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20030213 Thursday February 13, 2003

RE: Where's the $$ in Java Danno Ferrin asks "Where's the $$ at in Java?" I don't think I have the answer to this, but I can say that the money has certainly declined in the last year. I wanted to comment on this post, because I think I've found myself an interesting niche. There seem to be few Java Developers that know UI Development stuff like CSS, HTML and JavaScript. When I say know, I mean really know it in the sense that they could construct a good looking web page from scratch. On most of the projects I've been on, sure there have been UI Developers, but that's all they knew was CSS, HTML and JavaScript - they didn't know much Java (if any at all). I'm not saying it's impossible for developers to know both Java and UI Technologies, just that it's rare. So if you want to create a niche for yourself as a Java Developer - learn the UI stuff. If you're a UI Developer, learn the Java stuff. It can't hurt can it? Posted in Java at Feb 13 2003, 01:22:28 PM MST 2 Comments

Comments:

I partially agree. I am a java programmer, who knows his share of css,html and javascript. I have worked with some real designers (these people can also actually draw something nice by hand..). My motto is that everyone should just do what they are best at. So I don't want to see a programmer design (unless very talented, or if it is just to make a point) and I especially don't want the designers to start programming. Luckily most designers agree with me on that :) You probably missed the part where I agree with you : that depends on your definition of UI Designer :)

Posted by Martin van den Bemt on February 13, 2003 at 03:16 PM MST #

There are definately a lack of individuals that can do both UI work and program. And when I say UI work, I mean not only do they know CSS/HTML but they can also code in Java, C/C++. I don't think being able to do UI work is something that can be completely learned; it requires a certain amount of natural artistic ability as well. Not everyone can draw a picture that looks like what it's supposed to. On the flip side, not everyone can program (worth a damn, anyhow). I've never taken an art class in my life, but I can definately draw (http://illusions.dnsalias.com/igallery/art). It probably helps that I've been doing it since I could pretty much walk, but then again I touched my first computer when I was 4, so maybe that's why I have a good balance of both. But to agree with Matt, you without question become an invaluable member of the team when you can do both. Ever since I joined the company I work for now, they haven't outsourced a single application that requires users to interact with it, be it a web app or a traditional desktop application. They all mysteriously seem to fall in my lap now.

Posted by Kwan Skinner on February 13, 2003 at 05:35 PM MST #

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Matt Raible is the Lead UI Architect at LinkedIn. The opinions on this site are mine, not my employers.
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