Last decade was passed with maturation of programming languages. I think that, Last 5 years of 1990s, one of the biggest innovation award belongs to the middle programming language's and of course Java.
When i was learning C programming language in 12 years ago, i really need automation of C programming language.
Beacuse only Language syntax never adequate for write a program in C. You should know libraries and OS standarts etc.
You have to read PC Intern :) carefully.
If you are a C developer, being a good C programmer, it takes 2 years at least.
I think it is valid for many languages.
It comes to common languages such as .Net and Java and maybe C++.
.Net is announced begining of the Y2K. When I meet this language in 2001, I can say that the tool is wonderful(specially Interfces names)!
And a lot of programs exists and will be exist hopefully!
No matter what language you choose, automation always be part of you.