While I'm not 100% certain I agree with *that* statement, I'll point out that moving from Perl to PHP is *very* easy.

You want an honest answer? After being in Computer Programming professionally since 1986 (meaning, I've been paid to write software since 1986, on one platform or another), I can honestly say that the *language* itself isn't what I look for in new hires... It's the ability to show that you're versatile that gets my attention.

Granted, I'm not going to hire someone to be an Oracle Developer who's never worked in Oracle... but at the same token, I've turned down several applicants for Oracle positions who have *years* of Oracle experience.

What I look for in someone to hire is someone who has a 'skill'... not someone who's 'taken a class and done a few programs'.

I would think you'd be more interesting to an employer looking for a Perl/PHP developer with three years real experience, rather than as a Java developer with a class and no real experience. Same thing is true the other direction.

Just like Perl, Java (in and of itself) isn't magical... It's what you've *done* with it that matters.

Look at it another way... Would you rather your resume be one of 200 Java resumes being sorted through, or one of 20 Perl resumes?

> If you knew a recent graduate, who knew a little Perl and
> a little Java, which career path would you suggest they
> take?

Whichever they can get hired to do right now... A 'recent graduate' needs experience more than anything else. Worry about picking a career path once you've had a chance to see what's going on.

If you're hoping to stay in this line of work for 20+ years, the best thing you can demonstrate is the ability to switch between languages with proficiency.

TrekNoid