Should Flash/Flex Developers learn Java/PHP/Ruby?

Try this search query on flexjobs list
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/flexjobs/msearch?query=java&charset=utf-8

There are around 325 job posts for Flex Developers by the time I have posted this entry. Out of these 325 jobs, I have noticed 322 jobs require Java or any other server side technologies as a skill.

In most of the job posts at flex jobs list, I have found the following key skills and attributes for Flex Developer requirements:

• CF, .NET, PHP, JAVA, or Ruby experience
• Knowledge of MS SQL and/or MySQL
• Extensive background in Java or C++.
• Java 1.3+, .NET, C#, JSP 1.2+, Javascript,
• DHTML, ActionScript, CSS, Java Beans, XML, Struts, Servlets 2.3+, ASP,
• 4+ years JAVA programming experience required,
• J2EE/EJB3 experience preferred.
• Knowledge of back-end technologies such as PHP and Ruby on Rails
• Strong object-oriented development skills (Java, C++)

If you closely notice these requirements, you will realize that most of them are for Java Developers (or any other server side technology), who can work on Flex too. That means Flex is not the primary skill but a nice to have.

Yakov Fain has a nice and interesting post under the topic
Should Java developers learn Flex - mixed feelings
I have also experienced this at my work, where Java Developers are embracing flex not because of the love for the technology but for the pressure from their employer. Big companies are adopting RIA extensively as their future technical direction and trying to make use of existing developer base. It’s all good. Learning a new technology is always fun. The success story of Flex as a technology lies mostly on this mass migration of developers. But what about the existing flash developer base? Should they also learn server-side technologies and upgrade themselves for the demanding market? The job requirements trends at flexjobs suggest us to learn and have a very good command over server-side technologies too. Being just an Actionscripter or Flex Developer is not going to fetch good fortune in today’s competitive market. Now flash platform is no more restricted to client side technologies. Gone are the days, when we used to have timelines, Movieclips to create nice and fancy looking animation and intros using flash.To become successful in flash platform, one has to have very good understanding of Eclipse IDE, Adobe LiveCycle, Servlets, JMS, J2EE architecture and the list goes on.

Adobe Flex Interview Preparation

Want to fetch the top Flex job in the market?

Out of my long experience in taking and giving interview here is a list of 10 things you need to know before you go for your next Adobe Flex technical interview. If I have missed anything, you can add to the list:

1. Good understanding and working knowledge of object oriented programming
2. Good understanding of Flex SDK
3. Event handling model of Flex
4. Custom component development
5. Experience of developing loosely-coupled components
6. Interacting with remote data
7. Understanding of J2ee architecture (or any other server side technology)
8. Cairngorm micro architecture
9. Unit Testing Framework for Flex
10. Logical thinking