Re: Should I give up Perl?

[eyepopslikeamosquito]

Let me get this straight. You are a:

Consultant IT guy who sometimes codes in PERL, PHP, C, C++, BASIC, FORTRAN, COBOL

who now, after twenty years experience, wants to give up using all these languages and become a PHP specialist because of a single PHP test result? Go for it! :)

Seriously, I wouldn't let the test result influence your decision. For me, such a choice would depend on economic factors, and on how much I enjoyed PHP compared to the other languages.

A few years back, I was astonished to find myself leading a PHP code golf competition despite being a complete PHP beginner! Rather than draw the conclusion that I was a "PHP natural" and should therefore "forsake Perl for where my abilities seem to lie", I concluded that the average PHP golfer was of a much lower standard than the average Perl, Python and Ruby golfer. Like LanX, I am not in awe of the technical abilities of the average PHP programmer. :)

[space_monk]

Well the OP was a bit of a 'tongue in cheek' question.

I applied for the PHP role as a bit of a joke, but the test result and the 'economic factors' have meant taking it more seriously. The salary on offer is around £70K/$100K plus substantial bonus, pension and other benefits, which is exceptionally good for PHP role.

[marto]

"'economic factors' have meant taking it more seriously."

"First order of business, survival". Seriously though, in the turbulent times in which we live I know people who have had to change industry entirely, rather than substitute a one tool for another within the same (or similar) discipline. As you rightly state a poor worker can do a bad job regardless of the tool in use. Simply because you use one tool at a day job doesn't mean you have to give up the other as a hobby.

Previously I've introduced perl in jobs where it wasn't used at all. Sensible employers/clients wont ignore a tool when you can prove it's advantages.

[karlgoethebier]

"The salary on offer is around £70K/$100K plus substantial bonus, pension and other benefits, which is exceptionally good for PHP role."

This a serious matter. Don't hesitate, some others dream of this - or even don't have any job.

Regards, Karl