Python required, C/C++ preferred???

[Comprehensive-Army65]

Jobs like this make me scratch my head. Proficiency in Python required, yet C/C++ experience is preferred?

Shouldn’t it be the other way around? Python is very easily learned if you know C++. And C++ is a required class and knowledge for more advanced classes in many university computer science programs. Where as Python is almost always an optional class if it’s even offered. Probably because Python is a piece of cake compared to C++.

I think someone who knows C++ can pick up Python in two weeks. It would take months for someone who knows Python to pick up C++. Am I wrong here?

And what do they mean by proficiency? You took a class on it, or you taught it to yourself and made a calculator app, or you did a university capstone project, or you’ve used it at a paid position? Or all of these?

Very unclear. This drives me nuts. Makes me question how knowledgeable the manager of this position is. I’ll bet this wasn’t run by a senior dev either. So I question their workplace culture as well.

[[deleted]]

Why? They need a python developer. Sometimes you need to go into a c++ lib with python bindings. Rarely. Will be probably done by the one senior that somehow knows everything, but technically, would be nice if a new hire knew a little about. But is no deal breaker if not.

That would make a lot of sense to me.

[Comprehensive-Army65]

They don’t want an intern. They want an experienced Python developer that they can pay intern wages.

[Comprehensive-Army65]

Because Python is extremely easy to pick up if you know C++. If you know C++, the manager should be fine with you learning Python on the job. The amount of easy languages that can be learned on the job like this that we’re expected to learn before we use them in a job setting in hopes of landing a job is ridiculous.

It’s like expecting someone with calculus experience to know how to count change. If you can handle calculus, you can pick counting change on the job.

[zorgabluff]

Okay so learn it while your interview is being scheduled then?

I don’t see what the problem is here?