How to become a successful Java developer?

Java is a programming language expressly designed for use in the distributed environment of the Internet. It is one of the most powerful and leading language around the world. Many programmers start their career with Java.

If you are a Java developer or want to start your career as a Java developer, then you can follow the below points that make you a successful Java developer.

Deep understanding of OOP

Java is an object-oriented programming language. To become a successful Java developer you must have deep knowledge and understanding of OOPs. If you don’t have a good idea on OOPS, then every feature you are using OOP languages as a procedural way. Even just studying OO principles doesn't help much. You should know how to apply those OO principles in designing a proper solution.

Master in Java core API

If you have theoretical knowledge of Java and don't know the language constructs and core APIs, then you are wasting your time to become a Java developer. Every Java developer should have very strong hands-on experience with core APIs like java.lang.*, I/O, Exceptions, Collections, Generics, Threads, JDBC, etc.

Follow bugs and try to fix it

When you start writing code you will find many bugs and difficulties. You are not alone, many pro programmer faces the same kind of situation. Follow each error message and try to solve the bugs step by step. Not all bugs can be solved, but you will learn many things by facing bugs.

Learn from open source code

A good developer knows how to use a framework. But a successful developer always tries to learn a new technique and style by studying the source code of various successful, popular frameworks where you can see the internal working mechanism of the framework and a lot of best practices.

Use the standard library instead of writing your own from scratch

Writing code is fun. But the wheel can't be reinvented. You should use an existing standard library which is already tested, debugged and used by others. This not only improves the efficiency of the programmer but also reduces the chances of adding new bugs in your code. It also makes your code readable and maintainable.

Know different development methodologies

Nowadays choosing the development methodology is depending on the client. Some clients prefer Agile and some clients are happy with the waterfall model. So, be familiar with various kinds of methodologies like Agile, SCRUM, XP, Waterfall, etc.

Update technical skills

Attend conferences to learn the latest developments in Java and take advantage of learning opportunities, such as hands-on training or coursework. You can also glean indispensable knowledge from participating in developer communities or starting your own with your Java developer friends and colleagues. As a Java developer, technical skills are a must. Keep yourself updated about the latest Java technologies by joining some good forum and subscribing to newsletters. Never stop reading. Keep reading about it from somewhere or the other and try and spread your knowledge to others. It’ll also help to maintain your interest in the field. Build a habit to read lots of documentation.

Undertake projects

A good way to improve your coding skills and become a good programmer is working as a freelancer. It means that you find projects online, work from home and get paid online, too.

Build your unit testing skills

You will find advanced unit testing skills in every professional Java programmer. It is this skill that distinguishes good Java programmer from average Java programmer. A professional Java developer always writes unit tests for their code, which helps in validating code results in the state testing or behavior testing. Professional Java developers, who already have experience with Java, it is time for you to improve your skills on software unit tests to verify the logic of a piece of a software program. Beginners can start with Junit, which is easy but powerful.

Learn other languages

To become a popular Java programmer, it isn't enough to just know Java. You need to have some knowledge about other programming languages too. Learn one or two scripting languages, like Perl or Python or Ruby. This will help you in broadening your skills.

Helping others

A developer can learn java coding more when they tend to help others; a good java programmer should help others and can also get to know the new tangles the programmer faces. By this way, they can learn new deviations in the Java programming language.

You’ll only be a good java programmer if you truly dedicate yourself towards it. Don’t have a casual approach but concentrate and hold your focus on it. Online links and connect with the various blogs and social media sites are wonderful opportunities these days which help Java developers broaden their knowledge and become excellent.

Follow these methods, they’ll certainly help you and you’ll see yourself doing really good at some time.