintain my code. As a result, I rarely write production code in Python, even in cases where I know Python would be simpler or more efficient, because the maintenance burden would outweigh the other benefits.
edited Jan 12 '13 at 19:16
jmort253♦
10.4k54376
answered Jan 12 '13 at 18:52
skelly
1762
2
Hi Skelly, welcome to the Workplace SE! Thank you for writing such a great first post that fits our Q&A format and site guidelines! To learn more about how Stack Exchange works, some recommended reading is our faq and our about page.
– jmort253♦
Jan 12 '13 at 19:29
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
Software development is constant learning. Knowing multiple languages is in my opinion a necessity. When you "switch" from PHP to Java, you don't forget PHP. You gain more knowledge, you don't lose any. Learning new language in a familiar environment (same company) is somewhat easier than getting a new job with 0 experience. Trying to learn something as a hobby is not as effective as having real tasks and experienced coworkers to mentor you.
Both PHP and Java are based on C syntax, so it's not most difficult switch.
Knowing both PHP and Java can be very advantageous in mobile app development - you could work on both mobile (Java) and server (PHP) aspects.
When you change company knowing 2 languages, you can choose from more offers.
The biggest questions are not related to any "switching". Ask yourself: "Do you believe there will be more or better jobs in Java than PHP?" and "Do you like working with Java more than PHP?".
You can't answer the second without trying it.
edited Jan 12 '13 at 19:11
jmort253♦
10.4k54376
answered Jan 12 '13 at 16:43
Agent_L
3,70021316
You do, however, spend about a month forgetting to put $ in front of variables when you next switch back to PHP. Aaaaaargh
– Jon Story
Feb 20 '15 at 16:22
1
I learned and wrote COBOL, FORTH, Fortran, PL/1 and a host of other languages 30 years ago that no-one knows or even remembers today. If you are not moving with the times you will soon be unemployed. OO (Java, c++) is a good thing to have in your skillset since it teaches you to think logically and to factorise solutions. Java enforces OO thinking unlike PHP where it is much more optional.
– ChrisR
Jan 28 '16 at 16:37
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
The difference is if you go to another company you'll be going with either 2+ years experience with PHP as a PHP developer, or zero years experience with Java as a Java developer.
Since Java and PHP aren't as close to each other it's likely to be viewed as a completely different language by future employers.
It also depends on what you want to do with the Java...are you still going to be working with the web side? Or are you going to be making more "desktop" apps?
However there is no reason why you shouldn't learn Java, at least in your free time. 2 years is not a lot of time and you will still have transferable skills between a Java dev and PHP dev position.
I'd recommend you to first start learning it on your free time and continue working with PHP at work, once you get competent with it, ask your manager if you can move into a Java role.
answered Jan 12 '13 at 16:09
Randy E
22428
ah yes, the random downvote with no comment.
– Randy E
Jan 13 '13 at 15:58
6
Hi Randy, I wasn't the original downvoter, but I'd say someone may have disagreed because being a software developer is about more than just syntax. Sure, some companies/hiring managers may look at your experience syntactically, but there are others out there that measure you based on your ability to acquire new knowledge, store it, and apply it in terms of building new products. Stack Exchange is an example of a company that, while they say they prefer C# experience, would hire a developer who showed immense potential. See Smart and Gets Things Done Hope this helps!:)
– jmort253♦
Jan 13 '13 at 18:59
@jmort253 I see what you're saying. I've edited my response to remove that. Had someone had said that I would have done that a while ago.
– Randy E
Jan 14 '13 at 16:12
add a comment |Â
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
16
down vote
accepted
When I look at a resume and I see for example "from 2008-2010 worked as a PHP developer, from 2010-2012 worked as a Java developer" I read that as 4 years of software development experience with a background in Java and PHP. Of course your ability to code in a language you use every day will be greater than your ability to code in a language you haven't written for 2 years. But a few solid weeks of practice should refresh your memory. And those two years you spent writing Java may give you a fresh perspective on PHP, improving the quality of your code.
That said, I think it's important to remember that your project and organization may dictate the language you write code in. For example, if I'm working in a shop that writes embedded C++ firmware for some medical device, I can't simply decide that I want to write Java code now on the same team and project.
Switching languages may also put a burden on your peers who must maintain your code, and management may decide not to permit that. I personally enjoy writing Python. However, I work in a Java shop where the majority of my peers do not know Python. Those peers may someday have to maintain my code. As a result, I rarely write production code in Python, even in cases where I know Python would be simpler or more efficient, because the maintenance burden would outweigh the other benefits.
edited Jan 12 '13 at 19:16
jmort253♦
10.4k54376
answered Jan 12 '13 at 18:52
skelly
1762
2
Hi Skelly, welcome to the Workplace SE! Thank you for writing such a great first post that fits our Q&A format and site guidelines! To learn more about how Stack Exchange works, some recommended reading is our faq and our about page.
– jmort253♦
Jan 12 '13 at 19:29
add a comment |Â
up vote
16
down vote
accepted
When I look at a resume and I see for example "from 2008-2010 worked as a PHP developer, from 2010-2012 worked as a Java developer" I read that as 4 years of software development experience with a background in Java and PHP. Of course your ability to code in a language you use every day will be greater than your ability to code in a language you haven't written for 2 years. But a few solid weeks of practice should refresh your memory. And those two years you spent writing Java may give you a fresh perspective on PHP, improving the quality of your code.
That said, I think it's important to remember that your project and organization may dictate the language you write code in. For example, if I'm working in a shop that writes embedded C++ firmware for some medical device, I can't simply decide that I want to write Java code now on the same team and project.
Switching languages may also put a burden on your peers who must maintain your code, and management may decide not to permit that. I personally enjoy writing Python. However, I work in a Java shop where the majority of my peers do not know Python. Those peers may someday have to maintain my code. As a result, I rarely write production code in Python, even in cases where I know Python would be simpler or more efficient, because the maintenance burden would outweigh the other benefits.
edited Jan 12 '13 at 19:16
jmort253♦
10.4k54376
answered Jan 12 '13 at 18:52
skelly
1762
2
Hi Skelly, welcome to the Workplace SE! Thank you for writing such a great first post that fits our Q&A format and site guidelines! To learn more about how Stack Exchange works, some recommended reading is our faq and our about page.
– jmort253♦
Jan 12 '13 at 19:29
add a comment |Â
up vote
16
down vote
accepted
up vote
16
down vote
accepted
When I look at a resume and I see for example "from 2008-2010 worked as a PHP developer, from 2010-2012 worked as a Java developer" I read that as 4 years of software development experience with a background in Java and PHP. Of course your ability to code in a language you use every day will be greater than your ability to code in a language you haven't written for 2 years. But a few solid weeks of practice should refresh your memory. And those two years you spent writing Java may give you a fresh perspective on PHP, improving the quality of your code.
That said, I think it's important to remember that your project and organization may dictate the language you write code in. For example, if I'm working in a shop that writes embedded C++ firmware for some medical device, I can't simply decide that I want to write Java code now on the same team and project.
Switching languages may also put a burden on your peers who must maintain your code, and management may decide not to permit that. I personally enjoy writing Python. However, I work in a Java shop where the majority of my peers do not know Python. Those peers may someday have to maintain my code. As a result, I rarely write production code in Python, even in cases where I know Python would be simpler or more efficient, because the maintenance burden would outweigh the other benefits.
edited Jan 12 '13 at 19:16
jmort253♦
10.4k54376
answered Jan 12 '13 at 18:52
skelly
1762
When I look at a resume and I see for example "from 2008-2010 worked as a PHP developer, from 2010-2012 worked as a Java developer" I read that as 4 years of software development experience with a background in Java and PHP. Of course your ability to code in a language you use every day will be greater than your ability to code in a language you haven't written for 2 years. But a few solid weeks of practice should refresh your memory. And those two years you spent writing Java may give you a fresh perspective on PHP, improving the quality of your code.
That said, I think it's important to remember that your project and organization may dictate the language you write code in. For example, if I'm working in a shop that writes embedded C++ firmware for some medical device, I can't simply decide that I want to write Java code now on the same team and project.
Switching languages may also put a burden on your peers who must maintain your code, and management may decide not to permit that. I personally enjoy writing Python. However, I work in a Java shop where the majority of my peers do not know Python. Those peers may someday have to maintain my code. As a result, I rarely write production code in Python, even in cases where I know Python would be simpler or more efficient, because the maintenance burden would outweigh the other benefits.
edited Jan 12 '13 at 19:16
jmort253♦
10.4k54376
answered Jan 12 '13 at 18:52
skelly
1762
edited Jan 12 '13 at 19:16
jmort253♦
10.4k54376
edited Jan 12 '13 at 19:16
jmort253♦
10.4k54376
edited Jan 12 '13 at 19:16
jmort253♦
10.4k54376
10.4k54376
answered Jan 12 '13 at 18:52
skelly
1762
answered Jan 12 '13 at 18:52
skelly
1762
answered Jan 12 '13 at 18:52
skelly
1762
1762
2
Hi Skelly, welcome to the Workplace SE! Thank you for writing such a great first post that fits our Q&A format and site guidelines! To learn more about how Stack Exchange works, some recommended reading is our faq and our about page.
– jmort253♦
Jan 12 '13 at 19:29
add a comment |Â
2
Hi Skelly, welcome to the Workplace SE! Thank you for writing such a great first post that fits our Q&A format and site guidelines! To learn more about how Stack Exchange works, some recommended reading is our faq and our about page.
– jmort253♦
Jan 12 '13 at 19:29
2
2
Hi Skelly, welcome to the Workplace SE! Thank you for writing such a great first post that fits our Q&A format and site guidelines! To learn more about how Stack Exchange works, some recommended reading is our faq and our about page.
– jmort253♦
Jan 12 '13 at 19:29
Hi Skelly, welcome to the Workplace SE! Thank you for writing such a great first post that fits our Q&A format and site guidelines! To learn more about how Stack Exchange works, some recommended reading is our faq and our about page.
– jmort253♦
Jan 12 '13 at 19:29
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
Software development is constant learning. Knowing multiple languages is in my opinion a necessity. When you "switch" from PHP to Java, you don't forget PHP. You gain more knowledge, you don't lose any. Learning new language in a familiar environment (same company) is somewhat easier than getting a new job with 0 experience. Trying to learn something as a hobby is not as effective as having real tasks and experienced coworkers to mentor you.
Both PHP and Java are based on C syntax, so it's not most difficult switch.
Knowing both PHP and Java can be very advantageous in mobile app development - you could work on both mobile (Java) and server (PHP) aspects.
When you change company knowing 2 languages, you can choose from more offers.
The biggest questions are not related to any "switching". Ask yourself: "Do you believe there will be more or better jobs in Java than PHP?" and "Do you like working with Java more than PHP?".
You can't answer the second without trying it.
edited Jan 12 '13 at 19:11
jmort253♦
10.4k54376
answered Jan 12 '13 at 16:43
Agent_L
3,70021316
You do, however, spend about a month forgetting to put $ in front of variables when you next switch back to PHP. Aaaaaargh
– Jon Story
Feb 20 '15 at 16:22
1
I learned and wrote COBOL, FORTH, Fortran, PL/1 and a host of other languages 30 years ago that no-one knows or even remembers today. If you are not moving with the times you will soon be unemployed. OO (Java, c++) is a good thing to have in your skillset since it teaches you to think logically and to factorise solutions. Java enforces OO thinking unlike PHP where it is much more optional.
– ChrisR
Jan 28 '16 at 16:37
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
Software development is constant learning. Knowing multiple languages is in my opinion a necessity. When you "switch" from PHP to Java, you don't forget PHP. You gain more knowledge, you don't lose any. Learning new language in a familiar environment (same company) is somewhat easier than getting a new job with 0 experience. Trying to learn something as a hobby is not as effective as having real tasks and experienced coworkers to mentor you.
Both PHP and Java are based on C syntax, so it's not most difficult switch.
Knowing both PHP and Java can be very advantageous in mobile app development - you could work on both mobile (Java) and server (PHP) aspects.
When you change company knowing 2 languages, you can choose from more offers.
The biggest questions are not related to any "switching". Ask yourself: "Do you believe there will be more or better jobs in Java than PHP?" and "Do you like working with Java more than PHP?".
You can't answer the second without trying it.
edited Jan 12 '13 at 19:11
jmort253♦
10.4k54376
answered Jan 12 '13 at 16:43
Agent_L
3,70021316
You do, however, spend about a month forgetting to put $ in front of variables when you next switch back to PHP. Aaaaaargh
– Jon Story
Feb 20 '15 at 16:22
1
I learned and wrote COBOL, FORTH, Fortran, PL/1 and a host of other languages 30 years ago that no-one knows or even remembers today. If you are not moving with the times you will soon be unemployed. OO (Java, c++) is a good thing to have in your skillset since it teaches you to think logically and to factorise solutions. Java enforces OO thinking unlike PHP where it is much more optional.
– ChrisR
Jan 28 '16 at 16:37
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
Software development is constant learning. Knowing multiple languages is in my opinion a necessity. When you "switch" from PHP to Java, you don't forget PHP. You gain more knowledge, you don't lose any. Learning new language in a familiar environment (same company) is somewhat easier than getting a new job with 0 experience. Trying to learn something as a hobby is not as effective as having real tasks and experienced coworkers to mentor you.
Both PHP and Java are based on C syntax, so it's not most difficult switch.
Knowing both PHP and Java can be very advantageous in mobile app development - you could work on both mobile (Java) and server (PHP) aspects.
When you change company knowing 2 languages, you can choose from more offers.
The biggest questions are not related to any "switching". Ask yourself: "Do you believe there will be more or better jobs in Java than PHP?" and "Do you like working with Java more than PHP?".
You can't answer the second without trying it.
edited Jan 12 '13 at 19:11
jmort253♦
10.4k54376
answered Jan 12 '13 at 16:43
Agent_L
3,70021316
Software development is constant learning. Knowing multiple languages is in my opinion a necessity. When you "switch" from PHP to Java, you don't forget PHP. You gain more knowledge, you don't lose any. Learning new language in a familiar environment (same company) is somewhat easier than getting a new job with 0 experience. Trying to learn something as a hobby is not as effective as having real tasks and experienced coworkers to mentor you.
Both PHP and Java are based on C syntax, so it's not most difficult switch.
Knowing both PHP and Java can be very advantageous in mobile app development - you could work on both mobile (Java) and server (PHP) aspects.
When you change company knowing 2 languages, you can choose from more offers.
The biggest questions are not related to any "switching". Ask yourself: "Do you believe there will be more or better jobs in Java than PHP?" and "Do you like working with Java more than PHP?".
You can't answer the second without trying it.
edited Jan 12 '13 at 19:11
jmort253♦
10.4k54376
answered Jan 12 '13 at 16:43
Agent_L
3,70021316
edited Jan 12 '13 at 19:11
jmort253♦
10.4k54376
edited Jan 12 '13 at 19:11
jmort253♦
10.4k54376
edited Jan 12 '13 at 19:11
jmort253♦
10.4k54376
10.4k54376
answered Jan 12 '13 at 16:43
Agent_L
3,70021316
answered Jan 12 '13 at 16:43
Agent_L
3,70021316
answered Jan 12 '13 at 16:43
Agent_L
3,70021316
3,70021316
You do, however, spend about a month forgetting to put $ in front of variables when you next switch back to PHP. Aaaaaargh
– Jon Story
Feb 20 '15 at 16:22
1
I learned and wrote COBOL, FORTH, Fortran, PL/1 and a host of other languages 30 years ago that no-one knows or even remembers today. If you are not moving with the times you will soon be unemployed. OO (Java, c++) is a good thing to have in your skillset since it teaches you to think logically and to factorise solutions. Java enforces OO thinking unlike PHP where it is much more optional.
– ChrisR
Jan 28 '16 at 16:37
add a comment |Â
You do, however, spend about a month forgetting to put $ in front of variables when you next switch back to PHP. Aaaaaargh
– Jon Story
Feb 20 '15 at 16:22
1
I learned and wrote COBOL, FORTH, Fortran, PL/1 and a host of other languages 30 years ago that no-one knows or even remembers today. If you are not moving with the times you will soon be unemployed. OO (Java, c++) is a good thing to have in your skillset since it teaches you to think logically and to factorise solutions. Java enforces OO thinking unlike PHP where it is much more optional.
– ChrisR
Jan 28 '16 at 16:37
You do, however, spend about a month forgetting to put $ in front of variables when you next switch back to PHP. Aaaaaargh
– Jon Story
Feb 20 '15 at 16:22
You do, however, spend about a month forgetting to put $ in front of variables when you next switch back to PHP. Aaaaaargh
– Jon Story
Feb 20 '15 at 16:22
1
1
I learned and wrote COBOL, FORTH, Fortran, PL/1 and a host of other languages 30 years ago that no-one knows or even remembers today. If you are not moving with the times you will soon be unemployed. OO (Java, c++) is a good thing to have in your skillset since it teaches you to think logically and to factorise solutions. Java enforces OO thinking unlike PHP where it is much more optional.
– ChrisR
Jan 28 '16 at 16:37
I learned and wrote COBOL, FORTH, Fortran, PL/1 and a host of other languages 30 years ago that no-one knows or even remembers today. If you are not moving with the times you will soon be unemployed. OO (Java, c++) is a good thing to have in your skillset since it teaches you to think logically and to factorise solutions. Java enforces OO thinking unlike PHP where it is much more optional.
– ChrisR
Jan 28 '16 at 16:37
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
The difference is if you go to another company you'll be going with either 2+ years experience with PHP as a PHP developer, or zero years experience with Java as a Java developer.
Since Java and PHP aren't as close to each other it's likely to be viewed as a completely different language by future employers.
It also depends on what you want to do with the Java...are you still going to be working with the web side? Or are you going to be making more "desktop" apps?
However there is no reason why you shouldn't learn Java, at least in your free time. 2 years is not a lot of time and you will still have transferable skills between a Java dev and PHP dev position.
I'd recommend you to first start learning it on your free time and continue working with PHP at work, once you get competent with it, ask your manager if you can move into a Java role.
answered Jan 12 '13 at 16:09
Randy E
22428
ah yes, the random downvote with no comment.
– Randy E
Jan 13 '13 at 15:58
6
Hi Randy, I wasn't the original downvoter, but I'd say someone may have disagreed because being a software developer is about more than just syntax. Sure, some companies/hiring managers may look at your experience syntactically, but there are others out there that measure you based on your ability to acquire new knowledge, store it, and apply it in terms of building new products. Stack Exchange is an example of a company that, while they say they prefer C# experience, would hire a developer who showed immense potential. See Smart and Gets Things Done Hope this helps!:)
– jmort253♦
Jan 13 '13 at 18:59
@jmort253 I see what you're saying. I've edited my response to remove that. Had someone had said that I would have done that a while ago.
– Randy E
Jan 14 '13 at 16:12
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
The difference is if you go to another company you'll be going with either 2+ years experience with PHP as a PHP developer, or zero years experience with Java as a Java developer.
Since Java and PHP aren't as close to each other it's likely to be viewed as a completely different language by future employers.
It also depends on what you want to do with the Java...are you still going to be working with the web side? Or are you going to be making more "desktop" apps?
However there is no reason why you shouldn't learn Java, at least in your free time. 2 years is not a lot of time and you will still have transferable skills between a Java dev and PHP dev position.
I'd recommend you to first start learning it on your free time and continue working with PHP at work, once you get competent with it, ask your manager if you can move into a Java role.
answered Jan 12 '13 at 16:09
Randy E
22428
ah yes, the random downvote with no comment.
– Randy E
Jan 13 '13 at 15:58
6
Hi Randy, I wasn't the original downvoter, but I'd say someone may have disagreed because being a software developer is about more than just syntax. Sure, some companies/hiring managers may look at your experience syntactically, but there are others out there that measure you based on your ability to acquire new knowledge, store it, and apply it in terms of building new products. Stack Exchange is an example of a company that, while they say they prefer C# experience, would hire a developer who showed immense potential. See Smart and Gets Things Done Hope this helps!:)
– jmort253♦
Jan 13 '13 at 18:59
@jmort253 I see what you're saying. I've edited my response to remove that. Had someone had said that I would have done that a while ago.
– Randy E
Jan 14 '13 at 16:12
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
The difference is if you go to another company you'll be going with either 2+ years experience with PHP as a PHP developer, or zero years experience with Java as a Java developer.
Since Java and PHP aren't as close to each other it's likely to be viewed as a completely different language by future employers.
It also depends on what you want to do with the Java...are you still going to be working with the web side? Or are you going to be making more "desktop" apps?
However there is no reason why you shouldn't learn Java, at least in your free time. 2 years is not a lot of time and you will still have transferable skills between a Java dev and PHP dev position.
I'd recommend you to first start learning it on your free time and continue working with PHP at work, once you get competent with it, ask your manager if you can move into a Java role.
answered Jan 12 '13 at 16:09
Randy E
22428
The difference is if you go to another company you'll be going with either 2+ years experience with PHP as a PHP developer, or zero years experience with Java as a Java developer.
Since Java and PHP aren't as close to each other it's likely to be viewed as a completely different language by future employers.
It also depends on what you want to do with the Java...are you still going to be working with the web side? Or are you going to be making more "desktop" apps?
However there is no reason why you shouldn't learn Java, at least in your free time. 2 years is not a lot of time and you will still have transferable skills between a Java dev and PHP dev position.
I'd recommend you to first start learning it on your free time and continue working with PHP at work, once you get competent with it, ask your manager if you can move into a Java role.
answered Jan 12 '13 at 16:09
Randy E
22428
edited Jan 14 '13 at 16:12
answered Jan 12 '13 at 16:09
Randy E
22428
answered Jan 12 '13 at 16:09
Randy E
22428
answered Jan 12 '13 at 16:09
Randy E
22428
22428
ah yes, the random downvote with no comment.
– Randy E
Jan 13 '13 at 15:58
6
Hi Randy, I wasn't the original downvoter, but I'd say someone may have disagreed because being a software developer is about more than just syntax. Sure, some companies/hiring managers may look at your experience syntactically, but there are others out there that measure you based on your ability to acquire new knowledge, store it, and apply it in terms of building new products. Stack Exchange is an example of a company that, while they say they prefer C# experience, would hire a developer who showed immense potential. See Smart and Gets Things Done Hope this helps!:)
– jmort253♦
Jan 13 '13 at 18:59
@jmort253 I see what you're saying. I've edited my response to remove that. Had someone had said that I would have done that a while ago.
– Randy E
Jan 14 '13 at 16:12
add a comment |Â
ah yes, the random downvote with no comment.
– Randy E
Jan 13 '13 at 15:58
6
Hi Randy, I wasn't the original downvoter, but I'd say someone may have disagreed because being a software developer is about more than just syntax. Sure, some companies/hiring managers may look at your experience syntactically, but there are others out there that measure you based on your ability to acquire new knowledge, store it, and apply it in terms of building new products. Stack Exchange is an example of a company that, while they say they prefer C# experience, would hire a developer who showed immense potential. See Smart and Gets Things Done Hope this helps!:)
– jmort253♦
Jan 13 '13 at 18:59
@jmort253 I see what you're saying. I've edited my response to remove that. Had someone had said that I would have done that a while ago.
– Randy E
Jan 14 '13 at 16:12
ah yes, the random downvote with no comment.
– Randy E
Jan 13 '13 at 15:58
ah yes, the random downvote with no comment.
– Randy E
Jan 13 '13 at 15:58
6
6
Hi Randy, I wasn't the original downvoter, but I'd say someone may have disagreed because being a software developer is about more than just syntax. Sure, some companies/hiring managers may look at your experience syntactically, but there are others out there that measure you based on your ability to acquire new knowledge, store it, and apply it in terms of building new products. Stack Exchange is an example of a company that, while they say they prefer C# experience, would hire a developer who showed immense potential. See Smart and Gets Things Done Hope this helps!:)
– jmort253♦
Jan 13 '13 at 18:59
Hi Randy, I wasn't the original downvoter, but I'd say someone may have disagreed because being a software developer is about more than just syntax. Sure, some companies/hiring managers may look at your experience syntactically, but there are others out there that measure you based on your ability to acquire new knowledge, store it, and apply it in terms of building new products. Stack Exchange is an example of a company that, while they say they prefer C# experience, would hire a developer who showed immense potential. See Smart and Gets Things Done Hope this helps!:)
– jmort253♦
Jan 13 '13 at 18:59
@jmort253 I see what you're saying. I've edited my response to remove that. Had someone had said that I would have done that a while ago.
– Randy E
Jan 14 '13 at 16:12
@jmort253 I see what you're saying. I've edited my response to remove that. Had someone had said that I would have done that a while ago.
– Randy E
Jan 14 '13 at 16:12
add a comment |Â
Typical Indian losing mentality , you can beat Java coder in salary , performance when you switch to Magento platform.Dont you read anything on Internet other than "PHP will give you less payscale" ??
– Pratik C Joshi
Jan 30 '15 at 9:24
1
Don't assume salary is the only reason for my switch because I am an Indian. I wanted to learn a new language and I chose Java.FYI, Now I have learnt 4 languages and will learn multiple things as I grow. That's my Interest. I just wanted to understand my manager's perspective and Companies view in it, Hence the question.
– Dinesh Kumar Sarangapani
Feb 2 '15 at 14:05
Sorry , I didnt read your question properly. I thoght you may be saying like other loser PHP developers -> "Should I switch to Java as I dont get decent salary" .Sorry about that ! Really sorry ! And you know 4 languages , keep it up !!!
– Pratik C Joshi
Feb 2 '15 at 15:09