'Sun Certified Programmer for Java' Certificate -- Worth it?

[softblade]

So, I'm in my final year of my BSc Computer Science and I was thinking that an extra certificate might do me some good and, since it's been a while since I've used Java and it seems that so many companies these days want Java programmers (from jobs I see, please correct me if I'm wrong), I thought I might as well do the certificate to refresh my Java memory while extending my knowledge of the language. Thing is though, looking at what the course covers, I think I learned more when I did Java as a subject in my degree last year.

So, my question(s): Is the certificate worth getting? Will it make my chances of getting a job easier or will I be better of just programming a few simple apps in Java and presenting them in an interview? Also, I haven't checked out the price on the course yet but I'm assuming it will be expensive (for me). Bottom line, I don't want to waste money on training I don't need, unless the certificate will be worth something to me.

 

[Gnome]

Which institution are you getting your degree from?

The Java certification is definitely worth it but it's quite a bit of work and no, I'm not 100% sure what the certification looks like these days but so long as you do Java EE certification you'll learn plenty (How much you'll learn depends on which institution you've studied at). Either way I won't put of getting a job to do it, the quicker you get a job the better your pay will be.

 

[Other Pineapple Smurf]

I would rather go C#. You have a much better chance of getting employment. One thing you will learn that once you are employed, is you will get exposed to many languages and will need to learn a couple of them.

 

[softblade]

@Gnome: I'm studying through UNISA. I'm only assuming the course will cover the same stuff (I'm pretty sure I'm wrong). I'm learning QT now, and much of it's syntax is similar to Java's, so I thought that it might be a good idea to study both languages at once (and then, as I said, refresh my Java knowledge). Anyway, I'm up for the work, so if the certification is worth it, I'd be best off getting it.

Also, I'm not planning on putting off getting a job. It's basically like a "back-up plan." I'm just super stressed whether a company will actually give me a job. I've already started passing my CV around to any companies I can think off. My results for my studies are pretty good thus far (and I'm not planning on doing badly this year), but I don't know how "accepted" UNISA degrees are in the IT world. It's supposed to be widely accepted, but I've heard people say that I'd have less chance getting a job than someone studying through a "real" uni (I'm guessing it's because there you actually learn to work in teams and such, and do bigger projects?). So, I figured, "popular" qualification = better chance for job.

@cbrunsdonza: Completely forgot about C#. Have also seen tons of jobs available for the language. Will look into it. Thanks!

 

[Gnome]

Ah ok, the stuff you do at Unisa isn't the same. GUI's (IE. QT) are yesterday. If you do Java certification, the only reason to do it is for the Java EE certification. But your degree is fine, Unisa is well accepted. You won't need certification to get a job.

Java EE (Java Platform, Enterprise Edition), is Java's standard for enterprise level applications (mostly server-side).

Soory cbrunsdonza but C# isn't on the same level as Java. Yes lots of people use C# but none of the large institutions use it, that is where Java comes in. C# doesn't really have something like Java EE, basically it's a set of standards, if you use a Java EE web-server, application server, database, libraries, etc. your application is guaranteed to be stable for enterprise deployment (IE. the components are all compatible and stable). For example, where you to use nHibernate in C#, no testing or guarantees are available, you just hope everything works together, in the enterprise environment that is unacceptable. Java EE covers many operating systems, many applications, there are so many you'd have to check wikipedia but fact remains with C# you pretty much use just MS products together and hope for the best.

Granted many of the smaller development houses (and medium sized businesses) use C# as it is so much simpler, so you'd definitely have work.

 

[Nefertiti]

I dont quite agree with your Java and C# assumptions. In my experience Java turns out to be more of a pain than C#. And I dont think its the Java language itself, its more the tools and environment setup. The one big advantage C# is that I can run multiple versions of the framework (.net 1.1, 2 and now 4) on the same machine. Java cant do that. I think both languages have their place and it depends on who the person is coding the application. A good Java developer wont make a good C# developer out of the box, and vice a versa. You have to know the environment.

 

[Gnome]

I dont quite agree with your Java and C# assumptions.

Which points to you contest exactly? The fact that Java EE is based on specifications that specifically target enterprise applications and that .NET has nothing in that segment?

In my experience Java turns out to be more of a pain than C#.

Naturally, most .NET developers say that. You apply the right tool for the right job. Java EE is enterprise, you don't do it unless you plan on running redundant, distributed multi-tier enterprise applications, that is the arena. It wasn't developed for RAD, it was developed to handle large volume and offer stability. If you create a small application with low volume on a single server then why on earth would you use Java? I wouldn't use C# (I'm a bit more inclined to PHP in the RAD environment) but to each his own. Microsoft definitely has a competitive product in that area, VS makes it easy to develop, it's got a nice GUI, you don't have to worry about complicated specs, you simply stick to MS and it'll run.

And I dont think its the Java language itself, its more the tools and environment setup.

A programming language is a tool. The environment and tools that come with it (for example IBM Websphere) is exactly the reason you use a specific language for a specific environment.

The one big advantage C# is that I can run multiple versions of the framework (.net 1.1, 2 and now 4) on the same machine.

Not sure why that is an advantage...

Java cant do that.

You can, but why would you want to? Each version is fully complaint with the Java SE/EE/ME specification, if your program compiled before that means they were complaint then and will be in all future versions, where do you think the write once run anywhere philosophy started? If your program was compiled to byte code on the first release of the Java compiler it will still run on the latest release of the JVM.

I think both languages have their place and it depends on who the person is coding the application.

Both have their place yes. No, who codes the application is relevant to a certain point. I put it to you that .NET cannot deal with the large transaction volumes that Java EE can, nor does it have all the code in place to deal with the large applications that Java can deal with already in the enterprise segment. Unless you plan on coding all that, testing, etc. you'll be using Java. That was the point I was trying to make.

A good Java developer wont make a good C# developer out of the box, and vice a versa. You have to know the environment.

Yes, but the Java environment is far more complex than the .NET. Starting from scratch in the .NET arena is much easier. I've done both, so I feel I can comment.


Here is a good analysis of the two platforms: http://www.adam-bien.com/roller/abien/entry/java_ee_or_net_an
A bit older ones:
http://www.theserverside.com/news/1...comparison-of-building-XML-based-web-services
http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/lim/net-vs-j2ee-java-ee-architectural-philosophy-11290

They all sing the same tune, feel free to explore for yourself.

 

[Nod]

Java certification will help when you want to get contract work. Although it won't necessarily guarantee that you can code, it does show that you are at a certain level.
Likewise it will help much if you want to work overseas. Germany especially are looking for Java programmers, just look at job sites like monster.de or xing.com.

 

[softblade]

Well, I'm pretty much bought on Java now. But I think I'm gonna finish off the degree first and see where I land before I decide on my next qualification. Or start the qualifications if I don't land anywhere.

Thanks for all the replies and info!

 

[McSack]

But I think I'm gonna finish off the degree first and see where I land before I decide on my next qualification.!

Best advice so far in the thread