[NTLUG:Discuss] It must be true that IT is back...

[Greg Edwards]

brian at pongonova.net wrote:
> On Mon, Jul 16, 2007 at 10:45:32AM -0500, Greg Edwards wrote:
>> PHP is too small of a niche to use as a benchmark.  The market has become 
>> dominated by Java, C++, and point and click case tools such as Oracle 
>> Forms/Financials/etc.  The other trend that I've seen over the last year is 
>> MS specific environments such as .NET, C#, and SQL Server.  If the 
>> development world is any indicator of future OS market share then MS has 
>> been kicking *NIXs butt over the last 12-18 months.
> 
> Possibly, but you're making the assumption that IT folks have only one
> programming skill.
> 
> Anyways, this wasn't a debate on which programming languages are hot
> at the moment.  I'm simply making the observation that the IT
> industry, at least in Dallas, doesn't appear to be hurting too badly
> based upon the not-so-random cross-section of subscribers to the list.
> 
> 
>   --Brian

No I'm not making an assumption on programming skills.  The Dallas market is 
still in the mode that if a candidate does not have the exact skill sets 
listed then they don't get consideration.  It's still a buyers market where 
a position opening lists 5-6 skills and if the seller doesn't have every 
item in the list then they're not considered.

Simple question, if a candidate does not have PHP will they be considered 
for these positions?  Would a candidate with 7 or 8 other scripting 
languages and extensive Web app experience even be looked at for these 4 
programmer positions?  Which is more important, PHP or ability?  As we all 
know PHP, like any other language, is just syntax.  The real work is in the 
problem solving skills.

Many of you may not agree with me, but it appears to me that programming is 
moving towards an assembly line type worker as opposed to a professional. 
More and more of the design work has been moved to an Architect or Project 
Manager and the development has moved to strictly coding from rigid 
guidelines generated by case tools.

I agree that the market has improved, but I suggest that the market has 
changed.  I know that this has gotten off topic.  But it might be 
interesting to get a survey from list members that have changed, or 
attempted to change in the last 18 months.

Questions:

1. *NIX or MS?  If *NIX is it Linux?
2. Design work or coding?
3. New product or maintenance/enhancement?
4. Raise or maintain income?
5. New skills or already known skills?
6. IDE environment or hand coding?

For hiring managers do you look for known skills, or problem solvers?  If 
you're looking for C++ do you reject C?  If you're looking for Java do you 
reject C++?  If you're looking for PHP do you reject Ruby or Perl?  If 
you're looking for Websphere do you reject OpenESB?  Are your compensation 
offers higher, the same, or lower than last year?

-- 
Greg Edwards
http://consult.nas-inet.com