Skills Every Programmer Should Learn To Advance in Java
Tags: java, devops, programming, codenewbie
Published: 2021-08-27 16:41:41

There are many programming languages, from C to Python, but Java is one of the most popular programming languages due to its ease of use and versatility. It is one of the elite programming languages widely used to develop robust enterprise applications, web applications, and mobile apps. However, there's always room for improvement.

You can learn Java to develop several applications such as enterprise applications, network applications, desktop applications, web applications, games, android app, and more with the [best Java tutorials](https://blog.coursesity.com/best-java-tutorials/) for beginners in 2021.

Throughout this article, we will explore the ten things every Java developer should learn in 2021 to become more proficient. Let us now move on to the topic at hand.

## **Java Things To Learn**
In 2021, if you're studying to become a Java developer or if you're already a Java developer, here are the top 10 things you should know.

## **1. DevOps**
![DevOps](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ap7ls64f6l5524qtn96z.png)
In 2021, Java developers must learn DevOps to advance in the programming field. DevOps is an effective method for software development operations, as it reduces the development cycle of a system and streamlines the provision of updates, features, etc., to enterprise objects.

Many developers feel overwhelmed by DevOps and the multitude of tools and principles they have to learn. But you don't have to be concerned. If you are an experienced Java programmer with a passion for managing the environment, automation, and improving overall structure, you can readily become a DevOps Engineer.

## **2. Git**
![Git](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/2i20gv93kift5rkol173.png)
Git is an essential tool for JAVA developers, and every JAVA developer should learn it. With Git, you manage your projects using a version control system. It is an open-source system that is free to use. Essentially, it emphasizes non-linear workflows, integrity, and speed.

Git is a complete version control system you can use directly. Here are a few features of Git to help you learn more about it.

- Well-organized management of large projects
- Strong support for the non-linear extensions
- Linking approaches
- Compatibility with existing systems and practices
- Distributed extension
Toolkit-based design

## **3. Spring Boot 2**
![Spring Boot 2](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/0fpx1kq47xm4rcd70w1a.png)
Earlier this year, Spring Boot released a new version called Spring Boot 2. Spring Framework is responsible for the control, while Spring Boot handles generating a standalone application with an established configuration.

This tool depends mainly on JAVA Baseline, BOM materials, and cradle plugins. The automatic configuration ensures security and responsiveness. Additionally, it provides technical support and improves the developer experience. It is an essential tool for JAVA programmers.

## **4. Spring Framework 5**
![Spring Framework 5](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/mzlde78ir9ruj8ab5an7.png)
Spring Framework is Java's application framework. Spring offers a web framework called Spring WebFlux. As an updated version of Spring MVC, Spring Framework 5.0 offers many functional API variants and uses Java programming.

As a Java developer, you should learn some of the new features of the latest version of Spring Framework, such as the reactive programming model in Spring 5, the adoption of recent Java features, and some improvements in unit testing.

## **5. Selenium**
![Selenium](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/7aqnp0u4am3xjgdzsxl7.png)
Selenium is a package of different testing tools and is often referred to as a Selenium Suite, with each component designed to satisfy a specific testing requirement. One of the technologies a Java developer should be aware of in 2021 is a Selenium web driver.

Selenium Web Driver offers an open-source API, which includes automation features for web applications. Selenium has the following critical elements:

- Selenium GRID
- IDE (Integrated Development Environment)
- Remote Control/Selenium 1.0
- Web Controller/Selenium 2.0/3.0

## **6. Jenkins**
![Jenkins](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/bhbtrm9pb9mhv0kgeqq7.png)
As Jenkins is an open-source automation tool derived from Java programming, it automates the software development process and supports multiple version control tools.

Jenkins has made its plugins available for integrating with code written in other languages. Jenkins is an optimal choice for two main reasons.

- Software quality is better than others.
- Development at Jenkins is faster thanks to automated systems that manage integration.

## **7. Spring Security**
![Spring Security](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/32vqnl7rvw8rdllgr7yo.png)
Spring Security's primary function is application authentication. The two most popular security features for Java developers are the J2EE servlet specification and the EJB specification.

There are several authentication models available in Spring Security. HTTP, Kerberos, JOSSO, CAS, LDAP, etc., are among the technologies it integrates. Due to Spring Security's direct relationship with Java, JAVA developers are strongly encouraged to learn it.

## **8. Angular 2 or React JS**
![Angular 2 or React JS](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/1uie2j9fldipnabwk0js.png)
ReactJS is a JavaScript library for UI development, and Angular is a framework. For Java developers, these are two key technologies.

Angular 2 is an open-source framework for building web applications. Directives, scope, templates, annotations, advanced dependency injection, and child routers are the main features of Angular. Develop mobile applications using ReactJS. ReactJS has the following main features:

- Free and open-source
- Easy to learn
- Side communication with the server
- Declarative UI
- Component-based architecture
- Speed and Efficiency

## **9. RESTful Web Service**
![RESTful Web Service](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/1l5j3l1my2q3mbq68se6.png)
Java developers should learn how to write RESTful APIs and implement a secure and scalable RESTful web service using Spring. This skill is highly desirable in the Java world, and many Java developers do not have an extensive understanding of REST. Some key features of RESTful API are:

- Stateless
- Support both JSON and XML
- It is simpler than SOAP.
- Documentation
- Error messages

## **10. Docker**
![Docker](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/vbive0qi8zmivib8sl4y.png)
Docker is a language written in Golang and based on Linux. It is an essential tool for programmers in Java in 2021. It offers tools that facilitate containerization. In 2018, it had a stable release. Docker manages the container or set of software packages. Here are a few of the many features that Docker provides:

- Faster and simpler configuration
- Routing Mesh
- Better Software Delivery
- Ability to reduce the size
- Security management
- Swarm
- Software-defined networking
- Application Isolation

### **Conclusion**
Thank you for reading this article. In this article, we have explained how Java developers can advance their careers by acquiring the best skills. Nevertheless, this doesn't imply that Java developers should learn all the above skills. Every individual is unique, so it is up to you to figure out what you want. Leave a comment if you found this article helpful.