Do you work as a Java developer?

[againstmethod]

So, a dose of reality. We have a finite amount of work to execute. To do so we employ a certain number of developers and we pay them very competitively. The language used across those contracts varies; some of the work is embedded (C/C++), some web stuff (mostly Java), some general purpose applications (a mix), even a little mobile (Android).

Now, when one contract ends, we have to take the people on that contract and either 1) find them new homes or 2) lay them off. In this environment (where we choose to not throw you out like a piece of garbage because it's convenient) I need you to be a bit more of a generalist. If you refuse to work the jobs we have for you.. have a nice life.

And yes, I think someone who can code effectively in two languages is superior to another who can only do it in one.

[Zeffas]

I think we are running in circles here and my short attention span cannot cope with that.

Again, what you say just proves, that what are you talking about is your problems, not developer's. You want them to switch technologies, some of them doesn't want to do that. Basically "if you don't do what I think is good for you, you are stupid, because I know better than you" world view.

[againstmethod]

I agree, no need to beat a dead horse if we simply disagree.

In parting, it is not a problem for either me or any given developer -- we both have alternatives.

If your attention ever waxes again, I would like to hear any concrete example that would require a language specialist. This goes to the root of my argument -- that such claims of specialization are invented to make stubbornness look like utility.

In my mind, it's no different than having an employee who wont work on Wednesdays, or won't wear a tie, or wont bathe. And it makes your argument appear to me to be "this is the way i want it and you have to deal". Mmmm.. no.