Aki Mohan

Raymond Tong wrote:I took this one https://www.coursera.org/course/progfun and enjoy it very much which taught by Martin Odersky himself.
I have read http://www.amazon.com/Scala-Impatient-Cay-S-Horstmann/dp/0321774094 to have a quick start
and also read https://www.artima.com/pins1ed/ afterwards

isn't the coursera course outdated?

I thought it would be better posting my question here, rather than creating a new thread.

I've started learning Scala. But I'm kinda confused from where should I start.
I'm trying to pick the right resource available to learn.
Should I read the book Programming Scala (2nd edition) by Dean Wampler and Alex Payne or take the online course on Scala from IBM.
After reading about the resources a bit, I'm thinking of reading Atomic Scala first as I guess it's more oriented towards a novice programmer but I'm not sure if it would be better.
I have 3 years of experience in programming Java.
Please help me out.

Regards,
Aakash

I have struggled enough on the same part, so I'm going to tell you what I've learned and what I think you should do.
It's just my point of view, here it goes.

Since you've already passed the first java certification that means you know how to write programs in java.
I would suggest next you learn data structures and by learn I mean two things:

1. build data structure from scratch. once you do that, you understand what it is. then
2. java provides api for datastructures, use that.
3. Start writing test cases, learn JUnit. it's easy and very helpful.

once you feel you've learned enough. jump into algorithms. don't try to learn everything is there, just learn some and get the hang of it. the reason I'm saying do it fast so that you be productive at work asap. Assuming that you're working.

Now by this time you should be comfortable using Java.
Now I would suggest you to learn about databases because if you won't understand/learn about it you'll be always confused when you work in big projects. start with mysql. once you get the hang of it take up front-end because java alone is not going to help you. I diverted from java for a couple of months and rigorously worked in front-end. start with html, css and javascript. and if you really like it you can go ahead and learn js frameworks and css frameworks like bootstrap.

remember, you won't become champ just by learning/doing. it is going to take a lot of time to really become pro at anything. so don't sweat and take breaks and learn.

Once you've done all of this, I think you need to choose a path for your career (I'm not sure if I'm correct to tell you that).
If you want to build apps and etc, start learning android programming else start learning java mvc and etc. (currently I'm at this path and I'm not really sure what to do. although I've started independent project on java spring and will see how it goes).

HIH

Thanks Jeanne for the inputs, you're always very helpful

I have been thinking about it more and I'm gonna give myself a year from now on to do a career transition.
I want make it right so that not just I enjoy my job but also grow professionally.
Currently I'm stuck in a boring job where I'm going nowhere and probably it's all my fault, should have worked harder in past.

As of now, I'm focusing on 3 different aspects:

1. Java Design Patterns.
2. Data Structures.
3. Algorithms.

So, I'm thinking which aspect should I proceed (I'm not sure if I'm right):

1. Learn Java Frameworks and go from there.
or,
2. Learn Android Programming.

I don't have any knowledge of either stuffs, so I'm not really sure which one is more exciting or fulfilling for me but I might just pick one and go ahead.
Or, is there any other career path that I can go for.
Shall be grateful for the advice.

Regards,

Hi again,

I had posted a question long back, here it is https://coderanch.com/t/651314/Jobs/careers/Job-Switch-procedure
and I've got great responses. Some of the suggestions I applied into real life and it kinda changed the my perception towards programming in general.
Anyway, I feel I've had enough experience to make a decision of choosing either a back-end or front-end. I feel comfortable with backend more, probably because I know programming in Java for a while.
So I had decided on pursuing Java track. I was planning on applying positions for Java developer but most of the jobs that I see posted require understanding of at least on Java framework and I still feel a newbie in Java.

What should I do? What exactly I'm asking is how should I get a job as a java developer. Should I learn frameworks? or should I do something else?
I'm not exactly sure what I really want as I would want to work as a Java developer and see how it goes from there. Please guide me.

edit: kinda stuck in my boring job, not really developing much. most are the production support or ui fixes.
I would want to create small projects but not sure where to start, so I am taking online MOOCs to keep myself motivated and busy.
right now my github account has only hw solutions


Regards,

Bear Bibeault wrote:Far from the toy language that some people think of it, JavaScript is a deep language that is easy to get started with but that takes some time to learn the nuances of. Be patient and keep chugging. It'll come to you.

thank you

Campbell Ritchie wrote:

Aki Mohan wrote: . . . Thanks for the advice:) but I'm pretty sure he wouldn't be concerned or help me out. . . .

That is a very pessimistic view of people you work with.

Thanks for your suggestion Mr.Ritchie, I talked to my boss and he was happy to help me.
I'm currently designated work with the UI team and so far I'm liking it. It's taking a lot of time as I'm new to the UI work but I'm learning :)

I had planned on learning JS in 2 weeks but that wasn't doable and with this challenging work I'm getting up there but strong.
Good that I talked to my boss :)

@Arulk, thanks for the information. I would like to work more on the front end side. So far liking it

Apparently it's gonna take more time than I expected

Cool, thanks a lot Peer. Those are some wonderful suggestions.

I've decided on my plan:
1. A Smarter Way to Learn JavaScript. (read Head First Java and really liked it but for a change want to try this one).
2. Once done with step 1, will pick up Secrets of a JavaScript Ninja.

Yeah I think maybe it's gonna take more than 2 weeks but that's alright

Once step 1 and 2 are done. Going to update this post and might need help for further plans hehe.

Thanks again.
Aki

Thanks Jeanne and Peer

Hi Everyone,

I need an advice.
Currently I've a full time job and I'm a self-learned Java developer.
I have been coding in Java for around 2 years and still learning It is the first programming language that I had learned.

I'm planning to learn Javascript. The only time I can learn is after my work hours.
Could you guys please suggest me some links/books that I can pick up and start learning.

My plan is to finish everything about JS in max 2 weeks (will put in more hours in weekend) and then continue onto JS frameworks.
Please advice me, I'm not really sure where to start and don't have much time. So, I don't want to start off with wrong materials and then later realize.

Will be grateful for your help

Thanks.

In the meanwhile, I'm planning to expand my skill set and learn Javascript. Really fascinated with the things that JS stuffs do in the front end

Jeanne Boyarsky wrote:The good thing about having a job is it is not urgent to get a new one. This means you can try to apply directly to companies you are interested in.

Yup, once I get a good opportunity I will switch jobs.

Campbell Ritchie wrote:You should go through the usual procedure for applying for jobs. I presume you don't have some sort of bond which you would break. I would have thought there would be many jobs suitable for somebody with two years' experience, but am not sure.

It is also worth talking to your boss and explaining what you are not happy about; maybe something will change at your current employers'.

Thanks for the advice:) but I'm pretty sure he wouldn't be concerned or help me out.
I think I would rather try by myself and switch jobs. I hope things go well.

Will update :)