Java Developer: Career Path

Java has been one of the most widely used programming languages of the past two decades. In return, there are job opportunities en masse at some of the biggest companies in the world.

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What does the Java Developer career path entail?

Java Developer

Java has been taught as the fundamental programming language to computer science and software engineering students of the last decade. That's why companies like Google, Goldman Sachs, IBM and Accenture still bet on it even after the crown as the "most popular" programming language has been passed.

Java can be used in almost all areas of software engineering. Frameworks make it possible to bring Java to the web, it can be used to build mobile applications, as well as high-frequency algorithms and big data architectures.

Java is here to stay and new talent is needed! Great developers are uniquely situated to get into engineering management positions too.

Best books to explore the Java career path.

A well-written and thorough book can be an amazing path to build deeper understanding and also act as a handbook as you discover the internet's vast resources.

These are our and our experts top picks to get started building career-relevant skills.

Head First Java

Head First Java

Learning a complex new language is no easy task especially when it s an object-oriented computer programming language like Java. You might think the problem is your brain. It seems to have a mind of its own, a mind that doesn't always want to take in the dry, technical stuff you're forced to study.

Clean Code

Clean Code

Even bad code can function. But if code isn’t clean, it can bring a development organization to its knees. Every year, countless hours and significant resources are lost because of poorly written code. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Effective Java

Effective Java

Java has changed dramatically since the previous edition of Effective Java was published shortly after the release of Java 6. This Jolt award-winning classic has now been thoroughly updated to take full advantage of the latest language and library features. The support in modern Java for multiple paradigms increases the need for specific best-practices advice, and this book delivers.

Test Driven: TDD for Java Developers

Test Driven: TDD for Java Developers

In test driven development, you first write an executable test of what your application code must do. Only then do you write the code itself and, with the test spurring you on, you improve your design.

Java Performance

Java Performance

Coding and testing are often considered separate areas of expertise. In this comprehensive guide, author and Java expert Scott Oaks takes the approach that anyone who works with Java should be equally adept at understanding how code behaves in the JVM, as well as the tunings likely to help its performance.

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Courses to deepen your Java skills.

These days, courses are no longer a sequence of videos. They are usually accompanied by projects and a learning community, keeping you accountable and on the path.

Our experts recommend these courses, from free selections to paid programs.

CodeGym

CodeGym

There are tons of good books on the Internet, but you won't become a programmer by reading books. To learn Java and become a programmer, you need to write a lot of code.

CodeGym is an online Java programming course consisting of 80% practice and 20% of the essential Java theory. This is what you need to become a real Java developer.

Java Programming A-Z

Java Programming A-Z

Everything you need to know about Java programming to make you first steps as a software engineer.

Java Fundamentals

Java Fundamentals

This course provides complete coverage of the Java programming language and serves as a strong foundation for all Java-based development environments including client-based, server-side, and Android.

Oracle Java Certification

Oracle Java Certification

This course will help you learn the steps to becoming an Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) and get a higher paying job!

Take the Oracle Java Associate Programmer exam confidently knowing you can pass it

Get the guidance you need on the Java Developer career path

There is no better source of accountability and motivation than having a personal mentor. What used to be impossible to find is now just two clicks away! All mentors are vetted & hands-on!

The Java must-reads you shouldn't miss.

Key articles and posts of industry experts can help you get a better picture of what you are getting into.

In our opinion, these are some must-reads you really shouldn't miss.

Java Coding Tips

As Java offers so many features and options to the developers, people are sometimes lured into learning too many things in too little time. As a result of this, they get ‘bits and pieces’ knowledge of a few options that Java offers, but their basics hang on a loose thread.

Trust me when I say this, Java is one programming language which is easy if you have paid attention to the simple basics, however; it can be frustrating if you get greedy and try to take the shorter route forward.

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Most Essential Coding Interview Questions

On the way to your first coding interview? This is a collection of some of the most common coding, algorithm and engineering questions. Your perfect preparation for your interview!

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Opportunities and projects in the Java space.

In the end, advancing your career is all about getting the right opportunities at the right time and a good portion of luck.

These are some interesting things going on in the Java space and you probably don't want to miss them.

Get into open-source

The world thrives on open-source software and this is no exception. Core contributors to core libraries and fast-growing tech like React, scikit-learn, Bitcoin and TensorFlow prove their abilities by going into the inner workings of a framework to improve it. For many companies, that's a desirable skill!

These projects are always looking for fresh faces. Grab an issue from the issue board or review a PR to get started!

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Build your own app

For many years, Java was the one programming language you could use to build mobile applications. While today, you can use a wider variety of technologies, Google still builds on the tech.

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Growing into a Senior Java Developer role pays off – $30,000 up to per year.

Not only is the progression from individual Java Developer to a Senior role a natural progression, it also makes all the difference in your average salary.

On a global average, Senior Java Developer receive a $30,000 salary hike over entry-level Java Developers when they go from individual contributor to senior personnel.

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Related career paths

If you like Java careers, you might also be interested in these other career paths.

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