15 Java Developer Skills You Need To Get Hired In 2023

Java is one of the world's most widely used programming languages for building web applications. It has been around since 1995 and has been among developers' most preferred choices for the past two decades. The fast, reliable, and secure programming language is used for building software, mobile apps, server-side technologies, and big data applications.

A knowledgeable developer ensures seamless, lightweight, and efficient mobile apps or software built on Java. 

Java developers are in demand in the market mainly because of the advanced skill sets and potential benefits they can bring to the business.

The Demand for Java Developers

As Java is platform-independent, it is one of the most versatile and robust programming languages that is used by a large number of developers across the world. According to a Mercer|Mettl report, Java developer was the most in-demand job in 2022. It will continue to be the case until the complete shift happens from web 2.0 to web 3.0.

According to a report by Statista, nearly 65% of software developers worldwide rely on Java as their preferred programming language. The fast and secure nature of the programming language will continue to attract more demand from companies to build future assets. As a result, it is natural that the demand for Java developers will continue to increase in the coming years.

How to Become a Proficient Java Developer?

There is no ready-made roadmap we can follow to be a proficient Java developer. Each individual brings a unique variety of skills to the table and strengthens the organization's overall capabilities.

Each individual needs to have strong technical knowledge, attention to detail, seamless communication, the ability to work in a team and be open to learning via continuous professional development.

We can also get better at the job by opting to take classes, attending workshops, building personal projects, and being a part of the conference outside the duties of a regular job.

The potential to emerge as a successful Java developer also brings the possibility of earning good money with a robust skill set.

Top 15 Java Developer Skills You Need To Get Hired In 2023

Java skills can be divided into primary, intermediate, and advanced levels. Each developer needs to have these skill sets based on the level. For instance, if we are at a base level, we should have a strong hold over the basic level java developer skills. Similarly, as we advance to higher levels, it becomes essential to have clarity about the concepts and skills required to be successful.

Here are the top 15 java developer skills that will help us be successful in 2023:

Basic Java Developer Skills

JDBC and SQL

As a basic-level java developer, it is vital to understand the Structured Query Language (SQL) and the Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) API. With a proper understanding of these skills, we can execute queries, interact with databases and get data to be used in various applications.

JDBC and SQL skills are among the most sought-after skills that allow you to build databases and provide different ways data can be stored and processed. It can help develop programs that help users troubleshoot data and access the databases.  

Core Skills (Algorithms, Object-Oriented Programming & Data Structures)

An efficient Java developer needs to understand technical concepts like Algorithms, Object-Oriented Programming & Data Structures.

With a thorough understanding, we would be better positioned to work effectively in agile teams and stay up-to-date.

Java Frameworks & Libraries

The knowledge of Java frameworks and libraries is critical as it helps us build various features into the application framework. Using frameworks and libraries can improve code quality and streamline the development process.

Proficiency in the Latest Version of Java‍ EE, Java EE 8

As the language is versatile and open, it usually comes with the latest versions. It is the developer's interest to stay aware of the latest updates.

Staying up-to-date with the latest changes shows the level of interest of the developer in the language and helps to take advantage of the latest features and bug fixes.

Intermediate Java Developer Skills

JavaFX

JavaFX is a popular platform that works seamlessly between various platforms and devices. The knowledge of JavaFX will ensure that we can build user-friendly and engaging applications.

Agile Methodologies

A Java developer must know how to work effectively in an agile work ecosystem. These skills can be picked during our time as a developer. The specifics of the approach can vary as per the Agile methodology being followed by the employer.

Working in an Agile ecosystem expects us to be skilled at various aspects of the job to ensure that the end product meets their needs. 

Expertise in Advanced Java Developer Tools like Eclipse IDE, Maven and more

A proficient Java developer must know the various Java development tools. It can be Eclipse IDE, Maven, Git, or Jenkins. These tools help us handle various aspects like writing code, managing dependencies, and tracking code changes.

Advanced Java Developer Skills

 Multithreading & Concurrency

Multithreading essentially means the ability to close multiple threads simultaneously. Similarly, Concurrency stands for being able to run various processes, in parallel or sequentially, but always with non-zero progress.

Design Patterns

Design patterns are helpful in typical software development by building reusable solutions. It can help identify the core issues and proceed with the correct answer. Factory, Observer, and Singleton methods are some design patterns we should be aware of.

Advanced Java

Data storage, network programming concurrency, and distributed computing are some of the advanced java concepts that developers should be aware of. Knowledge of these concepts can help us build advanced solutions for various businesses. With an in-depth understanding of these concepts, we would be better placed to target the best jobs in the industry.

Jetty & Apache Tomcat Web Servers

An in-depth understanding of various servers like Jetty & Apache Tomcat will help us become successful Java developers. Knowledge of these tools allows us to deploy Java web applications without dependency on third-party solutions. These tools also provide a management interface for our web application.

Big Data Technologies

There has been a significant rise in the amount of data generated by organizations. As a result, businesses are relying on big data technologies. A robust understanding of big data technologies like Apache Hadoop, Apache Spark, and Kafka will help us stay relevant as businesses opt for big data technologies for business success. 

Unit Testing

Test-Driven Development (TDD) is a popular methodology that is used for unit testing. It helps us write automated tests before any production code is written and follows a Red/Green/Refactor cycle.

Jakarta EE

Jakarta EE, earlier known as Java Enterprise Edition, is a Java-based framework that can create APIs to handle communication between applications customizing its cloud-based micro servers, orchestration, and containers. It can create scalable web applications at the scale of an enterprise. 

Linux Servers and Windows Servers Environments

Any good Java developer must have a solid understanding of the Linux Servers and Windows Servers Environments. These are the platforms that power several applications. Various OS ecosystems need to be understood for better management and to ensure that code is compatible across multiple systems.

Conclusion

These are some basic and advanced skills that can help us become efficient Java developers. It is always a good idea to invest in upskilling and learning the latest Java concepts and improve the knowledge level. To upskill in Java and get hired, join Cogent University. If your organization require seasoned Java developers, hired from our industry-ready IT profession

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