Java has been a leading programming language since its introduction in 1995. It’s a compiled language whose object code isn’t confined to any one processor or computer, making it an excellent choice for cross-platform applications, including web applications and server-side code.

Today, Java is the most popular choice for writing Android apps. It’s also widely used in cloud applications, machine-learning environments, and Internet of Things technology,

Java developers need a wide range of skills, from a thorough knowledge of the basics to an understanding of the latest developments. Java developers also need knowledge beyond the language itself, including how the development process works and how to navigate the environments in which the code runs.

Are Java skills still in demand?

Even with competition from new languages, the demand for Java developers remains strong. In fact, Java is among the most in-demand programming languages on the job market, depending on whose numbers you look at.

Java-related job postings on Collabera increased 80 percent between 2017 and 2018, from 3,469 to 6,243 — impressive for a programming language that’s been around for nearly 25 years.

Java developers are reported to have the lowest career switch rate of any profession. It’s a great basis for a steady career.

Basic Java developer skills

While this isn’t a complete list, below is a look at some of the basic skills needed to become a Java developer:

• JavaServer pages (JSP) and servlets
• Web frameworks (e.g., Struts and Spring)
• Service-oriented architecture/web services (SOAP/REST)
• Web technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and JQuery
• Markup languages like XML and JSON
• Object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts and patterns
• Abstract classes and interfaces
• Constructors
• File IO and serialization
• Collections: lists, maps, sets
• Access specifiers
• Exceptions (checked and unchecked)
• Generics
• Java keywords: static, final, volatile, synchronized, transient, this super, etc.
• Java virtual machine (JVM) and memory management
• Multithreading and synchronization
• Dependency injection

Advanced skills for Java developers

Understanding Java doesn’t just mean knowing the language. Many other pieces are necessary to create, develop, and test code.

Here are a few advanced skills a top candidate for Java development jobs should possess:

• AI and machine learning
• Blockchain
• Python
• Amazon Web Services
• Hadoop/Big Data
• Mobile technologies (Android or OS)
• Advanced JavaScript framework (e.g., Angular, React, VueJS)
• Spring Boot/microservices

Are your feeling confident about your Java skill set?  Search Collabera’s Java Jobs!

Improve your skills 

Java is a technology that constantly adapts to new needs — these days, there’s a new release every six months or so. The best jobs go to Java developers who keep up with the constantly changing language and enhance their skill sets with complementary technologies.

With Cognixia skill training, you can advance your career as a Java developer to new heights. Enroll today.

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