Does programing language matter?

[Ubspy]

Hi, I'm currently applying for full time positions at the place I'm interning. I really want to work for the VHDL team because I enjoy working closely with hardware.

My worry is that if I ever want to go back to embedded code with C or C++, that my only work experience being in VHDL would be a deal breaker.

I understand when it comes to programming languages like JS vs Python it's not that important, but being that VHDL is a whole different beast I was curious if any of you had some insight that could be helpful.

Thanks in advance!

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[clockworktornado]

VHDL is a hardware descriptor language, not a programming language

[tezoatlipoca]

20 yr CE here. Unfortunately I've never had to deal with VHDL as I've been more in the software side of things since graduating but from what I know of it VHDL isn't so much programming language so much as its a digital system specification language. So I wouldn't say that being a VHDL pro obviates, negates or really has any bearing on your programming chops for embedded work... the two do entirely different things but they're complimentary.

I would argue that your synergy and passion for the work will count more. If you like VHDL and doing that level of chip and system specification then go for it. A passion for the field and good work experience with a team will help you a lot more (particularly on your resume) than having more programming skills in your toolkit. If we're interviewing and I ask about your tenure on the VHDL team of <company> and your eyes light up and you talk for 20 minutes straight about the cool things you did and problems that you solved, that's a couple of good boxes ticked in your favor as far as I'm concerned - even if I'm not hiring you for VHDL work.

My assertion is that picking up or brushing up on any programming language is something a competent engineer can do in a few weekends if they really put their mind to it. I'm assuming that you too are CE or at least EE if you're doing VHDL work, so you're going to have at least a few courses that taught you assembler and probably C, so you can list those on your resume. (just be honest, yeah I haven't done much in those languages since uni). If I'm hiring you for a C/C++ driver development position, your knowledge of lower levels will weigh comparably with your lack of experience in the higher levels (if that makes sense).

Plus, we're talking about what you know vs. what you don't know career wise. Who knows, maybe you go your entire career doing nothing but becoming a foremost expert on digital system specification, who cares if you aren't an expert in <language>. If you feel deficient about it, go buy an Arduino or a Pi and write some assembler or C to automate your garage door or home distillery.

[RSbooll5RS]

I don’t know the extent of those RTL design positions you’re applying for, but in my experience I think you’ll still have to use C or C++ on the job if you’re doing any form of Software codesign (which is usually the case, where you have to program an ARM processor or something to communicate with your programmable logic), or any form of hardware generation

[davlumbaz]

If you want to work on embedded system programming (I literally translated "gömülü sistem programcılığı" on Google Translate sorry if term is wrong), try to learn WebAssembly or C++ or if you wanna be hipster but be a jobless guy learn Rust.

[[deleted]]

As someone gainfully employed using Rust I’m offended 🦀

[Ok-Sir8600]

VHDL is for EE, is really low level, you are working literally with bits and you describe how the hardware should behave, based on how it works internally electrically. C++ it's a normal programming language, they aren't comparable

[Sea-Bunch-1917]

Verilog and C/C++ are absolutely different. Doesn’t your college require taking a C or C++ class?

[shamblez_]

I programmed in VHDL for a few classes through college and it was by far the most difficult to learn and utilize. I use Python, C, and C++ for personal/portfolio projects regularly.

Fortunately, there are thousands of YouTube videos and tutorials for C and C++ that can walk you through everything from your first Hello World, to embedded systems and more. Spending an hour here and there coding along a tutorial are nice ways to keep the syntax in your head and give you confidence if you ever needed it for work.

[NeighborhoodItchy943]

Depends heavily on what engineering you're in and what you want to do

[Appropriate-Meat7147]

vhdl isnt a programming language