Java programmers have some of the most in-demand tech skills in the field. Data from human resources analysis firm Mercer and technical recruiting firm Dice show that companies have a growing need for Java software developers. Whether you have a computer science degree or are making a career change, learning Java can be the boost you need for a career in tech. A training program that teaches technology skills such as basic and advanced Java capabilities is an excellent first step toward a successful tech career.
Released in 1996, Java was developed at Sun Microsystems (later acquired by Oracle). It is an object-oriented programming (OOP) language that uses objects rather than logic-based code. OOP languages tend to be more modular, scalable, and flexible than other languages. They are also highly secure. This makes them ideal for tasks such as programming for back-end functions, such as web servers and databases, and for applications in financial services and health care.
Java is used to build the following applications:
Here are some reasons to learn Java, a highly versatile coding language.
Java’s uses expand as technology evolves. Since its introduction more than 25 years ago, Java expertise is now in demand across all industries. For example:
Java’s technical features make Java skills an asset for both developers who are just starting their coding careers and experienced developers. These attributes include:
According to compensation research site Payscale, the median annual salary for experienced Java developers was approximately $79,000 as of May 2022. Java developers can see a boost in compensation when they bring different skills to the table. For example, experience with Scala, REST, and Oracle 11g resulted in salaries 17% and 59% over the median.
What are the essential Java skills that a training program covers? Students should have training in OOP principles, including classes, objects, methods, and attributes. Classes include Java elements such as inheritance, interfaces, abstract classes, and polymorphism. As students become more proficient, they will learn more complex concepts, such as reflection, generics, and threads.
Entry-level Java programmers need more than just Java programming skills. They must also have expertise in how Java functions with other applications and how to be an effective programmer. The following are some basic Java topics:
Learning never ends for software developers. As programmers gain experience, they will also need to understand more advanced Java topics. These include:
In many cases, even individuals who have an associate or a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology may lack the foundation they need for a career in Java development. A focused training program that includes real-world projects may be necessary before they can move on to a career as a Java programmer.
Whether starting with an education in a STEM subject — science, technology, engineering, or math — or changing careers, the path to learning Java includes both self-study and training. Java is (mostly) an open-source programming language. Plenty of do-it-yourself resources are available that provide a basic introduction to Java programming. However, Java is complex, and training that teaches both Java basics and real-world problem-solving skills can lead to a better understanding of the language and provide an excellent foundation for more in-depth coding.
Many people’s first paid experience as Java programmers is through an apprenticeship or similar program, such as that offered in Revature’s model, which provides paid training to associates and then places them in their first jobs. Unlike an internship, which is a short-term position and can be unpaid, an apprenticeship is a long-term opportunity to learn under the guidance of a senior developer. This experience will provide real-world, practical coding experience. Training programs that connect new developers with companies can help trainees gain a toehold in the industry.
The most successful Java programmers know that there’s always more to learn. Java has continuously evolved since its release in 1996, so programmers have to evolve to keep up. Even after getting their first job, developers continue to hone their skills and take on more responsibility. At some point, they may even be training a new crop of developers who have joined the team for their first experience.
Certifications show that developers have achieved specific levels of competence. Some training programs, such as Revature’s, help individuals earn certain certifications. Java certifications include:
Other certifications are not Java-specific but showcase coding talents in some of the most in-demand specialties. These include:
Java is a very hands-on programming language. Practicing coding, coming up with projects and executing them, and doing practice exercises and quizzes are excellent ways to learn Java and develop strong coding skills. Many experienced developers recommend that newbies try their new skills and learn from their mistakes.
Plenty of resources are available for testing one’s knowledge or learning about new tech skills. The following 10 sites offer quizzes, tutorials, how-tos, and other material for mastering Java programming.
Learning Java requires understanding basic concepts. As a developer masters each concept, they lay the foundation for the next level. Some examples of areas covered in a Java syllabus include the following.
This section will provide a basic introduction to the concepts and elements that underpin Java. It will cover the history of Java and its structure as an OOP programming language. It will also describe its advantages (WORA, cross platform, multithreaded) and uses (for back-end web development, security, e-commerce, and more).
This segment of the Java syllabus will cover installing Java on a computer. It will detail Java naming conventions, classes and objects, data types, and other aspects of the language. It will cover the Java runtime environment (JRE), Java virtual machine (JVM), and Java development kit (JDK).
Some more advanced Java concepts include packages (including package naming conventions, user-defined packages, and built-in packages). Developers must also learn different data types (both primitive and nonprimitive) before moving forward. Other concepts include variables and constants, constructors and modifiers, and keywords and inner classes.
Once the basic concepts have been mastered, training will move on to cover OOP concepts in greater depth. These concepts include encapsulation, inheritance, abstraction, and polymorphism. The differences between classes and objects also will be explained.
After covering OOP concepts, training will move into collections. Developers will learn how to perform functions on collections such as add, remove, update, sort, and search. They also will explore the collections hierarchy and how objects in collections can be sorted and stacked.
Developers will learn to manage files and directories. At this stage of training, students should have a basic understanding of how to work with Java files.
While Agile isn’t a Java concept, it’s essential to software development as a whole. Agile is a software development philosophy that focuses on teamwork and coding sprints to release software fast and then update it based on user reactions. Most companies use the Agile method in developing their software. Understanding Agile is an important part of being a Java developer.
Beyond the basics, there’s still plenty more to learn. Java is divided into two tiers — Core Java, which includes the fundamentals discussed above, and Advanced Java, which is a robust system for developing web-based and enterprise-level applications. These concepts include:
An advanced Java syllabus would include web application and web container setup, session management, libraries including JSP tag libraries, Java architecture and struts, mapping collections and associations, Spring and Hibernate, and much more.
Learning tech skills such as Java is a complex but rewarding process. But it doesn’t have to be hard. Finding a strong training partner can help you gain proficiency and advance in your career.
Revature associates get paid to learn during 10 to 14 weeks of training, followed by job placement with a leading tech company.
If you’re interested in a new career in tech, or want to get practical training and hands-on experience to round out a degree in computer science, explore Revature’s unique training programs today.
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