As internet technology goes mainstream, more people are expressing interest in tech careers, especially web and software development.
At the end of 2021, the number of software developers was estimated at 26.8 million globally. This number is expected to hit 28.7 million by 2024.
Among the popular programming languages is Java, which finds applications in several fields within the tech stack. Java is a general-purpose, object-oriented language that runs on multiple platforms using the Java Virtual Machine. If you are considering learning this language, there’s a lot in store for you.
We have rounded up the five reasons to learn Java below.
1. Java is Versatile
- Java is a multipurpose, cross-platform programming language designed to be versatile and highly functional.
- Java is always relevant when you want to build mobile applications, desktop applications, websites, etc. You can also use Java to build and deploy scalable cloud applications.
- Some key features that make Java versatile include dynamic coding, network-centric designing, platform-independent characteristics, and multiple security features.
- Another key selling point of the Java programming language is its portability.
- In other words, one Java code can run on any system, provided it has a Java interpreter.
- Similarly, you can compile a source program into bytecodes on any system with a Java compiler.
- Java is an excellent pick if you want a base language that will prepare you for a rewarding career in software development.
2. Relatively Easy to learn
- Perhaps it’s not the easiest programming language to master, but it’s relatively easy to learn once you have understood its fundamentals.
- As a diverse and high-level programming language, Java is comparably easy to work with, thanks to its advanced memory management tools.
- The user-friendly syntax with minimum magic characters and symbols allows new developers to catch up faster.
- Java was initially modeled after C and C++; hence it’s well-structured compared to other languages, plus most of its processes run automatically.
- This gives learners and developers a safer environment to experiment with their ideas before deploying their final codes.
- Similarly, Java can be comfortably taught to kids as young as eight. Ideally, you don’t want your kids to learn to code on their own as they can easily become overwhelmed.
- A better approach is to find a Java coding class or a Java Camp where your kids can learn basic and advanced Java coding skills with the help of expert instructors.
- This will help fast-track the learning process and ensure they build key capabilities necessary to advance their coding skills from one level to the next.
3. It Has a Large Support Community
- Since Java is popular and well-developed, it has a large support community where you can search and find any resource you need.
- There are several active forums across social channels where you can ask any Java-related question and find someone ready to help.
- The open-source communities and Java user groups also come in handy when working on critical projects where you may need input – i.e., help, review, or recommendation from the other developers.
- GitHub, for instance, has more than 2 million Java projects, plus the site contains active discussion boards on topics related to Java and its applications.
- Even if you are just getting started, you will always find someone inside the Java community who will guide you through the basics of Java programming until you build confidence and gain some coding experience.
4. Java is Highly Marketable
- Completing a Java course and building on-demand skills prepare you for the job market.
- Research shows that Java runs on more than 7 billion devices worldwide, meaning there’s a ready market for Java developers. And due to this demand, Java developers are always sought-after.
- However, landing a lucrative developer position still requires perfecting your skills and looking for job opportunities in the right places.
5. Abundant API and Open Source Libraries
- The other benefit of the Java Programming language is that it has functional APIs that enable interactivity between multiple apps.
- These APIs enhance productivity, save costs, and improve connectivity and collaboration.
- Java APIs can be used for virtually anything, from networking, XML parsing, databases, speech synthesis, etc.
- Besides APIs, Java also comes with several open-source libraries.
- The latter are resources that can be studied, copied, modified, shared, etc., to make Java development cheaper, easier and faster.
Get Started Today
If you are interested in coding and want to learn a general-purpose language that promises a fulfilling career, Java could be your perfect pick. Similarly, if you want to introduce your kids to a practical, easy-to-learn language, Java would still be a relevant pick.
From its versatility and large support community to the abundant API and open source libraries, Java is a good programming language that offers many opportunities. Regardless of your preferred career path, you can always learn Java before specializing in a given software development niche.