Career In Java: An Important Guide In 2021

Introduction

Java is one of the most popular programming languages. It started in the 1990s as an open-source programming language and became a programming language of choice. There are a lot of web applications built upon Java, and the trend continues even today. It is a preferred language for Android application development and enterprise back-end market for reasons like ease of use, compatibility, reliability, and practicality. So there is no dearth of options if one chooses to make a career in Java.

In this article let us look at:

1. Skills for the trade
2. Mobile App Development
3. Web Development
4. Desktop GUI Application
5. Enterprise application
6. Games
7. Scientific Applications
8. Career in Java Opportunities

1. Skills for the trade

The skills required to become a Java developer can be divided into 2 variants.

Technical skills: These Java skills include sound knowledge of core Java. The crucial skills include Object Oriented programming techniques, design patterns, abstract classes, Java interface, and serialization. Followed by that is ORM (object-relational mapping), Java build tools, web technologies, Java web frameworks, application containers, testing tools, Big Data, and Java EE components. 

Soft Skills: These include people skills, communication skills, social intelligence, among others. They enable people to navigate their environment, work well with others, perform well and achieve their goals.

2. Mobile App Development

Java has been the default programming language for Android since its launch in 2008 for developing Android applications. To get into this field, one needs to understand the Android development toolkit that has debuggers, emulators, and the required SDK. The technical know-how about Android Studio is a must as this is the best and the official integrated development environment(IED) to develop Android apps.  

3. Web Development

Java is also commonly used for web development, especially on the server-side. Java is versatile and is ideal for developing web applications. One can create dynamic web pages using Java. To build secure and engaging web applications for the clients, a developer should have a sound understanding of Java technologies like JavaServer Pages, Java Servlet API, Java Standard Edition(JSE), Java Enterprise Edition(JEE), JavaServer Pages Standard Tag Library (JSTL), Java Database Connectivity (JDBC), Java Persistence API, etc. 

4. Desktop GUI Application

Java has evolved into a useful tool for developing desktop applications that have attractive user interfaces and top-notch functionality. To build GUIs, one needs to gain expertise in Java Swing, which is based on Abstract Windowing Toolkit(AWT). Also need to learn how to incorporate JavaFX into a Swing application. 

5. Enterprise application

For building end-to-end enterprise solutions, Java is the most widely used language. As per Oracle, 97% of the enterprise computing systems are running on Java. 

To build these sophisticated applications for companies’ complex business processes using Java, one needs to get skilled in JEE (Java Enterprise Edition). Also needs to have a strong understanding of Enterprise Java Bean environment (EJE), Java libraries, APIs, development environments, and frameworks required to build complex functionalities.

6. Games

Java is the main programming language for developing Android games for mobiles, given its open-source material. Java is also used for web-based games along with Flash. Popular games like Minecraft, Mission Impossible III, etc. If one wants to make a career in Java, games development is a lucrative and interesting option to look for.

The skillset required for Java game programming is the core Java skills and the basics of Android development. One needs to learn liBGDX, which is a Java framework to build cross-platform games. The knowledge of git, which is a commonly used version control system, and GitHub, the largest web service for hosting IT projects.   

7. Scientific Applications

Java is becoming increasingly popular in the field of data sciences and machine learning. Because of the speed, security, portability, and scalability, it is widely used for data mining, data analysis, and building machine learning applications. Java The front-end and back-end of the most popular scientific applications, MATLAB, are developed in Java. 

One needs to be familiarized with struts, JSP, servlets for the user interface development. Core Java skills are required for the back-end part. Also, it is important to understand the use of Java with the CUDA toolkit, which supports GPU computing essential to carry out scientific computations.

8. Career in Java Opportunities

Professions with the right skill set can make a successful and rewarding career in Java. Some of the job roles available are

• Java Developer: Jobs for coding and developing the applications
• Java Architect: Jobs for designing and developing the layout of the applications.
• Web Developer: Jobs for the maintenance of servers or related to cloud computing.
• Android Developer: Jobs for building and maintaining Android / mobile applications. 
• EE Developer: Jobs for building enterprise software.
• Database Administrator: Jobs involving the performance, security, and integrity of databases.

The pay scale for the Java roles is quite competitive both in the US and Indian markets. There are some java freelance job opportunities that also primarily entail coding and consultation.

Conclusion 

Java is still trending strongly on the TIOEB index as compared to its competitors like Python, Scala, JavaScript, and others. Java professionals continue to be in demand and are well compensated. They get employed with reputed companies like Amazon, Microsoft, IBM, Oracle, HP, Cisco, to name a few. Java skills can lead one to interesting endeavors beyond programming like that of an educator, sales, Agile Development Environment, Scrum Master, business owner, etc. One can advance his career in Java to new heights with Java skills.

 If you are interested in learning more about software development, you can check out our holistic Master Certificate Program in Full Stack Development.

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