>>>David:
>>>
>>> I have had similar concerns. I started programming in FoxBase+ to tell you how long I've been around. Recently I have decided to include a NON Micro$oft programming language in my knowledge base. In Houston Tx, there seems to be about equal demand for VB programmers as Java programmers.
>>>
>>> I do have some VB knowledge but with .NET, who knows what may happen to VB. Micro$oft is banking a lot on .NET and if it flops, VB maybe out in the cold.
>>>
>>>Just my opinion.
>>
>>I don't think it will flop, but I think C# may overshadow VB.net. The reasons are VB.NET is a quantum leap for VB programmers, and C# has all the richness of VB adn the power of C++. Many wonder why they should learn VB.NET and just switch to C#!
>
>
>I am learning a second development platform because the demand for VFP is way down in Houston. Demand runs Hot and Cold and the Cold times are lasting longer and longer. C# maybe a better platform, but how many companies are willing to risk development dollars on a new language only to have it disappear or be swallowed up (VJ++, Visual Interdev). Being an independent developer,I need to have the skills that are in demand now. I can't afford to be too far a head of the demand curve. I have to do enough selling with VFP, a proven product that been around for how many years?

VB 6 is a good bet then. But java will be in demand for a long time.