Introduction
When you look at a website or use an application, you wonder who built it. Some people wonder if it is a web developer or a software developer. That’s correct, but partially. It is the full stack developers who develop a fully functioning application. Today, we will talk about Java full stack developers. Java is an important programming language ideal for building cross-platform applications. It is a very popular piece of technology and Java full stack developer skills are always in demand in the market.
Like Python and Ruby, Java is a high-level full-stack programming language. It is ideal for building mobile apps, web apps, desktop apps, and video games. A Java full stack developer is a primary choice for building multi-platform apps and cloud-based solutions. It has uses in IoT and Data Science. With Java developers, companies can make simple, efficient, and scalable products with high-level performance.
Let’s read further to understand what Java full stack developers are, what they do, and the roadmap and skills required for Java full stack developer jobs. Let’s get started.
What is A Java Programming Language?
Java is a high-level, multi-paradigm, object-oriented programming language. It is class-based and is used for full-stack development. However, it is rarely used in the front end, as companies prefer Java to build robust software and applications for the back end. It is a compiled language that can work on more than one platform, suitable for multi-platform developments.
Java has edge over other programming languages. It has a simple syntax and no complications in running, testing, and debugging the code. It is scalable, simplifies complex design solutions, has high-level concurrency tools and libraries, and many more features. That’s one reason a Java full stack developer is so much in demand for building Android and desktop apps.
Who are Java Full Stack Developers?
A full stack developer is an expert proficient in creating and developing a fully-fledged application. He can build both the client and server sides of the application.
The client side of the app deals with the parts a user sees and interacts with, while the server-side deals with the backend operations, servers, and APIs that make the app function.
Full-stack developers are associated with the whole development process from start to finish.
That means a Java full stack developer has to ensure the application’s efficiency, performance, security, scalability, interactivity, features, reliability, and other essential factors. Java full stack developer jobs include developing every section of the project, from the front end to APIs, servers, databases, and version control systems.
A Java full stack developer must have full command of the frameworks, libraries, and tools to build a high-functioning application cost-effectively. The developers need in-depth knowledge of the language, data structure, processes, etc. A person who wants to become one should opt for the best Java Full stack developer course he can find to get started.
Skills Required To Be Java Full Stack Developer
What skills are required for a Java full-stack developer? You surely be asking this question as a Java full stack developer does everything from designing, developing to maintaining and debugging the apps. Writing clean codes, doing unit testing, and using libraries and tools are essential skills for a Java full stack developer.
Let’s see some key skills needed for Java full stack developer jobs:
1. Front End Skills
Java has libraries and frameworks for building an interactive front end. However, Java full stack developers need to be skilled in frontend languages such as JavaScript, HTML, and CSS to be more efficient. Knowledge of JavaScript is essential for implementing fluid features and interactivity in web pages and apps such as maps, animation, videos, update pop-ups, and more.
It is the front end that defines the ultimate user experience. A Java full stack developer should incorporate HTML and CSS to build the layout and appearance of the site. These languages help in creative thinking. What place an image should be or how the page should navigate are a few things these languages help with.
2. Backend Languages
Also known as the website’s server side, this is a part that the users cannot see. A user’s operation on the frontend happens due to the backend. This part stores data, arranges it, and connects it to the front end for the smooth working of the website. Learning backend frameworks and languages is essential for a Java full stack developer. The developer should have command over databases, APIs, servers, and system components.
Java and Python are the most popular languages used for the backend. They are highly scalable and quickly integrate all components with minimum issues. Apart from them, a Java full stack developer can get skilled in other languages such as C++ and PHP to increase their expertise. Practical knowledge of frameworks such as Spring, Express, Django, and Kotlin helps build a robust backend.
3. Databases and Web Storage
Another essential requirement in full stack development is developing and maintaining databases. A database is an organized data collection stored in computer systems and web servers. A Java full stack developer should have practical expertise in the database management system(DBMS) to control, design and manage databases. The data is organized in tables to easily manage, use and modify.
A Java full stack developer should also understand Document Object Model storage(DOM) for storing data on the client side. The data is locally stored on the web page and not go to the servers.
4. Frameworks and Tools
Both the server and client sides have frameworks, libraries, and tools that help build an application with loads of features fast. A Java full stack developer requires a good working knowledge of them to build seamless, high-end applications. Popular web frameworks like React and Angular offer great development support for interfaces, mobile functionalities, and interactivity.
Besides that, Java has frameworks such as Spring and Kotlin, which Java full stack developers must be proficient in. Spring helps manage business objects and eases the development process better than the language. Kotlin is used for rapid development and integration. It is ideal for Android apps, web, data science, and cross-platform development.
For rapid cross-platform development, Java Virtual Machines are a crucial part. JVM is where the code runs, is tested and is interpreted. Besides that, a Java full stack developer should also know DevOps tools such as Jenkins, Git, Kubernetes, and Docker to accomplish different functions.
5. Design and Architecture
Software design considers how user inputs, interaction with elements, and external interface stimuli should function in a computing environment. A Java full stack developer uses design principles to utilize user requirements as a guide to develop programs. Each design pattern is a blueprint for developers to customize the app interface.
Software and web architecture is the use of design in a practical way and figuring out all the components needed, the relationships they will have, and how they will interact. A Java full stack developer should understand human dynamics, business strategies, and computer fundamentals to solve complex architectural problems. The architecture forms the foundation for all the components and decides the quality of the overall application.
Soft Skills Required:
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Great attention to detail
- Organizational skills
- Analytical mind and Critical Thinking
Java Full Stack Developer Roadmap
A professional Java full stack developer need to have complete knowledge of all the essential elements and fundamental principles of development along with the use of latest technology. I have already discussed the important technical skills needed to be an expert Java full stack developer. You need to have a good understanding of all aspects of web development:
- Front end
- Back end
- System design
- Database management
- Operating systems
- Version control
A Java full stack developer should have a good understanding of every aspect of web development cycle. He also should be able to develop apps as per the client or the user’s preferences. You can take the best Java full stack developer course you can find to learn. Let’s talk about the education required.
Java Full-Stack Developer Roadmap: Education and Experience
Educational Requirements
A Full-Stack Developer position vary based on the needs of the company, or the expertise required in certain projects. Most companies require a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent course. Some also accept an associate’s degree. Moreover, having industry certifications in various web design frameworks and programming languages, such as Java, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, C#, etc., helps in getting the required Java full stack developer jobs.
Experience Requirements
Learning is one thing, but it takes time to develop the required skills and practical expertise to be a Full-Stack Developer. Besides, only knowing about front-end and back-end technologies is not enough, you must understand them in great detail and practice daily to get a good grasp in them. A fresher needs to give in 1-2 years of in-field experience to be a junior developer or middle level developer. A senior expert level developer has atleast 5 years of experience.
Front End Development
It is also known as client-side part of web development. As a Java full stack developer, these are the fundamental front end skills you need to learn to be a professional:
Basic Web Development Tools: CSS, HTML, JavaScript, TypeScript.
Integrated Development Environments (IDE): Sublime Text 3, Visual Studio Code IDE.
Front End Frameworks: React, Angular, VueJS.
User Interface (UI) Libraries: Bootstrap CSS, Material UI.
Back End Development
It is also known as server-side of web development. To be a Java full stack developer, below are the essential backend skills that you need to start your journey. You need to be expert in core Java skills, along with Java 8 features.
Java Build Tools: Maven, Gradle
Integrated Development Environments (IDE): Intellij IDEA, Spring Tool Suite
No SQL Databases: MongoDB, Apache Cassandra, RavenDB, Redis
Relational Databases: MySQL, MS-SQL Server, Oracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQL
Cloud Databases: Dynamo DB, Cosmos DB
Build DAO/Repository Layers: Spring Data JPA, JPA/Hibernate
Build REST APIs: RestEasy framework, Sprint Boot, Jersey REST framework
Secure REST APIs Using Spring Security: JWT, Role-based authorization, Authentication
Java Full Stack Developer Job Description
A Java Full Stack developer is a professional responsible for working on both front-end and back-end development processes. They design, develop, and maintain fully-fledged applications and functioning software with databases or servers.
The Java Full Stack Developer job description includes using a range of different technologies, frameworks and languages (such as Java, HTML, JavaScript, PHP, Python, C#) to develop applications.
Full Stack Developer duties include:
- Participating in the design and development of applications and software
- Writing clean, functional, and effective code on the front-end and back-end
- Testing and fixing bugs or troubleshooting other coding issues
Java Full Stack Developer Responsibilities
- Work with product managers, clients and development teams to ideate software solutions
- Design architecture for both client-side and server-side
- Build the front-end of applications
- Develop and manage servers and databases
- Write efficient APIs
- Test software to ensure efficiency
- Troubleshoot, debug and upgrade applications and software
- Create and manage security features and data protection settings
- Build features with a mobile responsive design
- Write technical documentation
- Work with team members of different departments to improve software
What is A Java Full Stack Developer Salary
According to Glassdoor, Java full stack developer jobs provide an average salary of around $98,000 annually in the United States. The total pay can go as high as $119,580 per year. A Java full stack developer may get additional payments of up to $21,650 per year, including commissions, cash bonuses, and profit sharing.
Conclusion
Software and technology are going through rapid advancements that could change how future businesses shape up. Demand for professional Java full stack developers will go northwards. This means that Java full stack development skills would show very well on a developer’s resume. Hire Java full stack developers for your project to offer fast, scalable, feature-rich solutions to your products. Contact us if you need any consultations.
