What is Java Development?
Wikipedia defines Java development as a high-level, class-based, object-oriented programming language that is designed to have as few implementation dependencies as possible. Java is fast, secure, and reliable, which makes it a popular choice for developing Java applications across device types. Java reduces costs, shortens development timeframes, drives innovation, and improves application services.
Review of Java Development
Java has thrived tremendously making it one of the most popular software development technologies out there. In 2022, Java is number 6 in the chart of the top programming languages with 33.27% usage. Java has grown to become the de facto software development platform used in various complex application development and integration of modern technologies. From algorithm development to desktop solutions, Java technology is used for developing mobile applications, desktop applications, website applications, enterprise applications, and more.
Java is a highly competitive technology and it might take years to replace it for any other programming language. Java also enjoys one of the biggest developer communities.
Java’s usage is increasing every day. From mars rover to enterprise applications, Java is foraying into the most complex spaces of the IT industry and showing that it is hard to replace. Java, unlike any other programming language, is a very reliable, tested, and robust technology.
The updates coming to Java and its new versions that are being released periodically offer a solid future that enables developers to get access to handy new features. Java’s expansion in software development for science, mathematics, big data analytics, and aerospace is only going to make it a stronger tech platform.
Importance of Java Development for Businesses
Java’s popularity is down to the fact that it is platform-independent. Most types of computing devices like PCs using Windows, Macintosh computers, Unix or Linux computers, and large mainframe computers, as well as mobile phones, are compatible with a Java Runtime Environment (JRE).
Given that Java is 25-years old, it has become a staple for most developers and organizations. Java is fundamentally object-oriented. Java is a robust, versatile, and very simple language. Java is a complete, all-around universal programming language and is now being used to develop solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud software.
Advantages and Challenges of Java Development for Businesses
Advantages:
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Simplicity: When it comes to syntax, Java is less complicated compared to C or C++. Java was created to avoid heavy and awkward features that would lead to operator overloading, storage classes, explicit pointer concepts, etc. The absence of such complications makes it easy to debug and maintain software written in Java.
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Mild learning curve: Java requires minimal effort to be mastered. This is down to the fact that other programming languages resemble machine code, whereas Java is more like a human language.
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Platform Independent: Java programming software is agnostic of the platform. As long as there is a Java Virtual Machine accessible, the Java code will run on Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Unix, and others. Simply put, developers can assemble and create the code once and then run it across various device types.
Challenges:
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Slow performance: The fact that Java uses human-like language that requires translation into machine-level code hinders performance.
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Verbosity causes complications: Java is a high-level language which means it’s too wordy. Java’s syntax results in lengthy and complex sentences which are rather cumbersome.
What is a Java Developer?
Bmc.com defines a Java Developer as one who is responsible for the design, development, and management of Java-based applications. Since Java is used so widely, particularly by large organizations, the daily roles vary widely but can include owning a particular application or working on several at one time.
How to Hire a Great Java Developer?
Several platforms make for a great place to hire Java developers. Toptal is one such promising platform to hire skilled, proven Java developers, as each candidate is put through a series of rigorous tests. Many other platforms like Upwork, Arc, Fiverr, Freelance.com, Guru, etc. make for great alternatives.
When it comes to hiring a Java developer, there are three different options:
- Full-Time java programmers: Hiring a full-time Java developer is wise for companies that are building dedicated Java-based products or have Java-based solutions that need constant updates and upkeep. Hiring full-time Java developers is definitely a smart option as they are assets to your dev team.
- Part-Time java programmers: Hiring part-time Java developers makes sense for smaller companies that do not require a dedicated resource to build or maintain the software. Hiring part-time Java developers is sensible if you’re looking to hire student developers or someone who can work flexible hours or in different time zones or remotely.
- Freelance java programmers: Hiring freelance Java developers offer companies the opportunity to work with some of the most talented and skilled developers from across the world. In many instances, hiring a freelance Java developer from overseas works out to be a cost-effective and efficient option.
Java Developer Salary
The cost of hiring Java developers depends on various factors. Rates usually vary based on expertise and experience, location, and market conditions.
According to Upwork, the cost of hiring Java developers is as mentioned below:
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Beginner: $25 per hour
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Intermediate: $49 per hour
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Advanced: $160 per hour
In Stack Overflow’s latest developer survey, programming with Java pays a salary of around $65,580. Java developers that freelance typically charge an average of $61-80/hr.
Find the best Java Developer for your business needs
Here are the skills or requirements to look for before hiring a Java developer:
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To understand Java systems from Java 8 iteration onwards.
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To have a basic understanding of core concepts like Object-Oriented Programming, Design patterns, Abstract classes, and Serialisation.
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Java developers should know how to use Java build tools to automate source code applications.
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To have a good understanding of how to compose server-side applications using EE components.
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To be aware of the testing processes too and know how to use tools like TestNG and Selenium.
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To update their skills by learning DevOps tools.
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Java developers should have knowledge about blockchain as this is the next big thing for Java.
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To invest in developing soft skills that are crucial to their work.
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Time management is critical for Java coders as they usually work under deadlines and a well-defined time frame for every phase of the application development cycle.
Choosing the right site to hire Java developers for your project
Finding the best sites to find developers is no easy endeavor. Unless you're a battle-worn recruiter, you likely won't know how to navigate the complexities of hiring a developer. That's completely okay—there's plenty of sites and services to help you along the way.
Java is a popular programming language and the top freelancer sites should help you find great talent for software development.
Matching services like Toptal, and to a lesser extent, Gun.io, are great solutions for employers searching for tech talent, and for those who are looking to place their trust in very experienced tech professionals. For those short on time with high-quality developers as a priority, Toptal, Gun.io, and Hired are superb choices.
Employers looking for full-time developers may also benefit from utilizing Stack Overflow and GitHub's job boards, which can provide wonderful exposure to the developer community.
Freelance marketplaces like Upwork, Freelancer, and Guru allow you to instantly connect with developers, but you'll have to care for the hiring details yourself. If you have ample time to devote to screening candidates and are confident in your ability to interview developers, they are a great choice. Otherwise, you should steer clear from marketplaces and job boards alike.
Job boards, marketplaces, and matching services all have their uses. Which site will best serve you will depend on your specific situation. If you're building a complex app, it's a good idea to consider hiring an app development company instead of using a freelancer or building your own team from scratch.
Ultimately, which sites you employ depends on a multitude of factors, such as:
- How quickly you need to hire a developer (i.e. your timeline)
- How much experience you have hiring Java developers
- Whether or not you're equipped to test technical skills
- How many developers you need to bring on
- What level of experience those developers need
- Whether or not you're open to remote workers
- What your budget constraints are
- How important quality is to your project(s)
FAQ
- Is learning Java easy?
- Java is easy to learn, given that it is easier to write, compile, debug, and learn compared to other development and programming languages. Since Java is object-oriented, it enables developers to build modular programs and reusable code that make the overall task of Java development a whole lot easier. Another significant advantage of Java is its ability to be platform-independent and the ability that it can be moved easily from one computer system to another.
- What is the difference between Java and Javascript?
- Java is an object-oriented programming language and is typically used to create applications that operate in a virtual machine or browser. Java is often known as “Write Once, Run Anywhere”. JavaScript is an object-based scripting language. Java is a stand-alone language where code has to be compiled and is used to perform complex tasks. Java also requires more memory to function. JavaScript is easier in comparison, as the code is all text. JavaScript cannot be used to navigate through more complex tasks and requires lesser memory to operate.
- What applications use Java technology?
- Java is one of the most popular programming and developing languages, given its myriad applications. Java is used to develop Mobile Applications, Desktop GUI Applications, Web-based Applications, Enterprise Applications, Scientific Applications, Gaming Applications, Big Data technologies, Business Applications, Distributed Applications, and Cloud-based Applications.
- What are the skills required for Java Developer?
Skills required for a good Java developer include:
- Understanding of an MVC framework, such as JSF;
- Knowledge of The Java Persistence API (JPA) and how it connects to relational databases and object-oriented programming;
- dependency injection to turn regular Java classes into managed objects;
- JAX-WS API set SOAP;
- build tools, unit testing frameworks, version control such as with Git;
- and an application server configuration management.
- What is a Java developer salary?
According to research from Developers For Hire, Java Developers earn around $64,000 for entry level programmers, $98,000 on average in the center, and $109,000 for senior developers. Hire top Java developer for your next project.