When we think of programming languages, we often think of the most popular languages in history, with the most users. But Java is the second most popular programming language in the world, behind Python. Therefore it is one of the more useful languages to know when searching for a job. Nevertheless, you need to know a few things that will ultimately help you get a job coding with Java far easier.
What is Java?
Java is a programming language and run-time environment initially developed by James Gosling at Sun Microsystems and first released in 1995. The language is intended to be a “write once, run anywhere” platform. The Java Language Specification and the Java Specification Request describe the language. The Java class libraries are accessible via the Java Runtime Environment (JRE), available as a separate download.
Why Is Java Useful To Know?
Java is a language that’s useful to know not only because it has a lot of jobs but also because it’s used in many things. It’s a popular language on the server-side, as well as the client-side. It’s used for games, enterprise, and web development; basically, there are many reasons to learn Java. To show you why Java is such a great language to learn, check out the companies below that use it either for part or for all of their business operations:
- Google & Android OS: Perhaps the most famous tech company using Java for various services. It is used in the backend of Google productivity suites like Drive, Docs, and Sheets. More notably, it is used for Android, which needs no introduction.
- Netflix: They use a combination of Java and Python to serve the backend of the streaming giants’ services.
- LinkedIn: Java is used server-side to perform some of the database functions needed to operate correctly.
- Amazon Web Service (AWS): the online retail giant uses Java to create automation scripts that allow the smooth operation of this particular service.
Starting Out: How To Get A Job
As you have seen, Java is used extensively in many of the world’s top tech companies. However, its use extends further than the tech sphere, and it is used in other sectors such as banking. Therefore it is wise to look around for a job and not focus too much on Silicon Valley-type companies. Another factor is that to get your foot in the door, you need some real-world experience, simply knowing the language is often not enough, and you need to prove that you can write fast, efficiently, and solve problems on the fly. Problem solving will inevitably be part of the interview process.
However, this is where it gets tricky because, like other jobs, it puts you in a chicken and egg situation. You need the experience to get a job, but you cannot get a job because you have no experience. Luckily, when it comes to programming languages, you can do plenty of things to remedy this so that you build up your ability to the point where you feel confident in applying for a job.
Microservices
Microservices is an architectural style for building services in which multiple applications are divided into small services that communicate with each other via messaging middleware. This allows these services to be independently updated and deployed while still maintaining the ability to communicate with other services. More businesses are moving towards microservice architecture because they have found that it is easier to scale up different parts of the company far more efficiently than they otherwise could with a monolith-type architecture. As a result of Java being one of the top languages used worldwide, microservices in java are fast becoming the go-to option. Therefore, as a beginner, you could begin your journey as part of a small team deploying these microservice for smaller companies to get the necessary experience to move onto more extensive projects. You might even find that this type of job becomes your particular niche over time because it is getting more popular and is on an upward trend.
Start Your Own Projects
There is no better way to gain experience with Java than to create your own projects either for fun or for family and friends. One of the best parts about Java is that it is used for developing apps in the Android Play Store. Therefore, you could plan, design, and create any tool or game you like and add this to your resume. If you have a particular field you want to specialize in, it would be best to create something that fits into that category. For example, if you’re going to work for a gaming company, it is best to create exciting and engaging games. On the other hand, if you are more interested in service-based industries, creating an app that improves productivity or can help with database usage might be the best option. Regardless of what you decide, it would be best to create a well-rounded portfolio that you can show to any potential employer.
Freelance
In a similar vein to creating your own projects, you can put yourself out as a freelancer. This will show potential employers that you are proactive and willing to learn. Some of the best places to advertise your services include:
- Upwork.
- Freelancer.com.
- Any gig platform such as Fiverr.
There are many more, but these should get you started. Once you have built up a portfolio, you can begin to send out resumes to your chosen companies. However, due to the demand for good coders, you may find that freelancing is the best option for you. Whatever you decide, it is vital to get experience and train your brain to solve problems.
Java is a programming language that’s been around for over 25 years. In that time, it’s grown to be a powerful and widely used language. It’s taught in universities worldwide as part of their computer science curriculums. It is used by companies like Amazon, Facebook, and Google for making things like the mobile app store, Android and Google Maps. There has never been a better time to learn and utilize this language.