How to become a Java Developer

Becoming a Java Developer is an in-demand career path. It requires deep expertise in Java and a strong network to carry you along. Here are some resources to help you on your journey.

Why should you become a
Java Developer?

Demand for experts in Java is growing rapidly. Companies are looking for people with deep expertise in the field of Java to help them build their products and services.

As a result, Java Developers are in high demand and command high salaries. According to leading sources, the median salary for a Java Developer is $100,000 and a senior Java Developer can earn up to $130,000. Even entry-level positions can command great salaries.

No wonder that interest in a career in Java is growing rapidly. Explore the resources below to learn more about how to become a Java Developer.

Table of Contents

Best Java Books
Great Java Courses
Java Mentors
Must-Read Java Articles
Java Projects
How to learn Java

Best books to build Java understanding.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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

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.

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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

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Java Programming A-Z

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

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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.

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Get the guidance you need to become a Java Developer

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.

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!

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!

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.

How to become a Java Developer

Why should you become a
Java Developer?