Ireland is awash with Java developers. It was pretty much the language of choice for every government department, financial institution, telco, and even at one stage, startups.

I always thought that, in Dublin, once mobile development became popular, there would be many more Android developers than iOS developers. My logic went like this:

• There are lots of Java developers
• The tools are free
• The devices are cheap
• It’s new and shiny and a new challenge

I really expected that in Ireland, we’d see lots of Java developers jump to becoming Android developers in this new, interesting market.

But it doesn’t seem to have happened. Why is that? Where are they?

I think there are a couple of reasons that may be contributing:

• Those who wanted a new challenge have already turned their attentions to something else like becoming Ruby developers.
• Many of these Java developers are now holding down high-paid positions with financial organisations or high daily rates as contractors. It’s a nice existence, and there’s no need for a change, thank you very much.
• Some people just aren’t interested in new challenges.

But what about the rest? Surely, out there, there are some Java developers who’ve tinkered with Android, even put out a few indie apps, and would love to move from the cubicle farm into channeling their talents into mobile app development.

Well, how about that? We’ve one such position open now.

Image Credit: Rob Bulmahn on Flickr