Transitioning from C/C in Unix to Hadoop: A Path to Success

Have you been working with C/C on Unix for years, and now you are interested in diving into the world of big data and Hadoop? Although it might seem like a leap, your extensive experience in systems programming can be a significant advantage in this field. This article will explore the possibilities of a career in big data, specifically with Hadoop, and provide insights into leveraging your existing skills for a successful transition.

Understanding Your Background and Skills

I have firsthand experience working with C/C on Unix for seven years. Additionally, I have worked with Java for Android on the side. These experiences have given me a solid foundation in both systems programming and application development. Recently, I have taken an interest in big data, which complements my skills and opens up new opportunities.

Is There a Path to a Good Job in Hadoop?

The short answer is yes, despite your background in C/C , there is a path to a good job in Hadoop. Many of my colleagues in the team use C for interfacing with databases like MongoDB. As you progress in your career, you may find yourself taking over tasks that require expertise in big data. This presents an opportunity to transition into this exciting field and leverage your existing skills.

Understanding the Intersection of C/C and Big Data

People often believe that native system-side programming and big data systems cannot interact seamlessly. However, several examples demonstrate the contrary. Here are a few key points to consider:

Getting Started with MongoDB C Edition Libhdfs, which allows interaction with distributed file systems like HDFS gen_cpp, a set of C generated bindings for Hadoop

These tools and libraries illustrate that C and C can indeed interact with big data systems, providing a bridge between your existing skills and the new world of big data.

A Personal Journey and Recommendations

Transitioning from C/C to a big data environment like Hadoop is possible, and your experience can be a valuable asset. While it might require some additional learning and adjustment, your background in optimization and memory management in C will undoubtedly come in handy. Big data is also about understanding how to debug and troubleshoot distributed systems, which is a skill you can develop and refine.

Compared to languages like Java and Haskell, C and Java are closer together. This similarity means that much of your existing knowledge and experience can be transferred over if you focus on picking up the nuances of Java and Hadoop.

One effective way to get started is to take online courses on platforms like Coursera or EdX. These platforms offer courses that can help you catch up on the idiomatic Java and Hadoop topics, providing you with the necessary skills to excel in this field.

The journey from C/C to Hadoop is possible, and with effort and dedication, you can build a successful career in big data.