With over 9 million developers using Java as their mother tongue in programming, you can imagine the worldwide demand. As an aspiring developer looking to hone skills, you must know the skills you require to use Java proficiently.

Java has been in use since 1995, and its fast, reliable and secure system helps developers create a variety of software. The coder-friendly languages like C and C++ make the Java development skill high in demand. In order to crack through projects with large-scale companies for their long-term software requirement, there are plenty of java full stack developer courses to educate you.

Why do you need to learn Java?

Oracle states that there are more than 7 billion devices that incorporated Java for their establishment. Because of high demand, programming developers find it lucrative to know and imply this particular language.

It is the primary programming language learned by most developers before moving on to other options. Java specialists earn a high salary and know a skill that will likely not become obsolete during their careers.

Top skills of a java developer

Let us find out what are the most sought skills for applying Java assertively:

1. Basic skills

If you are starting out, you need to understand what Java is and start with basic skills. To build several types of software that range from desktop to mobile app, from web apps to cloud systems, you need Java. The capabilities stretch to Big Data apps with Python.

Your primary training in Java will include understanding and knowing:

• Object-oriented programming principles to understand language
• Control systems like BitBucket and Git
• Web technologies like CSS, HTML, and JQuery
• Maneuvering integrated development environment like IntelliJ IDEA

2. Spring Framework

Spring Framework is one of the most common tools for development, so knowing Spring Boot, Spring MVC, and Spring Cloud is essential for web app development.
Spring Framework helps Java developers practice dependency injection to make every application more testable. Modern-day software needs such a feature to make them easier to manage and upgrade.

Beginners must first familiarize themselves with the Spring system and then move to Boot and Cloud development strategies.

3.SQL

SQL is an essential skill required in every programmer, irrespective of the language. Since data is the primary key for any program development, SQL is crucial for analyzing data. You cannot develop programs without learning SQL.

4.REST

Since nowadays most applications involve API, you need to take up the skill of knowing REST. While REST has had a significant presence over the past decade, GraphQL is gradually replacing it. However, when introducing yourself to the world of Java, REST is one of the classic tools to learn. You might eventually have to learn GraphQL, but knowing REST will only help you pick it up faster.

5. Kotlin for Android

Without going through the web development phase, developers can begin developing mobile applications. So, knowing Kotlin to develop Android apps will take you one step closer to strengthening your skills in Java. Kotlin is a modified version of the traditional Java language. So, familiarizing yourself with it will only enhance your skills further.

6. Microservices

The shift from monolithic applications to microservices is pretty evident with the constant change in architecture. Microservice is currently a growing need for all Java developers. So not learning might make you lag behind your competitors.

The usage of Spring Boot and Spring Cloud makes the use of microservice development easy for developers. Thus, it is best to learn the Spring Framework to become well-versed with Microservices.

7. AWS

Amazon Web Service (AWS) is one of the most commonly used cloud platforms right now. AWS is no more one of the options to choose from but a skill to hone due to its growing popularity. There is a massive demand for people who know AWS tools and environments like S3, EC2, Virtual Private Cloud, and more.

8. JUnit and Mockito

The knowledge and skill required to understand unit testing skills can differentiate a good developer from an average. A skilled developer usually writes unit tests for codes. A company looking to hire a professional might ask if you do so.
Testing has evolved, and there are many tools for unit testing, automation testing, and integration testing. JUnit is a must-have skill for Java developers and also the best library, to begin with.

9. DevOps tools

Knowing DevOps tools is also one of the must-know skills for applying Java. Skilled developers constantly upgrade themselves in terms of continuous deployment, continuous integration, and Jenkins’ role for both processes.

Developers who need to implement best coding practices would know how to create manuals and scripts. Thus, having sound knowledge of Docker, Kubernetes, Chef, Jenkins, and Maven tools is necessary for DevOps incorporation.

10. TDD

For developers who have their basics cleared and looking for new skills to adopt must learn TDD. It is a skill that needs in-depth learning and understanding and can be new to most Java specialists. But knowing TDD can improve your coding quality and make you offer better finished products. The test-code-test-refractor works fast in Java and can make the entire process easier to maneuver.

Final thoughts

Along with learning skills associated with Java, it is essential to update yourself with the new versions introduced by Java constantly. Usually, a new update of Java is released every six months, and it is a big challenge to keep up with the changes.
Most experienced Java specialists have evolved across 8-10 versions and know the importance of staying updated for the best application. Most jobs that need you to learn Java require 8+ skills. If you do not know the versions over 8, you will find it difficult to crack through interviews.
Experienced Java developers must hone new skills like TDD and AWS that are growing in popularity and demand. These will only polish and strengthen the existing skills.