Java is still one of the most popular programming languages, with the GitHub community ranking it first in the year 2019. As a result, it’s realistic to expect that Java’s popularity will continue to rise and that Java developers will be in more demand in the future.

Developers must regularly watch out for the release of the latest Java tools and enhance their technical skills and expertise in order to develop high-quality products. In this article, you will discover the top Java skills that will be a must-have for Java developers in 2021 and beyond. Meanwhile, It is worth mentioning that you can master these skills by enrolling in a Java online training of good repute. Without further ado, let’s get into the list of skills. 

Java 8 expertise is required.

Java 8 is one of the most popular Java versions primarily because it has long-term support (LTS). No organization will want to use Java versions on their products that may run out of support in the following year. This is why understanding Java 8 is critical and is in high demand. Besides that, Java 8 has many great features. Here are a few of its most useful features:

  • For creating interfaces with method implementation, there are default and static methods.
  • A functional interface with only one abstract method, allowing developers to avoid adding additional abstract methods.
  • Functional interfaces are created using lambda expressions.
  • Java Stream API allows you to run code in parallel or sequentially.
  • Collection API now has new methods.

All of these characteristics make Java 8 ideal for functional programming, which is very popular these days. Concurrency and code shortness is enabled by functional programming, which aids in the development of high-load systems with highly efficient code. As a result, it’s safe to presume that one of Java 8’s main advantages is its ability to execute functional programming.

In addition, Java 8 paved the way for machine code optimization, allowing other languages like Scala, Kotlin, and Grails to improve their techniques. 

Test-taking experience

The subject of Java unit testing is a contentious one. Some developers argue that writing unit tests is a waste of effort, however, we believe that unit testing is a skill that every professional Java developer should possess.

Unit testing allows individual code units to be tested, ensuring that the final product is bug-free. Learning how to use the most popular and efficient testing tools is a prerequisite for a developer who wants to improve their skills and knowledge.

The JUnit 5 Library, which is well-known among Java developers, is the key testing framework to become familiar with.

The following are some other tools:

  • Mockito
  • PowerMock 
  • Framework Robot.

Other testing methods (system testing, acceptance testing, integration testing, and so on) should not be overlooked by a good Java developer to perform a 360-degree software test and ensure that there are no errors, bugs, or critical malfunctions. When it comes to testing, the most important thing to remember is that small changes lead to big results. You will be astonished by the improved quality of your work if you do not hesitate to invest time and effort into unit testing.

DevOps use is on the rise.

Though it is not required, learning about DevOps and its principles may be advantageous to both you as a developer and the firm where you work. DevOps procedures’ flexibility and organization allow businesses to improve product quality and streamline operations while also boosting transparency.

Java DevOps is the application of DevOps to Java development. It entails

  • Constant delivery and integration.
  • Rather than monoliths, use microservices.
  • Infrastructure as a computer program
  • Testing that is done automatically

Because DevOps is such a large topic, it requires a great amount of time and resources to learn. However, if you are a Java developer who wants to control the environment, knowing DevOps will help you become a DevOps Engineer in the future. But it’s fine if you don’t want to be a DevOps Engineer or if your employer doesn’t want to adopt it. Keep in mind that DevOps is gaining traction and is quickly becoming the next big thing in the Java world.

More languages or technological advancements.

Different frameworks and languages are used to handle various programming problems. That is why it is critical to be a polyglot in programming languages.

DevSkiller, a developer screening tool, just released its annual IT skills report, which highlights what other technologies Java developers study in addition to their primary language. Companies are looking for engineers with Java and SQL skills in as much as 26.27 percent of cases. Meanwhile, 6.85 percent of firms require Java + JavaScript expertise.

Developers operate in a specialized environment in addition to the language itself. Selenium, Android, Spring/Spring Boot, and JPA/Hibernate are among the most prominent Java capabilities.

Acquaintance with Java libraries and APIs are a plus.

Because Java is the most popular programming language among programmers, it’s no wonder that it offers a large number of APIs and libraries to choose from. These technologies make the development process much easier and help developers to quickly construct reliable applications. A fundamental set of tools that any good Java developer understands and can confidently use is listed below. These technologies make it easier to swiftly put together an app and handle data and storage:

  • Use a gradle (app assemblement tool)
  • Maven (a bit outdated but still popular)
  • Standard Packages for Java 8
  •  Frameworks for Spring
  • ORM JPA (Hibernate, TopLink)
  • NoSQL databases are a type of database that is not stored in a relational database (MongoDB, Cassandra)

Speaking of APIs, a developer must be familiar with OpenJDK, Android, Oracle, and IS2T in order to work with the principal Java API.

The fact that all of these tools come with thorough and informative documentation is a huge plus. Developers may also rely on community support, which is a significant advantage. You can join a community of learners from an online Java certification course and learn together. 

Conclusion

The aforementioned skills are the Java skills that are in demand currently. Java appears to have a bright future ahead of it, thanks to its increasing popularity. So, in order to fit into the ever-changing world of software development, a developer must keep up with the newest development trends and continually perfect his or her abilities to meet the needs of clients and the market at large.