What a Java Developer Should Learn Today to Be in Demand Tomorrow

Remember that first clunky cellphone you ever used? It felt revolutionary at the time, but compared to today's sleek smartphones, it seems like a relic. Java, on the other hand, is more like a trusty Swiss Army Knife — a timeless tool that keeps finding new uses.   

Yes, Java has been around for decades. But here is the thing: it is constantly evolving and adapting to the ever-changing tech landscape. Java remains a critical language powering a massive chunk of the software we use every day.   

As a Lead Software Engineer, I see a lot of resumes. The developers who stand out are the ones who are hungry for knowledge and constantly honing their skills. So, what should a Java developer focus on to stay ahead of the curve?  

What's trending in Java?

Gone are the days of endless debates about Java 6 versus Java 7. Today, we are talking about innovative features like Records and sealed classes in Java 22. Do not get me wrong, Java 17 is still a rockstar with its improved performance and streamlined syntax. The point is, staying up to date on the latest versions shows you are proactive and ready to embrace new possibilities.   

Back to basics, but better: building strong foundations

Sure, you know the core concepts of Java, like inheritance and polymorphism. But when was the last time you revisited them? Take some time to refresh your memory on object-oriented programming principles, data structures and algorithms. A solid grasp of these core concepts will make you a more efficient and adaptable developer.   

Here's where the magic happens

Learning modern tools like Git for version control, Maven or Gradle for build automation and JUnit 5 for unit testing goes together with these core Java concepts. Mastering this tech toolbox will make you a well-rounded developer.  

AI: your new Java buddy

Artificial intelligence is not science fiction anymore. It is here to stay, and Java developers can leverage its power in exciting ways. Explore libraries like TensorFlow or DL4J to see how you can integrate AI functionalities into your applications.    

Framework your future: mastering Spring and Spring Boot

Spring and Spring Boot are not fads; they are the cornerstones of modern Java development. Mastering these frameworks will make you a highly sought-after developer. Learn how to build robust and scalable applications with Spring's powerful features. Spring Boot, with its focus on simplicity and rapid development, will become your go-to tool for creating microservices or quick prototypes.   

Java plays well with the cloud

The cloud revolution has transformed how we develop and deploy applications. Java, with its platform independence and wealth of cloud-focused frameworks like Spring Cloud, is a perfect fit for this new paradigm. 

For Java developers, this means that knowledge and experience with the main cloud services will be key — and even more important than knowledge of Java itself. In practice, Java engineers must turn into cloud developers. 

Historically, AWS (Amazon Web Services) and GCP (Google Cloud Platform) are nearer to Java developers, but experience with any of the clouds will make it much easier to find a Java developer job. 

Java & security: building trustworthy applications

Security is paramount in today's interconnected world. As a Java developer, understanding common security vulnerabilities and best practices for secure coding is essential. 

Enterprises are ready to invest serious money into protecting their data, applications and infrastructure. Many major companies, including EPAM, already have divisions to test their software for vulnerabilities. 

How does this affect software development? In addition to the appearance of new project roles (e.g., Security Engineer), design and security testing stages have been added to the standard development cycle. It is no longer enough to write code: you must ensure it is free of vulnerabilities.   

Java as a full-stack approach

While Java shines on the backend, there is a growing trend towards full-stack Java developers.   

It is not easy to sustain such a wide skill set but knowing a few technologies from related areas will not hurt you. For the front end, React, Angular and Vue.js are popular; in DevOps, it is Terraform and Ansible. For CI/CD pipelines, you can learn Jenkins or TeamCity.   

Branching out beyond Java: exploring other languages

The Java ecosystem extends beyond just the core language. Consider exploring languages like Kotlin, which is increasingly popular in Android development, or Scala, known for its functional programming capabilities. Even Groovy, with its seamless integration with Java, can be a valuable addition to your skill set.  

How the EPAM culture and continuous learning keep me ahead

Here is a little secret: even Lead Software Engineers need to keep learning. In my organization, we have a strong focus on providing developers with access to the latest learning resources through EPAM’s EngX Program and the massive Learning Portal. These platforms offer a wide range of courses, tutorials and certifications to help developers stay up to date. We also actively promote knowledge-sharing.   

Conclusion: the future is bright and Java-powered

The landscape of technology is constantly evolving, but Java remains a constant force. At EPAM, we focus on the areas outlined above, and you will be well-equipped to not only survive but thrive in this ever-changing environment. So many Java-powered communities, tech talks and AI-driven events will keep you at the cutting edge of Java engineering.

Remember, the key is to embrace modern technologies, stay sharp on the fundamentals and never stop learning. The future of Java is bright, and with the right skill set you can be a part of it.

If you’re interested in continuous professional development and hungry for growth, check out our open Java developer jobs and apply to join EPAM.