Brad Feazell writes:

> What's not being said is that many Cobol programmers, while
> very capable, are not interested in Java or any other new language.

I would tend to disagree, though this is just my opinion;
I have no facts to dispute the above.

Most programmers that I've known have no issues with learning
a new language in general, though their exact feelings may vary
by language.

For example, after having used Pascal several years ago,
I decided I don't like it, which also means that I have
no interest in Delphi.  Many swear by Delphi, but it's
my career, so that's my decision.

> If you took a UNIX admin and told him/her that starting tomorrow,
> they would be training for NT administration - they would most
> likely start looking for a job.

I consider this to be different.  At least, my personal feelings
on this are definitely different.  I've used NT enough to know
that I don't like it, so anything requiring me to spend more time
with it would be a Bad Thing.

> If your company decided to replace all it's HP3000s with NT
> boxes, would you start looking for a job?

Absolutely (see above).  However, if they decided to switch to
UNIX boxes, I'd at least stay long enough to see if I liked it,
and what was involved in the transition.

After all, if a company is going to pay me to learn something
new, it's to my benefit to take advantage of the opportunity.
However, if it's something that I know I don't like, or that
sends my career in a direction that I know I don't want, I'll
pass.  After all, it's MY career.

> Is this any different for a Cobol
> programmer who was given the "opportunity" to learn Java?

Absolutely.  Even if the programmer later decides that Java
is not for them, they can still seek another opportunity using
COBOL.  Further, they can guide their career away from Java
knowing for sure that the language is not for them, rather
than continuing to wonder what the hoopla was all about.

Personally, though, I think avoiding Java is a mistake.
Even aside from the opportunity to develop server-side Java
code on more platforms, Java is also a natural for CORBA,
for networking apps, and for web sites using JavaServer Pages
(which I find *much* easier than CGIs).  As a bonus, Java also
makes it possible to develop code for that e3000 app using your
laptop.

> So I think you have also consider that many Cobol programmers
> just want to coast in to the finish line without starting over
> with a radical new language.

For me, it didn't feel either "radical" or like "starting over."
And I sure hope I never "coast."

> At some point in our careers, I think a lot of us will decide
> to pass on the new language. For me personally, I hope that day
> is a long way off.

On that, I agree!

--Glenn