Need /prog/'s honest opinion on which one is a more valuable skill to learn, programming or networking?

That's a good question. In all honesty, I don't think either field will run out of demand any time soon. You should have no trouble finding a job with either. Even the pay should be the same, give or take a bit.

Programming probably. Although networking is a great field as well. I would recommend whichever one you like more.

They're both great. I'm a programmer because I like it so I really just recommend going after whichever seems more fun.

I believe programming can pay more, but you have to be good.

the reason programming is more valuable is that there will NEVER be a time when programming is finished. It can always be improved, even the simplest line can be done better. Therefore, you will never be out of a job. Networking, however, just doesn't sustain itself as well.

Programming without any doubt.

>>1
I'm trying to learn programming and it's quite fun knowing you can literally tell the computer anything if you know how.

>>1
They are both excellent fields, which pay quite well. I am about to get my degree in Networking, and will probably land a job for 40k my first year. I went into networking over programming because networking is easier.(for me at least)
If you like math and building go programming.
If you like building computer systems, and troubleshooting go networking

>>1
If you are looking for a career, then either will pay well. Remember, long term, programming and writing code can be out sourced. Plugging in routers can't. If you choose programming, then work hard to be highly skilled, so you're more skilled than the guys in India.

what languages you studying?

Programming and a some networking knowledge.

>>10
I've taken a course on basic C++, but it's just what it is, basic. So I started studying by myself. Now, I'm almost halfway through Stroustrup's book, Programming Principles. Anyway, care to share any tips for a new programmer like me?

About that, guys what do you think about the certifications ? Cisco ? Windows ?
Some of you got one ?

Network Engineer for a major ISP here. It's a bit of a cop-out answer, but you need to have both. Get really good at one, and then at least respectable at the other. I went down the Network Path, got CCNP/JNCIP and moved up the chain fast, but I got into a rut when it came to doing projects. I started teaching myself PERL a couple years ago, which is honestly a shit programming language, but it allowed me to really take my engineering work to the next level. Now I can propose a project to make changes to eleventy bajillion routers, and write a perl script to get the job done in one night. My salary went up 25% when people figured out I was a great engineer, and could code too.

My .02

Sure visual basic great way to break into c#
Javascript and HTML great languages to learn. Easy lot of fun.
Last tip you can download any for dummy book (like c# for dummies.) for free legaly if you torrent it.

Dicklicking is a skill you won't regret acquiring.

>>16
How does one require this power!