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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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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…

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.

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

Java Programming for Complete Beginners

Learn Core Java Skills including the lastest version of Java

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.

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

Top Java Certifications

Understanding all core concepts of Java is key to claiming your next certificate. If you need help brushing up on your skills, consider reaching out to one of our mentors.

Oracle Java Training and Certification

Hosted by education.oracle.com

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 J…

Java Certification Coaching

Hosted by mentorcruise.com

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. Here are a few top picks:

Oracle Certified Expert, Java EE 6 Web Component Developer

Hosted by whizlabs.com

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

Hosted by education.oracle.com

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 J…

Spring Certified Professional 2024

Hosted by vmware.com

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, t…

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!

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As someone who comes from a non-computer science background, I understand the doubts that can come with making a career switch. However, I'm excited to share my personal experience of successfully transitioning into the tech industry, particularly within the fintech sector. Over the past five years, I have gained valuable …

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With 14+ years of experience in Android development, I am a seasoned engineer who can build cutting-edge native apps for various domains, such as streaming, ride-hailing, food ordering, and online learning. I am proficient in using Kotlin and Java, as well as Android Jetpack, including Compose, Architectural Components, MVVM, and …

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My work revolves around identifying customer pain-points, prototyping technologically innovative and automated solutions for it and then the process of productionalizing the product. With a combination of Customer Obsession and Ownership, My focus is on delivering high quality projects to the customer in a timely fashion.

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👋 Hello there! I'm a Full Stack Engineer with over 11 years of experience in Web Development. I also teach Frontend Technologies part-time at a university. Over the years I've helped dozens of students learn from the basics of HTML and CSS to creating apps with JavaScript and Node.js. What …

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With over 15 years of expertise in product development, I am specialized in the developing of multi-tier, client-server, event-driven, and distributed applications. Over the past few years, I have worked on technology transformational projects for renowned organizations such as Volkswagen, SAP Labs, Transamerica, and AMEX. My core expertise includes: - …

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I'm Josh, an Engineering Leader specialising in the development of web based applications. I have over 15 years experience in the industry. I'm an entrepreneurial engineer, with a passion for user focussed products. I've bounced between leadership roles and hands-on roles over the years, and love jobs where I can …

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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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