Matt Spencer

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since Dec 09, 2012
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Recent posts by Matt Spencer

I have used the Java Dietal book already and its a great one for solid Java learning, they actually teach use jGrasp first, since they want us to tough it out. For Android books I have tried a couple of them from the library(Wrox, Apress, Oreily). I have mainly used the Apress series, I got the Beginning Android 4 on amazon which has been recommended to me several times.

Up until this year my school didn't offer android classes, but this year they now have a certificate that is perfect for what I wanted to do. "Mobile Application Development" Certificate, which is awesome. For your information, the classes are "SQL Programming, XML Programming, UNIX/LINUX Admin, Web Programming, Website Design, Object Orient Prog, and then Android App Dev(or the choice of Mobile iOS App Dev)". All of which are brand new classes at my school.

That course you showed was for getting certified for Oracle Java 6 exam. From what I gather, "OCPJP" Java SE 6 is the same thing as SCJP exam. If that is what you want, I think you should go for the OCAJP first which to me is the SCJA. The third one up is OCPJMAD or SCMAD, for Java Mobile, that is the certificate you probably want(its the one I am working towards)
11 years ago
You know skills aren't everything these days. If these companies have options they aren't always going for the most brightest, if someone else offers the full package(like would you hire an arrogant snob who doesn't work well with others even if they are the most gifted, over an average skilled person who has great teamwork abilities).

Actual workplace skills, you either have them or you don't, and it sounds like you have them, plus experience. At this point I would think it is safe to say you have a good "package" going. You just need to assert yourself and demand yourself for better opportunities.

My philosophy is, If your not learning, your not moving forward. Which means, if you want a better job or position, you got to keep learning, or else you will just keep the same job and do the same things. You have the experience for a resume, which is cool, so why not check your options and look around, there might be some dream job that wants your skills but maybe a little bit more. If your not looking out for these things then you won't know when they come.

11 years ago
I am also a noob when it comes to programming. I am taking formal training at my JC/Community College. I am taking Computer Science classes, which focuses on Java till I get to the University.

The book that we are using is "How To Program: Java 9th Edition". If you want to learn Java, get this book(or any other "accredited" books like it.)
I have had that book since last summer, and has been my greatest learning material when it comes to Java. They actually split the book up to last an entire school year through two semesters.


However, I have had Linux classes, and have been studying Android books on the side. My overall approach has been sufficient in learning. I honestly just learn from books and information on the internet, and my teachers teach me the fine points and have help in ways that aren't on paper. Although Android's dev site has all the information you could possibly need.

My biggest secret/trick is just studying the information, even the ones not in my classes(study, practice, test). I originally started out saying I want to make Android Apps back when I first started programming, without knowing how deep this request is. Its has turned into learning key elements, because the more I learn the more I will realize how much there is out there and Android is just one of countless routes I could take, and there are a couple subjects you can learn to master android.

I became so daunted, that I officially decided to take the CS degree(Cause I was taking Generals). If your serious, like I became, I would consider traditional schooling, and getting any training you can. I also believe that anyone is capable of learning through books and the internet, if, they have the drive and motivation to do it. I just wouldn't do what some of my friends do, and say that they don't need college cause they can learn on their own, then spend half their time talking instead of learning. I personally like taking both routes, and dedicated myself to learning, which is what I needed to do to learn this stuff.
11 years ago
Flash has the Flex and Air, and I thought it was used a lot at least for adobe web page makers, but I think I meant to say java script, because it is a huge part of my web development learning; but I do like flash though. Along with JavaScript, I am focusing on a book that teaches XML, CSS3 and HTML5 and how to use them together, cause I don't know XML, and using html and css will help me cause I know them well enough.


I want to ask those who have gotten jobs as developers or any professional programmers. Is there anything you wish you learned while still in school/pre working?
I know I have a big list of demands/things to learn, but when you got a job or your current job, was there any skills that you wish you had that could help you?

I am mainly asking about Associate Level programming. When I get a Bachelor, I want to do Game Programming, actually I want to make games for Android phones, but I didn't say this, cause I didn't want to make it too complicated. I just need to work by then, which is why I am looking into jobs at AS level while I finish up school and get some experience. There is much more to what I need to learn for gaming, but I need to build up to that level. Programming is like math, the more you know the better you are all around.
11 years ago
I found some articles about what a good developer should know and what I should learn while I am still in college.

They say you should master one language first, which is Java for me. Then I should be fluent in RIA's especially Flash(which I am sort of good at). The big difference is knowing Web Services and Web Development, even if your not a web developer. Which is like knowing CSS, JS, HTML, and then knowing one of theses: REST, SOAP, JSON, or XML. Which lines up with everything I was told here.

The other stuff I read said that I should know at least one Dynamic or Functional system, like Ruby or Python. Then there is also things like Agile Methods, Domain Knowledge and Development "maturity/hygiene". Then again this is just stuff I read, but it seems to be similar to what jobs ask for.


So far I am pretty good at some of these things, but most of these things are new to me. I am going to get my degree cause I already did all the non-major work, so now I am finally doing lots of fun CS classes. I thought if I could study harder during this Java class, I could get certified and make my way up to an Architect. I also think with this new free time, I can re go over my Web skills and learn new ones like Python.
11 years ago
Here is a job I would like to get right now, but it asks a lot of things just like you said.

Government Java Developer Job:
"experience programming in Java, and they
should be familiar with the Linux (or related) operating system."

"Preference will be given to applicants with experience in programming Java, Java FX, Rich
Faces, Spring, Hibernate, JPA, HTML 5, CSS, JavaScript, AJAX, jQuery, and JSON. It will also
be given to applicants who have more than one year of experience using Swing"

Here is a list of other things I continually see:
J2EE/Java EE
Spring
Hibernate
Web Services
Object Oriented design
jQuery/Ext JS/Dojo
Eclipse
Ajax
XML
PL/SQL, Oracle
JSP, Servlets
GWT
Web Services (SOAP and RESTful)
Knowledge of Maven and Ant for build environments

The more I learn, the more I find out, and the more I need to learn. I guess I have more to go over than I previously thought. 90% of these jobs don't even ask for a degree or certification.
11 years ago
These small details are really helping out. I have a pretty good idea on where I am at now, its good getting real advice. I also skim through forums to find good info, the Big Moose just seemed to have better info.


I started going to school because I thought I needed the AS degree to get an entry level programming job. Now that I have finished off all my non-major classes, I can finally get the training I need. At this point, I have not been to work in 3 years. I have only 6 months gap between my last job and when I started school, but I think just being away for so long isn't helping, cause of the adjustment factor.

I have an ePortfolio which I keep things I have done at school. I was thinking about making a page, where I load up all the code I write, and just put everything I do on there so I have something to show. I am also gonna make a page where my teachers and other professionals can post a note about me, like an overall note about my skills; like a recommendation. I figure once I have this, I can ask professionals such as yourselves, whether or not you think I am ready.

The reason I posted is because I am not sure when or whether I am ready to apply for some jobs. I just figured I would be ready once I either get my first certification or AS. However I think I need to make sure I am well rounded, and have these other skills that you talked about.
11 years ago
That is the kind of information I was looking for. I mean there will be dozens of jobs I could get with a CS Associates, but each is going to have different requirements, so I am trying to just focus on Java, since its the language they are going to teach me. I am fairly certain all the potential jobs have a closely related job duties.

I know that not all jobs require the certification and/or a degree, but I think its "my" best shot at getting a job.

As far as being a good worker and student, I have those qualities for the most part. But, when your trying to find the people who can do the job and meet your requirements, how do they prove it to you?
11 years ago
I am just over half way done with my Associates Degree, and I am taking CS 1400 this Spring (the first real programming class), which uses "How to Program: Java 9th Edition(Deitel)".

To cut to the chase, I want to be able to get a CS job. I want to be able to work while I continue a bachelor, and hopefully before I finish my Associates. Basically I am cutting from 5 classes a semester to 2. I want to take my new extra time and just focus on my major's subjects which will mainly be Java,

My general idea is to work extra hardcore on the Java while I take this first class and also get the SCJA certification. I guess I want some advice on what I can do now to help me get my foot in the door in a job(like Certification to Associates Level jobs). I am going to pick Advanced Java as my "First and Final,Choice Pick" instead of Intermediate VB, C# or C for my Associates. So I am looking to build skills for a Java Programmer job, because it makes the most sense based off what I will learn in class.

I guess my problem is, I just don't know exactly what the good jobs want from me. I want to get the certification and degree to get the training, cause I don't already have the necessary skills that I would need for entry level positions. I just don't know if the certification or Associates is even enough these days.


11 years ago