ashr

I have a couple of friends who for different reasons (valid to them) would like to get into software development. One of them has a Master's degree (economics) and the other has a PhD (Biology). While both of them would love to first get into school (under-grad/grad) to get a solid foundation in Computer Science, they can't as they need to keep making money. They are fine working at the entry level in the industry. They have asked me for the skills that they should learn that will help them contribute to their future employers in a meaningful manner and thus earn their pay.

While I have my own ideas, I would like to know what the smart and pragmatic people on HN have to say.

To start the discussion: * Which programming languages: Java, C#, Ruby, Scala, C++ ... * Which application domain: Web, Desktop, Mobile etc * What are the skills that are in the demand most as per your experience? What kind of skill set you are looking for in the entry level programmers when you hire? * What are the skills that will be valuable in the long run?