• 0

I need to learn a programming language, which one is easiest out of this list ?

Asked by T3X4S,

 Share

Question

Grand Master

T3X4S

Posted
Posted

I have a really important job interview coming up in 10 days.
This company contacted me about a year ago, but I had just accepted an offer for a 1 year contract and couldn't back out.
So, I contacted them back, and they are interested still woohoo !

Only problem is, the position they want me for requires some coding - I dont know any.

Which would be easiest for me to submerge in a crash course for the next 10 days?  ( I once heard python is pretty easy)

Java
.NET
Node.js
PHP
Python
Ruby

And I need familiarity in 1 of these:

Git, Perforce, SVN, TFVC

Obviously this job is out of my comfort zone, and I am taking a slight risk, but I am wanting a change - :/

Thanks Everyone

88 answers to this question

Recommended Posts

  • 0
Grand Master

DevTech

Posted
Posted
  On 29/10/2015 at 06:01, T3X4S said:

Im not required per se to write any of it - just know enough so it isnt complete gibberish if I have to debug it.



The company is Amazon :)

Just in case you missed this:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/16/technology/inside-amazon-wrestling-big-ideas-in-a-bruising-workplace.html?_r=0

Doubt you did but just in case. A lot of the stories turn out to be true and the resulting discussion centered around whether that kind of trial by fire environment has any justification or not...

It was funny to hear Microsoft condemn the practice when they themselves just recently terminated (a few years ago) a long running experiment with the same type of brutal environment.

 

 

  • 0
Experienced

Kelxin

Posted
Posted

If he's really serious about learning a programming language, this site has much better tutorials and burn through systems that will get him programming much faster than codeacademy.com  >> http://www.lynda.com/ 

 

  • 0
Grand Master

T3X4S

Posted
  • Author
Posted
  On 29/10/2015 at 06:19, DevTech said:

Just in case you missed this:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/16/technology/inside-amazon-wrestling-big-ideas-in-a-bruising-workplace.html?_r=0

Doubt you did but just in case. A lot of the stories turn out to be true and the resulting discussion centered around whether that kind of trial by fire environment has any justification or not...

It was funny to hear Microsoft condemn the practice when they themselves just recently terminated (a few years ago) a long running experiment with the same type of brutal environment.

 

 



Oh definitely.  Whenever I have decided to test the job market - I love going to www.glassdoor.com  -  I will mention it in the interview too.  One company, a large luxury home builder in Dallas, had a horrible rating - all about the megalomaniacal CEO who demanded everyone called him Mr Brooks.  The interviewers said, "thats completely untrue.  You should have known that people are only going to go on that sight if they have a axe to grind.."  I replied, "well thats not true, because there are ratings across the boards for companies, its not just negative, leading one to believe they are spot on."   Well, I took the job, and 1 month later - I was out of there - that CEO was a freaking nightmare.

I have read the reviews about Amazon working people  like crazy, and peope getting burnt out.  I havent seen any of those comments from the dept. I would be in - so I am naively holding on to the notion that Cloud Support Engineer is all warm and fuzzy :D

  • 0
Grand Master

DevTech

Posted
Posted
  On 29/10/2015 at 07:23, T3X4S said:


Oh definitely.  Whenever I have decided to test the job market - I love going to www.glassdoor.com  -  I will mention it in the interview too.  One company, a large luxury home builder in Dallas, had a horrible rating - all about the megalomaniacal CEO who demanded everyone called him Mr Brooks.  The interviewers said, "thats completely untrue.  You should have known that people are only going to go on that sight if they have a axe to grind.."  I replied, "well thats not true, because there are ratings across the boards for companies, its not just negative, leading one to believe they are spot on."   Well, I took the job, and 1 month later - I was out of there - that CEO was a freaking nightmare.

I have read the reviews about Amazon working people  like crazy, and peope getting burnt out.  I havent seen any of those comments from the dept. I would be in - so I am naively holding on to the notion that Cloud Support Engineer is all warm and fuzzy :D

Well I have had a few horrible experiences I would never want to repeat, yet at the same time even as an "Anti-Pattern" they were instructional.. so nothing is ever lost. Maybe a "Conservation of Experience Law" to mimic the Conservation of Energy Law in Physics...

If you have a chance, it would be fun to know what you learned 10 days from now!

Trendy cloud stuff is Big Data, Machine Learning and Containers. First two are impossible in 10 days, but if you haven't looked into it yet, reading some overviews on Docker and CoreOS (Docker clone) will probably help. Plus Git. Plus programming. Sleep is optional!

 

  • 0
Grand Master

adrynalyne

Posted
Posted
  On 29/10/2015 at 05:50, Seabizkit said:

 

well then its a no brainier, if Python is on the job spec then learn that.

If they listed all of those you mentioned in the original post, then i would skip this company.

jack of all, master of none. For me just leads to $hitty programming... or you were only required to write 10 lines which i that case it wouldn't matter.

Best of luck.

You do know some companies use multiple languages, right?Being language limited makes you and the company a one trick pony...

  • 0
Grand Master

adrynalyne

Posted
Posted
  On 29/10/2015 at 07:40, DevTech said:

 

Well I have had a few horrible experiences I would never want to repeat, yet at the same time even as an "Anti-Pattern" they were instructional.. so nothing is ever lost. Maybe a "Conservation of Experience Law" to mimic the Conservation of Energy Law in Physics...

If you have a chance, it would be fun to know what you learned 10 days from now!

Trendy cloud stuff is Big Data, Machine Learning and Containers. First two are impossible in 10 days, but if you haven't looked into it yet, reading some overviews on Docker and CoreOS (Docker clone) will probably help. Plus Git. Plus programming. Sleep is optional!

 

For a 10 day crash course.... No, sleep is not an option LOL.

  • 0
Grand Master

T3X4S

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)

Well so far its been going pretty smooth - Python is pretty easy to pick up the basics.

I think I just wanted to know a little, so, if asked, I could say "Yes I know a little Python - I'd like to be more fluent in Python and other programming languages."  or something diplomatic like that.

I read where one applicant @ Amazon was asked, "In what areas are you lacking ?  Can you give an example where your skillset was lacking and how you handled the situation?"

The applicant said he froze up and couldn't think of anything - they passed on hiring him because, "Nobody knows everything - everyone has a weak spot or area where the could learn more"


And my 10 day crash course - just got shortened - alot.   My interview is now on Monday @ 10:30  :|  no pressure

  • 0
Grand Master

DevTech

Posted
Posted
  On 30/10/2015 at 05:24, T3X4S said:

Well so far its been going pretty smooth - Python is pretty easy to pick up the basics.

I think I just wanted to know a little, so, if asked, I could say "Yes I know a little Python - I'd like to be more fluent in Python and other programming languages."  or something diplomatic like that.

I read where one applicant @ Amazon was asked, "In what areas are you lacking ?  Can you give an example where your skillset was lacking and how you handled the situation?"

The applicant said he froze up and couldn't think of anything - they passed on hiring him because, "Nobody knows everything - everyone has a weak spot or area where the could learn more"


And my 10 day crash course - just got shortened - alot.   My interview is now on Monday @ 10:30  :|  no pressure

Thanks for the update. Good luck.

 

  • 0
Grand Master

binaryzero

Posted
Posted (edited)

Yeahhhh, not sure how this going to pan out for you mate. Interested to hear how you go..

So what are you going to do if you're hired, and they blomp some work in front of you, and you have no idea what to do? They didn't hire, or pay you to learn, they do it so you produce work so the company can profit. 

My suggestion would be to apply for jobs that you have the skills for already. Usually employers can see through people who do crash courses. Plus remember, usually you're on a 6 month probation when you start. If you don't meet the KPIs, you could get the can. 

Good luck! :) :) 

Edited by Jared-
  • 0
Grand Master

+FloatingFatMan Subscriber¹

Posted
  • Subscriber¹
Posted
  On 29/10/2015 at 04:31, adrynalyne said:

Those are the most fun though! :p

10,000 years of torture in hell aren't even close to enough to repay Eich for Javascript!

  • 0
Grand Master

adrynalyne

Posted
Posted
  On 30/10/2015 at 14:45, FloatingFatMan said:

 

10,000 years of torture in hell aren't even close to enough to repay Eich for Javascript!

I have a soft place in my heart for JavaScript. Mind you, its only viewable with a microscope :D

It is nice when it occasionally works the first time you write it. :p

 

  • 0
Grand Master

+FloatingFatMan Subscriber¹

Posted
  • Subscriber¹
Posted
  On 29/10/2015 at 05:50, Seabizkit said:

 

well then its a no brainier, if Python is on the job spec then learn that.

If they listed all of those you mentioned in the original post, then i would skip this company.

jack of all, master of none. For me just leads to $hitty programming... or you were only required to write 10 lines which i that case it wouldn't matter.

Best of luck.

Any half decent programmer will be able to work his magic in multiple languages, so the "jack of all, master of none" saying doesn't really apply here. What's important are the logic and problem solving skills, not what syntax you're working in.  That's the easy part and can be picked up in just a couple of days by anyone experienced.

  • adrynalyne and T3X4S
  • Like 2
  • 0
Grand Master

+FloatingFatMan Subscriber¹

Posted
  • Subscriber¹
Posted
  On 30/10/2015 at 05:24, T3X4S said:

And my 10 day crash course - just got shortened - alot.   My interview is now on Monday @ 10:30  :|  no pressure

Best of luck, Tex! One thing though.. If you get the job, and you're in Cloud Support... Well, we might just be crossing paths, professionally, at some point. ;)

 

  • 0
Grand Master

Active.

Posted
Posted (edited)
  On 29/10/2015 at 04:53, T3X4S said:

 My role would be to know enough of the language to be able to look at a part of the code, and possibly find the error as a root cause.

My position is a Cloud Support Engineer [at Amazon], so I would be working with Engineers of other large companies when there are problems - identifying problems, and solving them.  Part of a team [...] My role would be to know enough of the language to be able to look at a part of the code, and possibly find the error as a root cause.

  On 29/10/2015 at 04:16, T3X4S said:

the position they want me for requires some coding - I dont know any.  [...] out of my comfort zone, and I am taking a slight risk

Assuming you're serious, the good news is: It sounds like what you lack in coding skills you're able to make up for in self-confidence.

  • 0
Grand Master

T3X4S

Posted
  • Author
Posted
  On 30/10/2015 at 14:44, Jared- said:

Yeahhhh, not sure how this going to pan out for you mate. Interested to hear how you go..

So what are you going to do if you're hired, and they blomp some work in front of you, and you have no idea what to do? They didn't hire, or pay you to learn, they do it so you produce work so the company can profit. 

My suggestion would be to apply for jobs that you have the skills for already. Usually employers can see through people who do crash courses. Plus remember, usually you're on a 6 month probation when you start. If you don't meet the KPIs, you could get the can. 

Good luck! :) :) 


Well, I dont want to bore everyone to death and go into great details about the job descrip.  But the reading a little code is 1 small aspect of a large role.
Well, for some reason they want me for this role.. doesnt make a lot of sense to me either - but maybe this one aspect is not a big deal - possible can be trained/learned on the fly.

Thanks
 

  On 30/10/2015 at 15:11, Active. said:

Assuming you're serious, the good news is: It sounds like what you lack in coding skills you're able to make up for in self-confidence.


I am serious.  As I mentioned above, it doesnt require me to be an expert coder.  It is one little part of a large array of things I will be responsible for.

We'll see :/


 

  On 30/10/2015 at 14:57, FloatingFatMan said:

 

Best of luck, Tex! One thing though.. If you get the job, and you're in Cloud Support... Well, we might just be crossing paths, professionally, at some point. ;)

 


Thanks FFM.. wouldn't that be something ?  hehe

  • 0
Grand Master

+FloatingFatMan Subscriber¹

Posted
  • Subscriber¹
Posted
  On 30/10/2015 at 15:43, T3X4S said:

Thanks FFM.. wouldn't that be something ?  hehe

I certainly wouldn't mind getting sent to Texas once in a while... It'd make a nice change from soggy Ireland (where head office is).

 

  • 0
Grand Master

Active.

Posted
Posted
  On 30/10/2015 at 15:43, T3X4S said:

I am serious.  As I mentioned above, it doesnt require me to be an expert coder.  It is one little part of a large array of things I will be responsible for.

We'll see :/

Good luck! I guess you can only win, whatever may come of it. :)

This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to question listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Posts

    • Microsoft Edge is turning into AI browser with new Copilot Mode

      By TarasBuria · Posted

      Microsoft Edge is turning into AI browser with new Copilot Mode by Taras Buria Microsoft Edge is getting a new experimental Copilot Mode, a special mode that uses the power of AI to upgrade your browsing experience with advanced features, multi-tab context, and other features. Copilot Mode starts with a redesigned and simplified new tab page (users spotted the first version of Copilot as a new tab page a few months ago). It only has a Copilot composer, which combines the classic chat experience with web search and navigation. When browsing, Copilot is available in the address bar, and when clicked, it shows up as a dynamic pane without obstructing the original web page. Microsoft says that you can use it to declutter the web page, convert data, and cut right to the chase, say, when you read a recipe with a ten-page-long introduction. Copilot Mode also supports multi-tab context. With your permission, it can see all of your tabs and understand the context of your browsing. This eliminates the need for frequent tab switching, especially when you deal with dozens of tabs at once. Microsoft is also working on letting Copilot tap into your history and credentials so that it can better understand context and perform actions on your behalf, like booking reservations or performing other tasks. You can type your request into the composer or interact with the assistant using your voice. Finally, Copilot Mode will make it easier for you to jump back into the previous topics. Copilot Mode will offer you topic-based "journeys" with additional suggestions for what to do next. With tools like this, privacy could be a big concern for many users. As such, Microsoft assures that users will always be able to determine whether Copilot Mode is on or off with distinct visual cues. The feature is also optional, and you can toggle it on or off at any moment and continue using Edge in standard mode. Copilot Mode is now available on Windows and macOS as an experiment in all markets where Copilot is available. For now, this experience is free for all who want to opt in, which suggests that Copilot Mode could become a premium feature. You can try Copilot Mode by heading to this link.
    • Linux dev quits after "personal attacks" from user over Kapitano antivirus tool

      By adrynalyne · Posted

      This is getting more and more common.
    • Get Windows 11 Home or Pro now at 92% off

      By News Staff · Posted

      Get Windows 11 Home or Pro now at 92% off by Steven Parker Today's highlighted deal comes via our Apps + Software section of the Neowin Deals store, where you can save up to 92% off on a Microsoft Windows 11 Home, or Pro license. Upgrade your computing experience with Windows 11 Pro. This cutting-edge operating system boasts a sleek new design and advanced tools to help you work faster and smarter. From creative projects to gaming and beyond, Windows 11 delivers the power and flexibility you need to achieve your goals. With a focus on productivity, the new features are easy to learn and use, enhancing your workflow and efficiency. Whether you're a student, professional, gamer, or creative, Windows 11 Home has everything you need to take your productivity to the next level. New interface. easier on the eyes & easier to use Biometrics login*.Encrypted authentication & advanced antivirus defenses DirectX 12 Ultimate. Play the latest games with graphics that rival reality. DirectX 12 Ultimate comes ready to maximize your hardware* Screen space. Snap layouts, desktops & seamless redocking Widgets. Stay up-to-date with the content you love & the new you care about Microsoft Teams. Stay in touch with friends and family with Microsoft Teams, which can be seamlessly integrated into your taskbar** Wake & lock. Automatically wake up when you approach and lock when you leave Smart App Control. Provides a layer of security by only permitting apps with good reputations to be installed Windows Studio Effects. Designed with Background Blur, Eye Contact, Voice Focus, & Automatic Framing Touchscreen. For a true mouse-less or keyboard-less experience TPM 2.0. Helps prevent unwanted tampering Windows 11 Pro also includes a number of productivity-focused features, such as the ability to snap multiple windows together and create custom layouts, improved voice typing, and a new, more powerful search experience. Personal and professional users will enjoy a modern and secure computing experience, with improved performance and productivity features to help users get more done. Only on Windows 11 Pro If you require enterprise-oriented features for your daily professional tasks, then Windows 11 Pro is a better option. Set up with a local account (only when set up for work or school) Join Active Directory/Azure AD Hyper-V Windows Sandbox Microsoft Remote Desktop BitLocker device encryption Windows Information Protection Mobile device management (MDM) Group Policy Enterprise State Roaming with Azure Assigned Access Dynamic Provisioning Windows Update for Business Kiosk mode Maximum RAM: 2TB Maximum no. of CPUs: 2 Maximum no. of CPU cores: 128 Good to know This license is for Windows 11 only. It is NOT intended to be used for upgrading Microsoft Office (MSO) included in Parallels Pro. However, it will still work with Parallels Pro and allow you to run Windows applications including MSO, but it DOES NOT include an upgrade MSO itself. It is still compatible with Microsoft Office ONLY if you have a separate license for it. Length of access: lifetime Redemption deadline: redeem your code within 30 days of purchase Access options: desktop Max number of device(s): 1 Version: Windows 11 Pro Updates included Click here to verify Microsoft partnership A Windows 11 Pro retail license normally costs $199, with Windows 11 Home usually costing $139 but you can pick either one up for just $14.97 for a limited time. For a full description, specs, and license info, click the link below. Get Windows 11 Home or Pro for just $14.97, or learn more Although priced in U.S. dollars, this deal is available for digital purchase worldwide. We post these because we earn commission on each sale so as not to rely solely on advertising, which many of our readers block. It all helps toward paying staff reporters, servers and hosting costs. Other ways to support Neowin Whitelist Neowin by not blocking our ads Create a free member account to see fewer ads Make a donation to support our day to day running costs Subscribe to Neowin - for $14 a year, or $28 a year for an ad-free experience Disclosure: Neowin benefits from revenue of each sale made through our branded deals site powered by StackCommerce.
    • Politically funny images of the World

      By +primortal · Posted

    • PlayStation's first wireless fight stick faces long wait, launching in 2026

      By zikalify · Posted

      PlayStation's first wireless fight stick faces long wait, launching in 2026 by Paul Hill Sony has unveiled the FlexStrike wireless fight stick previously known as Project Defiant. Its unveiling marks the PlayStation’s first-ever proprietary fight stick controller. Unfortunately for anyone hoping to get their hands on it soon, Sony won’t be releasing it until 2026, creating a significant wait for eager fighting game fans. Though its release is still some time away, a display unit will be shown off at Evo 2025 (August 1-3). Sony notes that this displayed version of the FlexStrike may not represent the final product. As a bit of background, PlayStation gamers can already get third-party fight sticks, this marks Sony's first official entry into the market. The FlexStrike will be compatible with PS5 and PC via wired connection or wirelessly with PlayStation Link. It features mechanical switch buttons and toolless swappable restrictor gates (square, circle, octagon) with built-in storage. You can also use simultaneous PlayStation Link audio for connecting FlexStrike and a Pulse headset/earbuds on PS5 with a single USB adapter. Sony also mentions that there will be support for two FlexStrike sticks via a single PS Link USB adapter for local multiplayer and includes all DualSense Controller inputs (except directional pad via lever and mute button), plus a touchpad. The controls are adjustable with a built-in level mode switch and a lock button to prevent accidental inputs. So that it’s comfortable to use, Sony has opted for an ergonomic design with angled surfaces and a non-slip base. While we know from Sony that the FlexStrike wireless fight stick is confirmed for a 2026 release, we do not know which day or month to expect it on. Such a late entry into this market means that Sony will have already lost customers who have already invested in fight sticks from other manufacturers. For more information, keep your eyes peeled to Evo 2025 to see what Sony reveals. The company also recommends signing up for news updates on its official FlexStrike website.

  • Recent Achievements

    • Week One Done
      NeoWeen earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • One Month Later
      BA the Curmudgeon earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • First Post
      Doreen768 earned a badge
      First Post
    • One Month Later
      James_kobe earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Week One Done
      James_kobe earned a badge
      Week One Done

  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      654
    2. 2
      ATLien_0
      253
    3. 3
      Xenon
      168
    4. 4
      neufuse
      147
    5. 5
      +FloatingFatMan
      122
    Show More

  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!