I find myself at a crossroads between C#/.NET and Java. I've extensively researched both languages and here's what I've found.



When it comes to Java, it offers multiplatform support, a plethora of job opportunities (almost three times more than for .NET), higher average salaries (around $500-1500 more than that of .NET developers), and the opportunity to work at esteemed companies like Google and Oracle. However, the diversity of Java, with its various platforms and frameworks like JSE, J2EE, J2MEE, Swing, JSP, JSF, AXIS, and JDBC, can be overwhelming. The abundance of IDEs is both a plus and a minus, and concerns about its future have also given me pause, especially with the rapid development of C# and .NET.

On the other hand, C#/.NET boasts a more user-friendly language in C#, well-crafted VS2019, extensive dоcumentation, and the potential for WinRT to become a major platform. However, my reservations lie with Microsoft as a company and the language's reliance on Microsoft products like MS SQL and MS Server.

The questions that arise are: What kind of applications do Java and C#/.NET developers typically create? And have I correctly grasped the specific nuances of both programming directions?

Regarding the common advice to "choose what you like," it seems impractical for someone new to programming facing such similar languages. It's not just about personal preference when you lack experience in both.

Perhaps there's something crucial I've overlooked or misunderstood. I'm open to being persuaded otherwise.

Both languages have their strengths and weaknesses, and it's essential to carefully consider how they align with your career goals and technical preferences.
When it comes to the types of applications typically developed by Java and C#/.NET developers, the answer lies in their respective ecosystems. Java is widely used for building enterprise-level applications, web applications, mobile apps (Android), and embedded systems. Its versatility makes it a popular choice for large-scale projects and solutions requiring cross-platform compatibility.

On the other hand, C#/.NET is frequently employed for creating Windows desktop applications, web applications, and games using the Unity game engine. The language is known for its seamless integration with the Windows platform, making it an excellent choice for developing software that targets the Windows operating system and related technologies.

It's important to note that both Java and C#/.NET can be used for a wide range of applications, and the decision often hinges on factors such as existing infrastructure, project requirements, and team expertise.

Now, let's delve into the nuances of each programming direction. Java's multiplatform support and extensive framework options offer flexibility but come with the challenge of navigating a diverse landscape of tools and libraries. Java developers often find themselves working on projects that require scalability, high performance, and robust backend systems.

In contrast, C#/.NET provides a more streamlined development experience with its user-friendly syntax, powerful integrated development environment (IDE) in Visual Studio 2019, and comprehensive dоcumentation. Developers working with C#/.NET commonly focus on building Windows-based applications, leveraging the framework's capabilities for rapid application development and seamless integration with Microsoft's ecosystem.

As you weigh your options, it's crucial to consider how each language aligns with your career aspirations and the type of work you envision yourself doing. Your concerns about Java's complexity and the evolving landscape of C#/.NET are valid considerations that can impact your long-term satisfaction and opportunities in the industry.
While personal preference plays a role, your decision should also be informed by the specific demands of the projects you aspire to work on and the industries you intend to explore. Ultimately, staying open to new insights and remaining adaptable in the face of evolving technologies will serve you well in your journey as a developer. If you're willing to immerse yourself in learning and adaptability, you'll thrive regardless of which path you choose.

If I correctly understand the context of your situation, it seems that you are a graduate student without commercial programming experience and are trying to decide what to study further for future employment.

The companies that might hire you probably won't expect you to be an expert. You're considered a junior and they'll have realistic expectations. They won't necessarily require deep knowledge of a specific programming language, and if you claim that on your resume, they may not believe it. But it's important for you to be able to discuss concepts like the differences between List and Vector, their performance in different scenarios, good hash functions, the workings of a Map, complexity functions, and your understanding of good versus bad code.

In this scenario, it's not necessary for you to fully master "Swing, JSP, JSF, AXIS, JDBC" – at most, you should understand their purpose and usage on a general level.

Another challenge you may encounter is the common requirement of having "at least one year of experience". The question of how to gain that initial year of experience often goes unaddressed. Therefore, your first goal should be to secure a position and begin accumulating practical experience. As you work, you'll gradually discern which aspects of programming appeal to you more.

Following this logic, it would be beneficial for you to explore both Java and C# to expand your knowledge. Although you may not attain profound expertise without real-world experience, learning about a broader range of positions (in both Java and C#) will accelerate your practical learning process.

To address some of the original questions: Java is primarily used for the back-end "business logic", ranging from e-commerce platforms to MMOG servers. On the other hand, C# is often utilized for UI design under Windows and as a back-end to ISS for website hosting.

Lastly, it's worth noting that Visual Studio is a powerful yet somewhat overwhelming development environment, commonly used for C++ development (although some might argue for Eclipse).

I'd like to emphasize that the demand for skilled programmers in languages like Java, .NET, and others is consistently high. However, the most important factor in choosing a programming language is your own passion and interest.
If you are keen on web development, exploring Python, Ruby, and JavaScript would be beneficial. For system utilities and algorithms, diving into C or C++ could be more suitable. When it comes to mobile systems, options like Java, Objective-C, and .NET are available, while game development requires its own unique expertise.

In terms of IDEs, Java offers Eclipse, NetBeans, and IntelliJ IDEA, which I highly recommend, especially if you value the functionality of tools like ReSharper. It's interesting to note that these IDEs are actually written in Java.

In terms of industry usage, .NET is widely adopted by Microsoft, while Java has a strong presence with companies such as Google. However, some outsourcing firms leverage both languages for enterprise applications, and it's essential to stay updated with modern practices rather than relying on outdated code.

Both Java and .NET have their similarities, and there are numerous popular libraries available for both languages. Therefore, it's crucial to choose a language that aligns with your interests and professional goals. My personal journey led me from Java to .NET, and now I'm venturing into Python. Exploring different languages and staying open-minded can broaden your skill set and career opportunities. Ultimately, dedication and continuous learning matter more than the specific language chosen.