The top ten skills for IT professionals are: SQL, C, C#, .NET, SQL SVR, ASP, Java, Java Script, HTML and Linux, according to e-skills’ latest bulletin. Get the low-down on the most marketable skills for IT graduates.
C - Seasoned and steady
C is a good language to learn, not only because it’s a perennial favourite with recruiters but because of its familiarity among other programmers. There’s a ton of source code around to learn from and lots of free tutorials. Because it’s been knocking around for 30 years, C is the optimum language for expressing common ideas in programming in a way that most of your peers are comfortable with.
“C is a very versatile language and that’s why it’s popular with IT departments and recruiters. There are many advantages of C: best of all says, Tripod, “you can learn the essentials of C programming in three hours.” Search and apply for C jobs.
C# - The sharp new sibling
C# builds on the syntax and semantics of C++, an object-oriented extension of C. The sharp new version enables C programmers to take advantage of .NET and the common language runtime. While the transition from C++ to C# should be a smooth one, there are a few ‘gotchas’ to watch out for. Search and apply for C# jobs.
.NET – Window onto the Web
The framework for web-based client development provides the means to build graphical user interfaces with HTML controls Web server it provides cross-language interoperability and cross-platform compatibility.
For new jobseekers on the block, there is the added appeal of its relative youth, which brings recruitment pluses: there aren’t enough .NET developers to go around and because of this shortage, long-time experience in recently emerged .NET is not expected. Search and apply for .NET jobs.
SQL- Makes data accessible
Structured Query Language is a programming language for managing data in relational database management systems (RDBMS). The shorthand version is that it’s the international standard for database manipulation. Database management is complicate, but it’s been considerably simplified by the SQL programming language.
All this back office-stuff may sound deeply unsexy, but SQL remains an old favourite, thanks to the rise and rise of the World Wide Web. The spread of dynamic websites is largely down to the fact that their content can be handled through databases. Search and apply for SQL jobs.
SQL Server – the Microsoft one
A relational database server, developed by Microsoft, its primary function is to store and retrieve data as requested by other software applications. True to its namesake, Microsoft SQL Server's primary query languages are T-SQL and ANSI SQL.
There’s a handy certification to be studied for that is dished out by Microsoft. Apparently 43% of respondents reported salary increases as a result of having Microsoft certification”, according to a Redmond magazine survey. Search and apply for SQL Server jobs.
ASP – Server-side scripting
Active Server Pages, more commonly known as Classic ASP, is Microsoft’s server-side scripting engine that enables programmers to build dynamic and interactive web pages. These web pages are not affected by the type of browser the website visitor is using.
ASP hides only a few Internet details such as headers and redirection, unlike its more abstracted successor ASP.Net. Why would you choose ASP over the newer ASP.Net? “For the most part an ASP developer is on the Internet and close to the wires”, says blogger, Michael D. Kersey. Search and apply for ASP jobs.
Java – The origin of cool
Java made its name by being portable across virtually any platform, and was the language devised by Sun Microsystems, to bust proprietary limitations. For these reasons it was embraced wholeheartedly by the corporate world, which still needs and recruits armies of Java programmers. Its appeal has been refreshed remains by its ability to create programs to run within a Web browser and Web services.
Search and apply for Java jobs.
JavaScript – enhancement in a browser
A prototype-based scripting language that, contrary to appearances, is unrelated to Java. It is implemented as part of a Web browser in order to provide enhanced user interfaces and dynamic websites. Microsoft, Facebook, Apple and Google all use JavaScript to make great things and, perhaps because of this, it’s very much in vogue. The appeal of JavaScript is that you can work for anyone and do amazing things. You can do it instantly on any machine.
“JavaScript is an incredibly diverse language, much larger in application than you think. There are a large amount of ‘gotchas’, some great new APIs, and it’s in constant development,” says The Nerdery. Search and apply for JavaScript jobs.
HTML – Mark it up
The ubiquitous language for writing content for the website – hyper text mark-up language. One of the most commonly asked questions is: ‘Why should I learn to write HTML code manually instead of using a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor?’ The best thing about HTML is that you're not limited to the number of functions that the editor has to offer. You can always create your own customisable functions and code, which will look and feel exactly as you wish them to do.
“If you're working for, or trying to catch a client, knowing HTML gives you credibility,” advises HTML Quick. Search and apply for HTML jobs.
Linux – born free, popular pick
Is the popular and free variant of the operating system Unix, conceived and nurtured by the Open Source World. We’re living in an era of austerity so it’s hardly surprising that the only way is up, for Linux. The UK government has pledged to use more Open Source software and Linux usage in the public sector will expand on the back of that.
For newcomers, the beauty of Linux, and indeed any Open Source software, is the community that maintains and develops it and is a rich source of tutoring. Search and apply for Linux jobs.
