🚀 go-pugleaf

Brian M. Cover wrote:
> 
> Sorry if this is not the correct forum to place this message.....but:
> Question,
> 
> I am looking into learning Java.....I have no prior programming
> experience.
> 
> How long do you feel it would take to learn the language well enough to
> enter in a real world
> working environment for someone who is quick to learn anything computer
> related, and spending
> approximately 10 hrs a week.  From a tutorial.
> What are the opportunities for me once I get to a comprehensive level?

Brian,

Tuesday's Australian is definately the place to look for job ads.

> Are there many opportunities as a contract employee?

Yes.

> What are the rates like?......beginner?....experienced?

c. $30-$70/hr

> What are the rates like as a direct
> employee?.....beginner.....experienced?

c. $35K-$100K/yr

> What are the hot areas of the country?

Sydney and Melbourne have the majority of IT jobs.

> Would you give me any advice as to what areas of Java I should
> concentrate
> my learning efforts?

If you have no programming experience I'd look at doing a part time
course -- I think that would give employers a bit more confidence.

What you really need to learn is how to program -- the fact that you are
learning how to do it in Java is secondary.

Specific things you should certainly know:
	- Data structures: arrays, lists, stacks and algorithms which operate
on them, searching, sorting etc, and how to do them in Java.
	- Some OO theory -- Inheritance, Polymorphism etc.
	- Some Relational DB theory -- Normalisation, Entities and
Relationships
	- How to build a user interface using JFC (aka Swing). AWT is not
widely used any more.
	- How to talk to a relational database using JDBC.
That should keep you busy for a while.

> Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.  I am looking into
> completely changing my
> career field.  I am currently in the engineering field working as a
> contract employee.

Java is an expanding field, and a really nice programming platform. As
an engineer you are probably accustomed to thinking in a structured way,
so your chances are good.

Good luck!

Tom