| For centuries, Québecois have struggled over its primary language, but not the people of DePaul CTI. Beginning this autumn, Java will replace C++ as the school’s dominant programming language.
Why the switch? “Skills in Java are more marketable,” says James Janossy of DePaul’s Information Services. “Lots of companies are large enough to think about how infrastructure will look with Java.”
Plus, DePaul CTI prides itself in staying in tune with business. “CTI has a policy to use the language that’s being used in industry,” says Associate Professor Steve Jost, chair of the undergraduate committee. “Java is more streamlined and simpler, so it’s easier to develop application.”
Anyone who wants great mobility in the profession should think about learning Java, Janossy says. “The beauty of Java is that it is not machine specific.”
Associate Professor Steve Lytinen, chair of the graduate committee, adds, “Java has more features, so it’s easier for students to write programs with graphical user items. Java is a cleaner programming language than C++.”
Professors also say that, compared to Visual Basic, Java is more difficult to learn at the outset. However, it is easier to maintain and provides greater user interface and more extensive programming across networks.
Jost elaborates, “It’s harder to learn than Visual Basic. The hurdle is high, but once students make it through the first class, then they will be better programmers.” Java also is especially adaptable to e-commerce and systems in the airlines industry.
How do they know that it’s time to make the switch? “Our past Java classes have been very popular,” Lytinen says.
“We have a host of evidence that shows that Java is the more popular language,” such as the number of people who return to school for certificates in Java development programming, he says. “There’s always a waiting list to take that class.”
There are no longer prerequisites for Java courses. Students who began their programs when C++ was required will still be able to graduate with the C++ background, but all new students will be expected to study Java.
“Java will be around for a long time,” Jost says.
For more information about Java courses and certificate programs, call CTI at (312) 362-8381.
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