Is it worth learning Java when you already know C# fairly well?

Question

Since C# is in many ways a direct derivative of Java I wondered whether there was any advantage to learning Java after the fact of having learnt quite a reasonable about about C#?

Note: Please provide clear, direct advice rather than discussion in order to keep in line with SO guidelines.

Answer 1

If you want to program in Java, learn Java. It really is that simple.

The patterns, algorithms, and design ideas aren't going to be different enough that learning the language on its own is reward enough.

However, Java runs acceptably well on vastly more platforms than does C# (though with mono that's changing) so if you want to dip your toe into platform agnostic code, you might give Java a try. You'll notice it's a bit rougher around the edges, but not like going to C++ or C.

-Adam

Answer 2

The syntatical difference between the two is not large, though you get a lot of .NET specific code like [] tags that you won't find in Java. But I do find that the APIs and the development approach is quite different. The back end of each is very different from the other and in .NET some code that is efficient and works well may not be suitable for Java, and vice versa.

I've worked in both, the limitation that you're going to have to get used to if you work in Java is in the IDEs. None of the IDEs out there compare to Visual Studio for speed of development and ease of deployment. (IMO anyway).

I got a lot out of working on a few Java projects. You learn a lot of different programming techniques and methodologies. Specifically I would suggest working in J2EE, the difference will certainly give you the feel of working with a different language and technology.

Answer 3

I'm going to go with a different answer than the rest. If you are writing applications for the Windows platform, I don't see any benefit. The reason I say that is your "job" depends on knowing that platform. I can only assume that your job depends on it, otherwise, why would you be invested into it (hope that makes sense).

My suggestion is not to STOP learning though but LEARN something else that will give you a totally different perspective. Specifically I'd suggest to learn something dynamic or functional. Maybe F# for example, or give Ruby or Python a try. I think that is a better investment in time.

My $.02.

-Keith

Answer 4

I'm primarily a Java guy but have done a little C# here and there. IMO there is not enough of a difference between the two to really give a lot of benefit from a broadening your programming horizons perspective. Generally when I'm looking to learn a new language I want to find something that will force me to look at a program from a different perspective. Java's perspective is basically the same as C#. There are a few differences in how some of the high-level language features work and the APIs differ in some places, but overall Java and C# are both memory-managed, statically typed, OO languages.