Top 10 Skills to Look For in a Good Java Developer

Pursuing a career in Java programming or Java development involves very high level of knowledge in programming and long hours of hard work. Java professionals are in demand, recruited in different organizations where IT plays a key role, such as in those companies that deal with database designing, website development, cell phone programming, software testing, intranet or internet designing etc.

While hiring Java developers, employers look for certain key skills in their employees. Noted below are the top 10 key skills every Java programmer should possess:

#1: Coding Basics

The key to Java programming is to learn the basics of Java coding. You can take up Java training or enroll in an online tutorial to do various exercises. It can help you learn lessons, write codes and understand the basics of coding. While writing codes, try to understand each and every line of code. Practice writing codes on a piece of paper so that you can compile it later. Keep a track of your configuration snippets like JDBC configuration or log4.propertes and utilities like ReflectionUtils or StringUtils. These are usually helpful.

#2: Practice and Follow New Technology Trends

Always look out for the latest framework and technologies to stay updated. Write simple client-server TCP services like chart or simply read up on different Design Patterns and use them for trial. You can easily understand when they are useful and when they are not. Also, don’t forget to study the source code of different successful and popular frameworks to see internal working mechanisms of framework and other quality practices.

#3: Solve Problems

Software is developed and designed for solving users’ problems. There may be an array of small problems, which start building up. As a productive Java developer, you should be able to understand the process of class loading and exactly how the method works; you should also understand garbage collection; when triggered, you should know how to reduce it. You have to understand when and how to use different design patterns like Factory, Singleton, Builder, Fly-weight etc.

#4: Get to the core of APIs

Java developers should have strong theoretical knowledge; however, it is equally important to have strong hold on experience on APIs at its core, such as java.lang, Exceptions, I/O etc. When web application development is concerned, regardless of the framework used, having knowledge of Servlets and JSP is mandatory.

#5: Have Strong Foundation in OOPS

For Java developers, it is very important to have knowledge and understanding of the concepts of Object oriented Programming (OOP). Without this, one cannot realize or understand the beauty of Java, which is basically an OOP programming language.

#6: Join Technology Forums

Once you start working in Java, become a part of the leading technology forums. In these forums, you can meet new meet and converse with them about the latest developments in Java. It is an excellent learning experience. If you are facing any issue, it can also be resolved in these forums. Follow blogs, check threads and be a part of a global forum to discuss the same language, Java.

#7: Client Handling Skills

Being a Java developer doesn’t mean you have to be behind the screen at all times. There may be times when you have to deal with clients, managers, developers and others in the queue. Basically, one has to display skills to handle everything with ease, besides programming.

#8: Display Excellent Communication and Written Skills

As a Java developer, you have to build upon analytical and research skills, lateral thinking abilities, problem solving skills, and concepts to be able to deliver your best.

#9: Leadership Qualities

You should also be a good listener, mentor and leader with the ability to provide feedback and advice, face challenges, share knowledge, admit mistakes and handle pressure effortlessly.

#10: Continuous Learning

Always keep going. There’s no end to learning new technologies and development related information in Java programming. Have some time to yourself to practice these skills, write codes and build programs.