Java is one of the most popular and productive programming languages. Being fast and reliable, it is used widely in web or mobile applications. It’s 2022 and Java is already high in demand. An individual having expertise in java development is largely recruited in the IT sector. Are you a beginner in the programming/coding domain? If yes, in this article, we shall explore how to improve java coding skills. Getting the fundamentals of any language is not enough and going by reading books or blogs is not enough in improving our coding skills.
What is Java?
Java is an object-oriented programming language developed back in 1991 which is popularly used for web applications. Java programming language is a multi-platform, network centric language that is a fast, reliable programming language for coding right from mobile apps and enterprise software to big data applications & server-side technologies. gives a comprehensive structure to programs.
Java is a fast, high-level, class-based programming language. It is used widely by developers to develop modular programs and reusable code. Java programs and software run in the JVM (Java Virtual Machine) environment. Java applications are popularly known as WORA (write once, run anywhere).
Why Learn Java Programming language?
Java is a highly popular language among programmers. Below are some reasons why you should learn the Java programming language in 2022.
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Java is easy to learn. The programming syntax has minimum characters.
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Java has several open-source libraries that provide easier means for programmers to develop used resources.
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Java comes with cross-platform features. This feature helps programmers develop software for competing platforms.
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You can learn Java from multiple free tutorials available online.
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Java is used in implementing ML solutions, neural networks, genetic programming, and multi-robot systems.
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Java developers can earn a high and competitive salary. Java Developer compensation in India ranges between INR 2.0 Lakhs to INR 8.8 Lakhs with an average annual salary of INR 4.2 Lakhs.
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Being a platform-independent language, it’s a highly popular, reliable , fast and in demand programming language.
How to Improve Java Coding Skills?
Java for beginners might be tough, but if you follow the tips mentioned below you can improve your coding skills.
1. Strengthen your Basics
First and foremost, you have to get your basics clear. Java basics you should learn as a beginner include Unit Testing, APIs and Libraries, Java 8, Spring Framework, DevOps Tools, and, Design Patterns. Try to gain an in-depth understanding of data structures, algorithms, draft patterns, and object-oriented principles. Learn object-oriented principles and master Java concepts. You also need to gain a proper understanding of the interface.
2. Rehearse Coding
Once you have learned the basics, it is time to improve your skills. You can upgrade java skills only by practicing what you learned. The more you practice; the easier the concepts will be. You should practice Java and apply every basic/concept via code. You should also refer to Java books and browse through the internet to apply theoretical knowledge practically.
3. Read Books on Java
Books are a perfect approach to improving your java skills. Java for beginners is all about learning everything from concepts to real-world objects. Books like Java: A Beginner’s Guide (Sixth Edition) by Herbert Schildt, Head First Java by Kathy Sierra and Bert Bates, Effective Java by Joshua Bloch, Modern Java in Action by Raoul Gabriel Urma, Mario Fusco, and Alan Mycroft, and Java Performance: The Definite Guide by Scott Oaks are some of the books that help you build a career as Java programmer.
4. Go through Java Blogs
While you read books, try exploring Java blogs. Blogs are a suitable and interesting way of learning information about it all. It is very important to stay up-to-date with the Java world. For this, subscribe to good articles and newsletters related to Java.
You are a beginner and so you have to work harder. Remember, many people work on Java programming language throughout the globe. To stay ahead of the competition, prefer reading blogs. Read the blogs and articles written by Java programmers. Grasp their perspectives while learning Java.
5. Work on Live Projects
Live Java Projects let you challenge your skills. For enhancing Java coding skills, explore & create apps, learn the basics of projects, and start working on them. Live java projects help you add quality to java coding fundamentals.
6. Memorize OO (Object-Oriented) Design principles
Getting a strong understanding of Java programming language is incomplete without learning OO Principles. Object-oriented principles include Abstraction, Polymorphism, Encapsulation, and Inheritance. As a beginner, you have to master the OO basics and understand OO design principles.
Refer to open-source code from Apache and Google for OOP design principles. Once you find expertise in OO design principles, use your expertise to develop Java codes. Learn Encapsulation which is the fundamental concept in object-oriented programming (OOP).
7. Do Code Reviews
Code review is another significant way to improve your Java skills. When you review code in Java, it enhances your knowledge of the programming language. A student or a beginner in Java benefits a lot from reviews. code review helps you understand language features, changes in the design of the project, and coding standards in a better way.
A piece of advice from reviewers helps you rectify mistakes. You must step ahead and learn from your mistakes. Beginners can now learn from other programmers. How? Via Unit testing & Code Reviewing. These two processes help you find errors in a code. Moreover, it enhances overall Java skills.
8. Read Java Documentation & Open-Source Frameworks
To stay updated with Java technologies, you should go through Java documentation and open-source frameworks. Read online Java documentation in API, Tutorials, and JSR criteria. API document comprises things that help you grab the information related to Java immediately.
Open-source frameworks help you create a foundation for your Java skill. And java skills are important to code in the best way. You can improve your Java skills only when you keep reading about Java from several available sources. Don’t quit learning and reading the documentation.
9. Learn a Particular Tech Stack
Beginners in Java can start their careers by learning Java tools, frameworks, and programming languages. After mastering all professional Java tools, you need to focus on one technological stack. Skilled professionals attract outstanding career opportunities as Java developers.
10. Join Group Discussions
Learning is not always linked to online platforms. You can learn directly from experts in the best programming language – Java. For this, create a WhatsApp/Instagram group. Join peer groups and add experts to have day-to-day discussions.
Improving java skills becomes easier once you join in group discussions. Analyze others’ views regarding a specific topic. Try to present your argument and learn new knowledge from your competitors. You can even solve your doubts while learning Java in group discussions.
11. Write Unit Tests
You should take the unit test in Java. These tests enhance the thinking and coding process. Eventually, you learn to design codes faster and better. There are many benefits to writing unit tests:
12. Communicate with fellow Programmers
You can always get a better understanding of Java with discussions. Talking about Java and discussing skills/expertise with fellow programmers improves coding. You should also participate in the event to get applicable and functional practice tips. All of these eventually lead to being a better java developer.
13. Stay away from Comparison
You already know 13 tips to improve your Java Programming skills. But, all these tips will mean nothing if you compare yourself with your competitors who are ahead in the Java domain. You need to involve in healthy competition & develop positivity about your skill level. I
Just analyze your weaknesses and try to improve where you need to. Java programming is quite easy and interesting. All you need is to try to gain knowledge on what you don’t know. Once you develop Java Programming skills you can advance your career as an IT professional.
14. Have Patience
Lastly, stay dedicated and patient with your self-improvement. To be a Java developer, you have to be patient. Just mastering any skill is not enough, you must have good practice and patience. Work consistently with Java and nurture your skills development.
What to do with Java Skills?
By now you must have an answer to the question of how to improve your programming skills. This is the right time to utilize your coding skills to build mobile applications and work with big data. An individual with good Java skills can explore opportunities to build a career in cloud-based applications. Java skills help you land lucrative career opportunities like artificial intelligence developers, space programmers, automobile innovations, etc.
Conclusion
The benefits of java programming language include higher cross-functionality, platform independence, & predictability. Eying to all these benefits, 2022 is the ideal time to pursue a career in Java. Just follow the aforementioned tips and upgrade your skills to become a great Java developer.
Remember, Java programming skills are quite easy to learn provided you regularly follow the above points. Never forget to maintain your learning schedule. This is the key measure to improving your java programming skills. In case you want to know more about Java Development and how by using it one can become a competent Java Developer, you can enroll for the Advanced Certification Program in Full Stack Java Development By E&ICT Academy IIT Guwahati. Here you will get the opportunity of mastering your skills in Core Java, Spring, HTML, CSS, Bootstrap and more.