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.

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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.

Java Developer

Your Java Developer Journey

Everything you need to start your career in 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

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 multipl…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

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.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

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 p…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

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 stu…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

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.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Head First Design Patterns

Head First Design Patterns

Using the latest research in cognitive science and learning theory to craft a multi-sensory learning experience, Head First Design Patterns uses a visually rich format designed for the way your brain works, not a text-heavy approach that puts you to sleep.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

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 …

Available on codegym.cc

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.

Available on pluralsight.com

Java Masterclass 2025: 130+ Hours of Expert Lessons

Gain real-world experience with OOP, coding exercises, and problem-solving for job-ready Java development skills

Available on udemy.com

Java Programming for Complete Beginners

Learn Core Java Skills including the lastest version of Java

Available on udemy.com

Get help with your learning journey

Learning through online courses can be challenging. Get 1:1 guidance from an experienced mentor who can help you stay accountable and answer your questions along the way.

Project Development Using JAVA for Beginners - 2024

Learn Java from scratch and become Software Engineer.

Available on udemy.com

Java from Zero to First Job, Practical Guide, 2000+ examples

Java Core, TDD, Streams, Lambdas, JPA/Hibernate, SQL, Build Tools, Git, Web Servers, HTML,Servlets, JSP, Spring Boot etc

Available on udemy.com

Top Java Certifications

Mastering the fundamentals of Java will help you earn valuable certifications. Our expert mentors can guide you through the certification process and help strengthen your knowledge.

Oracle Java Training and Certification

Gain a competitive advantage by learning and getting certified as a Java Developer with Oracle. Learn how to build highly functional, reliable, portable, and secure applications with training created by Oracle's Java experts, who are at the forefront of high-tech solutions in the world of Java. Wit…

Java Certification Coaching

Consider reaching out to a coach specialized in Java certifications. They can help you prepare for your exam, and provide you with the necessary resources to succeed. MentorCruise is the best place to find a coach for your Java certification.

Oracle Certified Expert, Java EE 6 Web Component Developer

Prove your knowledge to build, analyze, and design web applications that suit any Java EE 6 application server with Oracle Certified Expert, Java EE 6 Web Component Developer certification. Prices start at US$16.

Oracle Java Training and Certification

Gain a competitive advantage by learning and getting certified as a Java Developer with Oracle. Learn how to build highly functional, reliable, portable, and secure applications with training created by Oracle's Java experts, who are at the forefront of high-tech solutions in the world of Java. Wit…

Spring Certified Professional 2024

The Spring Certified Professional certification validates a candidate's expertise with major features of Spring and Spring Boot and the candidate’s ability to apply Spring’s features to quickly build and deliver production ready applications. It is part of Spring Academy Pro subscription, to learn …

Reach goals faster with long-term guidance

Reach goals faster with long-term guidance

One-off advice can be helpful – but partnering with a dedicated expert means faster decisions, fewer mistakes, and real momentum on your most important projects.

Save money with targeted expertise

Save money with targeted expertise

Instead of dropping thousands on bootcamps or generic tools, you get curated advice, tailored learning plans, and real accountability – all from someone who's already done what you're trying to do.

Stay on track with regular check-ins

Stay on track with regular check-ins

Weekly or monthly sessions give structure to your growth. No more second-guessing or getting stuck – just small, consistent steps toward real progress, with someone keeping you accountable.

Make confident moves with real-world feedback

Make confident moves with real-world feedback

Experts don't just answer questions – they help you practice interviews, review your resume or portfolio, and offer industry-specific insights you won't get from a course or blog post.

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!

Read more

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.

Read more

Still not convinced? Don't just take our word for it

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