[RaDeuX]

So right now, I only know a handful about C. I've recently started to learn LSL (Linden Scripting Language) to earn some chump change while I try to learn more of C, then C++ and some Python later on. So I have a few questions.

1.) What is the HOTTEST and most POPULAR language out there right now? I personally believe it's Python after looking around at a few freelancing sites.

2.) What is the most stable language for freelancing? Meaning that it's not just a fad or hype and will stick around for at least the next decade or so? I personally believe that would be C/C++.

3.) How much do you need to know before you can actually start freelancing? My dad told me that there's no way no how that you could start freelancing without a good background in the professional business world. My dad is a Sr. Computer Scientist, so he can back up his talk. I'm just trying to open an ear or two to hear what other people think about this...

[RudiVisser]

For Application based work, there's more available in the C#/.NET field (C# more than VB.NET, though) than in the C/C++ field.

For Web Work, .NET (ASP.NET) also dominates for corporate work (if you're looking for contracts from companies rather than individuals), which would again suggest C# to be the "best" choice. However, there is also PHP/MySQL.

You'll never know just how much you need to learn before becoming a Freelancer, for the most part it is about experience - and you get experience from doing things.

This post has been edited by MageUK: 19 August 2009 - 06:28 AM

[RevanA4]

It more or less depends on what you are freelancing for.

Web development it is dominated by PHP and ASP.net

Internal business apps are usually C# or VB.net

Web sites for business are being programmed almost exclusively in flash and silver light (both use action script I believe)

External apps are going to be programmed in Java (Java applets for external customers), C++ or C# for intensive programs

Database apps are done through C#, VB.net and often use Crystal reports(if the program needs to output reports) both interfacing with SQL.

If you really intend on freelancing then you also need to know a number of programs outside of languages. For example you should learn SQL server and MySQL.

[RaDeuX]

I don't understand. What is there that C# can do that C++ can't do? According to a friend's dad who is a C.T.O. most companies are looking for C++ programmers.

[no2pencil]

So are we talking freelancing, or are we talking companies?

It's in my experience that freelancers are able to write in whatever language they choose. The client is buying the end product. So if you can code in C# faster than C/C++, so be it. Again, it's my experience that the client just wants it done on time, & functional.

[dsherohman]

no2pencil, on 26 Aug, 2009 - 08:38 AM, said:

So are we talking freelancing, or are we talking companies?

It's in my experience that freelancers are able to write in whatever language they choose. The client is buying the end product. So if you can code in C# faster than C/C++, so be it. Again, it's my experience that the client just wants it done on time, & functional.

Bingbingbingbingbing! We have a winner!

As a freelancer, I sell my clients an end result, not a toolkit used to build it. Personally, I'm a very big fan of the quick development, flexibility, and power of Perl, so that's what I do most of my work in. Of course, there are very few clients out there advertising for Perl work, but... it doesn't matter, at least for new development.

When I see people looking for someone to do a new project in C/C++/PHP/Python, I'll tell them that I could do it in the language they requested, but (assuming it's true - there are some projects where it wouldn't be) I could get them a better result in less time using Perl. The substantial majority of the time, they basically tell me that they just listed languages they'd heard of, or that someone else said they should use, but if I think a different language would be better (and can give a plausible explanation for why), then that's fine, too.

The bottom line is that you'll generally be more productive in a language you know well and like than in something you're unfamiliar with and don't enjoy, even if it's a nominally "better" language. So find one you like and get to know it like the back of your hand.

Of course, that doesn't always apply. If you're looking to work on-site alongside their existing developers (which I would classify as "contracting" rather than "freelancing"), then you'll obviously have to work with the same language as your co-workers. Maintenance programming also demands that you at least be able to read the existing code, even if they are interested in porting it to a new language rather than just updating what they have. In either of those cases, though, I'd argue that there isn't a single "best" language to choose, but you should instead research your target market and see what those specific companies are using.

[PDUNZ]

dsherohman, on 26 Aug, 2009 - 10:48 PM, said:

no2pencil, on 26 Aug, 2009 - 08:38 AM, said:

So are we talking freelancing, or are we talking companies?

It's in my experience that freelancers are able to write in whatever language they choose. The client is buying the end product. So if you can code in C# faster than C/C++, so be it. Again, it's my experience that the client just wants it done on time, & functional.

The bottom line is that you'll generally be more productive in a language you know well and like than in something you're unfamiliar with and don't enjoy, even if it's a nominally "better" language. So find one you like and get to know it like the back of your hand.

Of course, that doesn't always apply. If you're looking to work on-site alongside their existing developers (which I would classify as "contracting" rather than "freelancing"), then you'll obviously have to work with the same language as your co-workers. Maintenance programming also demands that you at least be able to read the existing code, even if they are interested in porting it to a new language rather than just updating what they have. In either of those cases, though, I'd argue that there isn't a single "best" language to choose, but you should instead research your target market and see what those specific companies are using.

Exactly . Example, if someone wanted a program for something - I would develop it in the language I know (in which is VB.NET), as they are only getting the end result - not the code. - Im reffering to freelancing here.

If I was looking for a group or someone ask me to join and they are devloping in say C++ (like a company), then I would have no hope in the world.

[RaDeuX]

Well here's another more broad question. Which one is more "overall efficient" to work in? Web development or application development? What I mean by "overall efficiency" is the amount of commissioners/clients there are, the amount that you get paid for the job, and the amount of time it takes to complete the job.

[no2pencil]

That's impossible to answer. My idea of efficient code is what's efficient for myself.

I don't feel that PHP or ASP are any more efficient than one another. However I don't code in ASP so I only bid on PHP projects. Same can be said for application languages.

[DamienRoche]

I think you'll find it hard getting an answer to such an open-ended question. One major reason, though, is because I doubt anybody here specializes in all of these languages and has sufficient experience within each market to give you a clear answer.

I totally agree with the person above who said you are selling a result to your prospective clients, not the actual language(s) you use. By the same token, you can't just use a language your familiar with because it's the easy way out. That's like saying disregard modern standards in favor of efficiency. In the long run, it just don't cut it.

I know he wasn't implying that, just pointing that out for the less experienced.

If you really want an answer to your question, go to the various freelancer sites (some allow you to view the earnings of the developer/company) and research the projects, and the developers. You will no doubt see that php absolutely dominates the web-based arena from a freelancing point of view.

That's mainly due to more people and small companies favoring the low-costs of php over asp etc.

--
My advice is look around - first, decide whether you want to move into web development or software development, then decide whether you want to embrace self-employment or employment.

Wish you luck!

This post has been edited by DamienRoche: 18 October 2009 - 01:32 AM

[reverton725]

java is pretty popular for small projects too

[Lemur]

PHP for Web
C# for GUI
Python for Console

[khulet22]

1.) What is the HOTTEST and most POPULAR language out there right now? I personally believe it's Python after looking around at a few freelancing sites.

Python is not PoPULAR for me . But is good to use . Try java too. Is pretty much good for this project. C++ Is more powerful for programmers.

[Net Cemeteries]

Nemerle

[Delta_Echo]

When a person contracts you for a project, would they not gain ALL rights to your work? (including the source code)