LR> C++ hung it's promise of saving programmers labor time on the 
LR> eventual 'resuseability' of C++ code.  Has this promise been met 
LR> thus far?  Have you personally witnessed the fullfillment of this 
LR> promise?  I would like to hear your experiences - and your opinions 
LR> on this matter.
    The value of C++ cannot be judged on the language but rather the
    skill of the programmer. C++ has many pitfalls by impowering the
    programmer to have  quite a bit controll over the semantics and
    syntax of the language.
LR> Another matter that concerns me is what will happen to this promise 
LR> of reuseability of C++ code if Java becomes the language of the 
LR> future - in a year or so?  Will C++ be abandoned if Java becomes the 
LR> new standard language for new projects - for development?  Will C++ 
LR> be relegated to the back burners - being used merely for 
LR> 'maintainenance' as has happended to so many past languages like
LR> Cobol, RPG, PL-1, 'C'(???), etc?
    I personnally like Java. My experience with it has been favorable.
    It cuts out quite a bit of the limitations and pitfalls of C++.
    Java initializes variables automatically, does polymorphism automatically
    , and eliminates pointer (variables are references for classes). 
    Java is quite refined by the so called 'write once, run anywhere' ability
    has a few flaws that have been worked on in the v1.1 specs of the 
    launguage.
    C++ was almost backwards compatible with C - allowing for traditional
    and object oriented programming to be mixed. Too much code is already
    invested in many projects so just like COBOL's slow demise, it is
    still heavily used in many banking systems.  C++ will be slow to die
    even if Java becomes the new "thing".
LR> What about Java?  How will it impact job demand for programmers with 
LR> C++ skills?  When?  
    Java is very closely related to C++ and does not require to much
    for a programmer to learn to use it (not much personally-not it business
    however).
LR> What will happen to network and database development during the next
LR> 2.5 years - and after?
    networking & c++? To many nasty C procedures for socket level programming
    for me. I had to write my own classes for dependable socket code.
    Database? Well the next supposed step in languages and applications is
    4th generation abilities. English like commands and syntax for commands.
    Some 4th does exist but in very limited ways. Like "find all blue items"
    would search a database for items with the attribute blue - you don't
    know or care how the search is done but just that it is done.
LR> interest in future trends and what I should be doing now to prepare 
LR> myself for the changes that may result in the near term.  Perhaps 
    If you don't get promotted every 2 years or atleast moved latterally
    you can be indanger of becomming technologically inept (ACM). If you
    want an edge, learn what the "older codgers" don't know so you don't
    get left behind.
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