Java is one of many programming languages out there. It also happens to be one of the most popular and frequently used coding languages. Learning Java is definitely an invaluable skill that many employers will be seeking in the programming world. Of course, good things don’t come easily, so there is definitely a fairly intensive learning process to get to a proficient level. That doesn’t mean you can’t do it, though! Learning Java takes time, hard work, and dedication, but the benefits you reap from this learning process are well worth it.
So how do you go about learning Java? What exactly is Java and why is it so valuable in the programming world? These are all questions that we’ll be answering in this Career Karma blog. Read on to learn more!
What is Java?
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Let’s start by delving into some coding history. Back in 1991, a group of engineers, dubbed the “Green Team,” began the Java language project. This small team was comprised of James Gosling, Mike Sheridan, and Patrick Naughton, who worked for Sun Microsystems. Originally, Java was conceived as a language for digital devices like televisions. Eventually, it would be determined as working better as an internet programming language. Over time, it would become the programming language that we’re familiar with today.
Today, Java is a general-purpose programming language. It is concurrent, class based, object oriented, and able to run independent of platforms. But what does all that mean? Let’s break it down.
Concurrent – Concurrent means you can execute multiple statements at once, instead of needing to execute them in sequential order.
Object-Oriented – A programming method that allows you to view a system as a set of objects that can be controlled in a modular fashion.
Class Based – A style of object-oriented programming.
Independent – The language follows the concept of “Write Once, Run Anywhere,” meaning that, once you create a program or code in Java, you can run it on any platform, not just the one you created it on.
The current Java implementation is available in two different distributions:
Java Runtime Environment (JRE) – JRE allows you to run Java applications or codes on your platform; it is the distribution that is intended for end users. Chances are you have the plugin as many websites use Java!
Java Development Kit (JDK) – JDK is a distribution for developers who want to create programs, patches, and codes using Java.
Now we know a little bit about Java, but what is it used for? Java has plenty of real-world applications, making it a highly useful programming language. Here are just a few ways that Java is used:
Android Apps – If you have an Android device, you’re probably much more familiar with Java than you know. Androids apps are built using Java. If you go on the app marketplace, you’ll see a huge array of apps that were built using the Java programming language.
Financial Industry and Stock Markets – Java is actually huge in the financial world. Many global investment banks rely on Java for their systems, but banking isn’t the only part of the financial world Java is involved in. Many systems in the stock market are also based on Java.
Web Applications – Many applications on websites and on the Internet are written in Java. E-commerce website also tend to rely pretty heavily on Java.
Research and Big Data – Java is a great programming language for dealing with a lot of data, which means it’s great for both the scientific community and big data applications. It helps scientists to manage the data for their research and it helps big data companies to compile and sort their data.
Retail – Billing systems often are based on Java programming.
As you can see, Java is widely used in a variety of industries. If you’re still wondering why you should learn Java, that’s understandable! After all, there are a lot of programming languages out there. Why should you choose Java out of those options?
Why Learn Java?
Choosing which programming language to learn first is a big decision. So why should you choose Java?
For one, it’s used in a ton of different industries. This gives you a versatile skill set and a lot of job opportunities. Many employers in the programming world want their hires to be proficient in Java. That’s definitely a big reason to lean toward learning Java!
Ok, so that’s a pretty obvious reason to learn Java. But why else should you learn Java? Here are a few more reasons we recommend it:
It’s Extremely Popular – And by extremely popular, we mean it’s the most commonly used programming language in the world. There is no other programming language that’s used as frequently and that’s on as many devices as Java. Being the most popular programming language in the world carries another huge advantage. Which is…
Resources – Due to the fact that Java is the most popular programming language in the world, it means that you have a ton of resources to learn more about Java. There are plenty of communities of developers out there, fluent in Java, who can teach you more or help you with problems you run into. Since it’s been around for a long time, many problems have been worked through and solved, which means any problem you might run into probably already has a solution or workaround. This vast access to resources will be especially invaluable when you’re learning Java. Speaking of learning…
It’s a Good Place to Start – Java has been around for a long time, and it’s a good starting point to enter the world of programming. Chances are, if you work in programming for awhile, you’ll want to learn some other languages. Java is a great base to build off of. It was originally based off of C and C++, so as you learn, you’ll get some good experience with the concept of programming in general.
Those are just a few reasons why Java is a great programming language to learn! That’s not even delving into the technical factors, like how robust and dynamic it is. Now, if you’re convinced that Java is the right way to go for you, you’re probably wondering where to start. We have some suggestions!
Coding Bootcamps that Teach Java
Coding bootcamps are a great and efficient way to learn a new programming language. Luckily, there are plenty of coding bootcamps out there that teach Javascript. Here, we’ll outline some of the ones that offer this language and tell you a little more about each one.
Flatiron School
Java is one of many programming languages that Flatiron School offers. This is a very reputable bootcamp and one of their claims to fame are the outcomes they offer. They even offer a completely free Introduction to Javascript course! Here are some of the important things we think you should know about Flatiron School:
- They have eleven physical campuses in major cities, but you can also take their courses online.
- They offer immersive, full-time courses in software engineering, data science, and more.
- Not only do they offer career services, they also offer a money-back guarantee if you don’t get a job within 6 months of graduation.
Learn more about Flatiron School here.
Fullstack Academy
If learning Java is your main focus, then Fullstack Academy should definitely be at the top of your list when considering coding bootcamps. This is because they have a heavy focus on teaching full-stack Javascript. The believe that Java is constantly growing and the demand is constantly rising, so they think it’s important to teach complete proficiency in the language. Here are some other important factors we think you should know about Fullstack Academy:
- Fullstack Academy is available in-person in NYC and Chicago. It is also available online
- They have very impressive graduate outcomes and student satisfaction metrics
- They offer full time and flexible classes
Learn more about Fullstack Academy here.
The Software Guild
The Software Guild offers programs that teach you the skills you need for a junior developer position in either .NET/C# or Java. The program is finished in just 12 weeks. They also have a preemptive course that will prepare you for the bootcamp itself. Here are some other important things we think you should know:
- They have physical campuses in Atlanta, Louisville, and Minneapolis. They also have online courses
- Their admissions process includes prepwork to ensure you’re ready for the bootcamp
- They have an ongoing training after graduation, along with an employer and alumni network.
Learn more about The Software Guild here.
The Tech Academy
The Tech Academy is one of the most affordable coding bootcamps out there. Their Web Developer Bootcamp will teach you three of the most popular programming languages for web development: HTML, CSS, and Java. Although this one isn’t quite as Java-specific as some of the other options, HTML and CSS are also great languages to be familiar with. Here are some important things we think you should know about Tech Academy:
- You can take courses online, in person at one of their four campuses, or a hybrid of the two
- Students can create their own learning schedule
- No experience is required
Learn more about The Tech Academy here.
Coding Dojo
Coding Dojo has a Java bootcamp that teaches you to be a Java developer in just 14 weeks. They teach a variety of languages, but each bootcamp is designed to focus very specifically on the language you want to learn. Their bootcamps are Full Stack, meaning you’re familiar with the front and back-end parts of an application. This helps give you a better chance at being hired. Here are some other important aspects of Coding Dojo:
- They have ten physical campuses, but you can also take more flexible courses online.
- They offer various scholarships, some offering up to $4,000
- They have a high focus on preparing their students for the job market
Learn more about Coding Dojo here.
Codesmith
Now if this is your first rodeo when it comes to learning Java, Codesmith may not be the choice for you. However, if you have some experience with coding and you’re looking to progress your career to a mid-level or senior position, Codesmith might be just what you’re looking for. Codesmith has a fairly selective admissions process, because they do expect incoming students to have some proficiency. If you’re curious about Codesmith, here are some important things we think you should know:
- Courses are available at the LA and NYC campuses as well as online
- Courses are focused on computer science and full-stack Javascript
- Around 25% of graduates receive Senior Engineer job offers while around 70% receive Mid-Level Engineer offers.
Learn more about Codesmith here.
These certainly aren’t the only coding bootcamps who teach Java, but it’s a great start when you begin your research on which coding bootcamp you want to choose. Once you’ve chosen the right bootcamp for you, you might be wondering how you can apply for coding bootcamps.
How to Apply for a Coding Bootcamp
When it comes to getting into a coding bootcamp, the admissions processes will vary. Some coding bootcamps require you to have experience, some don’t require any experience at all. Some require you to pay up front, some don’t charge until you get a job that pays a certain amount. You’ll most likely have to submit an application, and some bootcamps even require interviews. It all depends on which bootcamp you choose. Your best bet is to go to the websites of the bootcamps you’re considering, and take a look at their admissions page. These websites will all have sections that break down the admissions process, how much the bootcamp costs, what you can expect, and much more.
Of course, if you’re having trouble finding the right bootcamp, there’s someone who can help with that!
Finding the Best Java Bootcamp for You with Career Karma
Let Career Karma help you find the right coding bootcamp! Whether you want to learn Java, Python, UX/UI design, or any variety of developing or programming courses, there’s a coding bootcamp out there for you. Career Karma has an amazing app that helps match you to a coding bootcamp based on your individual wants and needs. Check out our app and download it today to get on the path to learning Java!
