What Should You Look For In An Entry-Level Java Developer?

When looking for people to join your team, it’s important to know what kind of skills are needed to determine the best person suited for the position. While you may have a general idea about what type of work an entry-level Java developer does, some things will help you narrow down the field even more. In this article, we’ll talk more about the role of an entry-level Java developer and the skills they’ll need to succeed in their career. (Image source: Pexels)

What Is an Entry-Level Java Developer?

An entry-level Java developer is someone who has just graduated from college or university with a degree in computer science, software engineering, or other related disciplines. This job title can also be used when referring to someone who has been working as a programmer for less than five years. Entry-level developers usually start out doing programming tasks such as writing code, debugging programs, creating new features, and fixing bugs. They might also perform other duties like testing, documentation, and training.

As a Java developer, you’re likely to spend most of your time using Java technology. The language itself is one of the most popular languages on the planet, and it’s easy to see why. It offers many benefits over traditional languages, including being object-oriented. There are many tools available to assist with Java development, making it much easier to create robust applications. And because of its popularity, there are plenty of jobs available for those interested in learning Java.

What to Look for in an Entry-Level Java Developer

Whether you’re someone who wants to grow their career as a Java developer or hire developers for a team, you need to know the skills and qualities required for this role. Here are some of the top skills you should look for in an entry-level Java developer.

1) Ability to write code in Java

It goes without saying that an entry-level Java developer needs to have a good understanding of how to program in the Java language. This includes knowing how to write code, design classes, and debug problems. As a Java developer, you’ll also need to understand how to write unit tests, deploy applications, and maintain source code.

2) Knowledge of Java Frameworks

Java frameworks are used to build applications. They provide an easy way to create a website or mobile app without needing to write all of the code from scratch. Many frameworks exist, but some of the most popular ones include Struts, Spring, Play, Apache Hadoop, and more. As a Java developer, you must know about different frameworks. The key thing is that you understand which one is best suited to your specific business requirements, whether that’s creating a simple blog or building a complex social networking application.

3) Experience With Java Build Tools

Java build tools allow you to automate many repetitive processes so you can spend less time coding and more time developing great software. An ideal candidate for a Java entry-level developer role would have experience in different Java build tools, such as Ant, Gradle, Maven, and sbt. This will help them develop better solutions and be able to work with other developers on large projects.

4) Computer Science Skills

As mentioned above, computer science skills are important for any developer, including those in the field of Java development. You’ll need to be familiar with algorithms, data structures, object-oriented programming (OOP), and functional programming. These are just a few examples of what a computer scientist might learn.

In addition, they should have exposure to topics such as networks, databases, and operating systems. Basic computer skills are important for every developer regardless of experience level. This is because they allow you to build better solutions, which leads to greater productivity and success.

5) Knowledge of UX/UI

Knowledge of user experience and user interface design is a critical skill for any developer. An entry-level Java developer should have a basic understanding of these two areas and be able to apply them in their work. Good knowledge of usability ensures that the developer’s apps meet the expectations of users. Remember that a bad user experience can result in lost revenue and customer satisfaction. As such, you must be aware of the importance of designing a good user experience so that people will want to use your product.

6) Programming Languages

Java developers usually learn about different programming languages during their professional careers. Some of the most common include Python, C#, JavaScript, PHP, and Ruby. However, this doesn’t mean you need to know each of them inside and out. It’s okay to know enough to get by. Having a general understanding of them will help you develop a better working relationship with other developers and designers.

7) Communication Skills

As a Java developer, you may work closely with other professionals across various departments. Therefore, you’ll need strong communication skills. This means being able to express yourself clearly and effectively when dealing with a diverse work culture. Communicating well and having solid teamwork skills can help you manage projects efficiently and complete tasks on time.

8) Problem-Solving Skills

An entry-level Java developer’s job requires them to solve numerous problems. As a result, they must have the ability to evaluate situations and find creative ways to resolve issues. It’s not enough to simply use the same approach over and over again; you’ll need to constantly seek new ways to accomplish things. By having excellent problem-solving skills, you’ll keep your development process fresh and exciting.

9) Project Management Skills

Project management is another crucial part of being a successful Java developer. Whether you’re managing a small team or leading a large group project, knowing how to organize and plan ahead will serve you well. When you’re working on a big project, you’ll want to prioritize and meet deadlines. If you’re working in a team, you’ll need to communicate clearly with others to ensure everyone understands what needs to happen next. By practicing good project management skills, you’ll be ready to take on whatever comes your way.

10) Creativity

Lastly, Java developers also need to be creative. Developing apps and software isn’t just about writing lines of code. There are always multiple solutions to every problem, and you need to be willing to think outside the box. A Java developer who is creative can easily turn ideas into reality. They can quickly come up with innovative solutions to challenges.

The Bottom Line

If you’re looking for an entry-level position as a Java developer, then you must be prepared to put in some hard work. There are different skills you’ll need to master, from coding to communicating effectively. Once you’ve mastered all of those skills, you can open the door to more opportunities and further excel in your career.