Java Developer

What is the java language?

Java development is based on an object-oriented programming language created by Sun Microsystems, now part of Oracle. One of the reasons for its popularity is that it can be ported to a multitude of media to create secure applications that can be deployed on different operating systems thanks to a rich ecosystem of frameworks, platforms and APIs.

Among these tools, Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition ( J2EE ), now known as Java EE, stands out for its specialisation in the development of server applications.

Tasks of a java developer

• They analyse customer needs to understand the functional and technical requirements of a project and propose appropriate solutions.
• They design the software architecture by drawing up schemas, diagrams and detailed technical specifications before starting development.
• They write the source code for the software or application.
• They carry out unit and integration tests on beta versions and correct any bugs and problems identified.
• They write technical documentation and user guides to explain the software's features and facilitate its maintenance by other developers or users.
• They maintain and update existing applications, websites and software.

Java developer skills

Technical skills

• Mastery of the Java programming language, including classes, interfaces, loops and conditions, as well as the advanced concepts of object-oriented programming (OOP).
• Mastery of Java frameworks such as Spring, Hibernate, Java EE (formerly J2EE), JavaFX, which are essential for application development.
• Knowledge of relational databases ( MySQL, PostgreSQL ) and SQL language.
• Good understanding of Servlets, JSP (JavaServer Pages), and JSTL (JavaServer Pages Standard Tag Library).
• Use of integrated development environments (IDEs) such as Eclipse or IntelliJ IDEA, as well as project and release management tools such as Maven and Git.
• Knowledge of agile development practices: Test-Driven Development (TDD) or Behavior-Driven Development (BDD).
• The Java developer should be familiar with Docker, Jenkins, AWS, and GCP, which are commonly used for deploying and managing applications in cloud environments.

Soft skills

The Java developer is capable of solving problems completely independently. They are organised and manage their time well. They have good communication skills, making technical concepts intelligible to experts and novices alike. Finally, patience, resistance to stress and rigour are qualities that enable them to bring their projects to a successful conclusion.

Education and training for java developers

To become a java developer, you need to have completed a 2 to 5-year higher education course in IT (BTS Services Informatiques aux Organisations, DUT Informatique, Licence en informatique, etc.).

In addition, many developers can take training courses and professional certifications such as the Oracle Java certification, to validate and strengthen their technical expertise.

Possible career paths

After a few years' experience, Java developers can progress to positions such as Lead Developer, Software Architect or Project Manager, where they take on more responsibility for design, team management and project coordination. They may also choose to become freelancers, giving them greater autonomy. Finally, they may specialise in areas such as Big Data, AI or cybersecurity.