C#, Objective-C, C++ and Java have something in common!

Here is a conversation with a recruiter I had some years ago:

The recruiter: I got an exciting opportunity at a client of mine for a C++ developer.

Me: C++?

The recruiter: I meant C# (Csharp). They work with Microsoft technologies

Me: Not sure I can help with this opportunity. I only have a background in C and I'm not really interested in working with Microsoft technologies, whatever that mean.

The recruiter: C, C++, C#! Aren't they just a different version of the same thing? C!

If you see immediately where are the issues in this conversation, please take this short test.

The same conversation adjusted to the real world:

The recruiter: I got an exciting opportunity at a client of mine for a French speaker.

Me: French?

The recruiter: I meant Spanish. My client works within the European ecosystem

Me: Not sure I can help with this opportunity. I only have a background in Italian and I'm not really interested in working within the European ecosystem, whatever that means.

The recruiter: French, Spanish, Italian! Aren't they just a different version of the same thing? Latin languages!

I hope by now, you see what are the issues with this request from the recruiter.

In short, C, C++ and C# are from the same family of languages called C-based languages. It means, they borrow the same syntax and some fundamental concepts are the same. However, the languages have evolved to a place where you cannot just hire a C developer to carry the job of a C++ developer.

Here are other languages that are come from the same family: Objective-C, Java, Go, Swift and TypeScript. The last 4 don't even have a C-based name.

Just like French, Italian and Spanish which are Latin-based languages you cannot just put a Spanish speaking operator when a French one is needed. You'll get in trouble.

There's one more issue with that conversation. I'll address it in another essay.

If you know which one I'm referring to, please, comment below

Review and improvements

Here are ways I would have introduced this role to the candidate if I were that technical recruiter:

version 1: Don't reach out to them. They don't have the required background.

version 2: I got an exciting opportunity at a client of mine for a C# developer in a web environment with ASP.NET (Framework). With your background in X, this could be a great challenge for you.

Takeaways

Some technologies have the same sounding names, they come from the same family or they are just a new version of a previous one. That doesn't mean they could be replaced with another.

This was We're from the same family but we don't get along!

I hope you learn some more from this essay. Take this test to evaluate your progress.

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