So, You Want To Become A Java Developer?
The 5 Minute, 3 Step Solution To Kickstarting Your Career
Before you can go ahead and brand yourself a web developer, there’s some serious self-learning to be done! In fact, acquiring specialist skills, knowledge and experience is vital. Even once you get your foot in the door, the studying never fully stops. To remain at the top of your game, it’s expected to continually review your expertise and keep abreast of industry updates. If that sounds less like a chore and more like an exciting challenge, a career as a Java developer could be right up your street. A highly in-demand, rewarding role, in the 5 (or so) minutes it takes you to read this post, we’ve set out 3 ways you can start getting Java savvy! Ready? Let’s get started!
First, A Brief Backstory of Java
Java is one of the most popular programming languages in the world and boasts a reported 12 million developers! Renowned for its efficient processing speed in software, computer games and apps, for both desktop and mobile, it was developed in 1995 by Sun Microsystems and then taken over at a later date by Oracle. Unlike other programming languages, which use numeric code, it utilises English based commands to develop computer instructions and is praised for its ease of use for beginners. That said it can still take some time to master! Well known websites that rely on Java include Google, Facebook, Amazon and LinkedIn. Most importantly, Java is not to be confused with JavaScript which is another programming language used explicitly to make web pages more interactive.
What’s A Java Developer Then?
A Java developer is specifically responsible for the programming and development of applications and software using the Java language. They may collaborate with other web developers and software engineers to integrate Java into business apps, software and websites. They’re present throughout the entire duration of the development life cycle, from concept and design through to testing. Indeed, the stage following a software or application launch is just as important. Java developers are expected to maintain the code they developed. Other responsibilities can include collating and documenting user requirements, analysing data and undertaking quality assurance testing.
How To Become A Java Developer In 3 Steps
1) Take Java Developer Courses & Training
While there is no formal education required to become a Java developer, some companies will prefer applicants to have a technical degree. Relevant subjects include computer science, software engineering and web design & development. Ultimately, though, it’s your comprehension and application of the Java language that is most valued by employers. To get clued up on the fundamentals, we’ve found some of the best introductory and intermediate Java developer courses online. Oracle University is a great place to start, with their Distinguished Java Explorer course introducing you to Java development basics. Even better, you can earn accreditation badges for your LinkedIn profile which will undoubtedly impress potential employers. Should you breeze swiftly through this free course, there are other paid courses available via Oracle University. LinkedIn Learning, Udemy and Udacity also offer useful resources and training. Typically, a mixture of free and paid courses are available and they can be digested in bite-sized chunks. This means, if time and flexibility is an issue, you can learn at your own leisure:
· Learn Java (Code Academy)
· The Complete Java Certification Course (Udemy)
· The Complete Java Developer Course (Udemy)
· Java Programming Masterclass For Software Developers (Udemy)
· Become A Java Programmer (LinkedIn Learning)
· Learning Java (LinkedIn Learning)
· Java Explorer Course (Oracle University)
· Become A Java Web Developer, Nanodegree Programme (Udacity)
2) Download The Java Development Kit & Start Gaining Hands-On Experience
It’s all well and good learning the theory of a new subject but, in the long run, hands-on experience is key to solidify your understanding! Kickstart your career by installing the Java programming software onto your computer and practice, practice, practice! You can download the Java Development Kit for free from the Oracle website. This is an excellent set of programming tools for writing, debugging and running Java for beginners.
3) Explore Spring Framework
In web development, a framework is essentially a collection of tools based around specific programming languages that provides you with models and templates for building apps. Spring framework is a popular one used by Java developers to help them build Java applications faster and more conveniently. Whilst there is no one size fits all framework (which one you opt to use as a professional will be driven by various contextual factors), Spring is particularly well-liked owing to how easy it is for developers to use.
Ultimately, it’s important to remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day! It’s near impossible to become a Java developer at a professional level without investing immense time, effort and commitment. So long as you remain dedicated to your craft, and don’t overwhelm yourself by attempting to learn too much at once, you’re in a decent position to succeed!
Now I’ve Got Some Skills Under My Belt, Where Can A Java Developer Job Take Me?
The Java Developer Career Path
Working as a Java developer opens up many doors, starting with entry-level positions which focus on programming and progressing to more senior roles that centre on design lead and management. In addition to this, you can work in various capacities as a Java developer, be it a corporate, government or not for profit setting, the world of employment is yours for the taking! Below are just some of the Java developer positions, and their associated responsibilities, that commonly crop up on our jobs board here at Wired Sussex:
- Junior Java programmer – develop and review code, debug and develop technical documentation.
- Senior Java programmer – mentor junior staff and design and implement software.
- Architects – work with software customers and senior management, evaluating computer systems.
- Programming Project Managers – lead projects from concept to delivery.
- Software engineers – create computer and application software.
- You might also specialise in writing code for specific services or software too, such as back-end, front-end, Android or iOS.
Due to Java development skills being so highly sought after, you can expect a fair wage too. Indeed, the average Java developer salary in the UK is £50k.
Next steps....
As far as Java developer jobs in Brighton go, we have a history of successfully connecting prospective employees with top companies. Why not check out the current opportunities available via our jobs board? If WFH is more your style, remote Java developer jobs are available too.