Should I learn Java in 2023? A Practical Guide

Why Java is a Great Language to Learn in 2023

Your motivation to learn a programming language might have various reasons behind it. And your reasons might be very different from the next person’s.

However, there are several universal points that make Java very much worth your time and effort.

Popularity and Demand

As we’ve already mentioned, Java is one of the most widely used programming languages worldwide. First introduced to the world in the early 1990s, it is still utilized by large corporations, governments, and small businesses alike, and there is a huge demand for Java developers. Learning Java can increase your job prospects and earning potential.

Versatility

Java is a universal programming language used for a wide range of applications, from desktop and web applications to mobile apps and games. It is also used extensively in developing enterprise software and cloud-based applications. And in such in-demand technologies as big data, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the internet of things. So learning Java opens a wide variety of career choices for you.

Platform Independence

One of Java’s key features is its platform independence. Java code can run on any platform that supports the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). And JVM is supported by every popular platform and operating system, which makes it easy to write code once and run it anywhere.

Large Community and Resources

Java has a large and supportive community of developers who constantly create new libraries, tools, and frameworks to help other developers. There are also many online resources available, including tutorials, forums, and blogs, which can help you learn Java quickly and easily.

Beginner-friendly and easy to learn

Java has a simple and easy-to-understand syntax and a clean and easy-to-read code structure, which makes it easy for beginners to learn and understand.

Java is also an object-oriented language, which means that it focuses on creating objects and classes that represent real-world entities. OOP makes it easier to understand the code structure and develop complex applications. If Java is your first programming language, it will be a solid basis for learning other object-oriented languages.

Java handles tedious tasks like memory management automatically. And Java code is checked for errors before running. So writing the first projects is easier for beginners, and unknown runtime issues are less of an obstacle for them as well.

Career Growth

Java is a constantly evolving language, with new updates and features being added regularly. Learning Java can help you keep up with these changes and stay relevant in the tech industry, which can lead to career growth and advancement.

Where to learn Java

Being one of the most popular languages, Java boasts a considerable number of learning resources, both online and offline. Overall, numerous options are available to learn Java, starting with the official Java documentation and traditional schools and universities and ending with countless youtube Java tutorials.

Choosing a method best fits your learning style and goals is important. However, learning by practicing is generally considered the most efficient and fast way to master a programming language.

This Java course by CodeGym is one of the top online courses focusing on practice. There are over 1200 Java exercises at your disposal to learn the language and have fun practicing the new skill. All the exercises are instantly validated too.

Steps to become a pro

The abovementioned course has you covered when it comes to learning Java. You’ll learn the basic programming concepts like variables, loops, conditional statements, and functions. You’ll earn Java's syntax and semantics. And you’ll learn to understand the principles of OOP, such as encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism. And, of course, you’ll get to practice it all. You can also take additional steps to become a truly professional Java developer.

Learn Java Libraries and Frameworks

Java has a vast ecosystem of libraries and frameworks that provide pre-built modules and components that can be used to speed up the development process. Using the established libraries and frameworks helps ensure consistency in code and design patterns, making it easier for other developers to understand and maintain the codebase. Besides, many Java libraries and frameworks have become industry standards.

So mastering Java libraries and frameworks can significantly improve software development productivity, consistency, and maintainability. Additionally, these tools provide access to advanced features. As such, they are essential skills for any beginner Java developer who wants to become a professional.

Build Real-World Projects

Building real-world projects will help you sharpen your Java skills, learn how to work with a team, and apply your knowledge to real-life problems. You can join an open-source project to help develop a web application, Android app, or backend service to get that much-needed hands-on experience.

Join Java Communities

Joining Java communities can help you learn from experienced developers, get help, and stay up-to-date with the latest Java trends. You can join Java User Groups (JUGs) or online communities like Stack Overflow or Reddit.

In conclusion

Whether you are just thinking of starting your IT career or are already a seasoned professional in other programming languages, learning Java in 2023 is a good idea. It is a popular language widely used in the industry. It offers amazing career opportunities, and there’s a continuously growing number of fascinating projects to work on. The list of benefits of mastering the language is endless, making learning Java an excellent decision for 2023.