On: Ask HN : Which should I learn : C# or Java

[rbanffy]

If those were my only choices, I would consider changing my career. Maybe learn to cook and open a gourmet restaurant.

Now, seriously, I would go for Java because, at least, it can run cross-platform without the danger of Microsoft suing you out of existence.

[johns → rbanffy]

"it can run cross-platform without the danger of Microsoft suing you out of existence"

Please explain further. MS isn't suing Mono (and supports them in many ways) and is increasing their cross-platform capabilities with Silverlight. These are not cure-alls, but they are progress.

[nailer → johns]

How is Silverlight cross platform? Have you tried finding and installing Silverlight on Linux? If you managed to, what percent of the sites on Microsoft's showcase worked?

Hint: I know the answer to all the above. That's why I'm asking the question.

[johns → nailer]

I didn't say it was cross platform right now, but that they were making a cross-platform push with Silverlight which brings a subset of the .NET CLR to Macs. Linux support is in Moonlight. Again, not all there yet, but it's progress.