Java has been around since 1995, and in that time it has become one of the most popular programming languages in the world. In fact, Java was so important to development in the ‘90s and 2000s that it was once dubbed the language of the Internet—in 2016, it was also called the programming language of the future.
With more than 9 million developers worldwide and a widely supported community, Java is clearly one of the best options to learn in 2022—but why?
Because it’s Valuable
The tech industry doesn’t stand still for very long, and it’s easy to predict that most of today’s hottest languages will be on a downward trajectory in 2022. Yet, according to LinkedIn data, some programming languages have consistently remained at or near the top of developers’ lists for years – and one of them is Java.
If you start learning now, there’s every chance you’ll be able to continue using these skills into your retirement. And if you’re able to switch roles successfully from time to time (the more languages you know, after all, the better) your odds of success skyrocket.
While it’s certainly possible that some new language may emerge as a better option for certain projects, it’s unlikely to replace Java altogether.
The Job Market is Growing
There were more than 1.8 million jobs for computer software developers in the US in 2020, making it one of the fastest-growing professions over that time period. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that job growth for software developers will be around 22% from 2020 to 2030.
With more companies outsourcing programming work overseas and automation changing how companies complete tasks, knowing how to code is now more important than ever before. Companies that once were willing to hire employees with little or no experience are now requiring new recruits to have some form of development skillset—from writing simple scripts in PHP or Python to mastering a full stack of software languages from Java down through HTML, CSS, JavaScript and more.
If you’re not yet coding, get ready for a reality check: Learning how to code in Java is going to be key if you want any chance at a job—any job—in 10 years.
Java Skills Are Transferable
While it’s not a guarantee that your future employer will use Java, it’s almost certain that you’ll be able to transfer your skills from one programming language to another. If nothing else, there will always be a large developer community where you can get help when necessary.
Many programmers find great success as polyglots—that is, they become highly skilled with multiple languages. So, if you really enjoy learning new languages and figuring out how different programs work, consider focusing on multiple rather than just one language at a time.
Learning Java is Easy
Learning any programming language can be difficult, but Java makes it easier by being very similar to C++ (which many people have experience with). Sure, there are some tough parts of learning any programming language (especially when first starting out), but overall it’s much easier than most people think.
And even though there are some challenging aspects of learning how to program, it’s still worth doing because so many jobs require it these days. Plus, a lot of companies prefer to hire experienced programmers who already know Java and other programming languages rather than teach someone new on their team.
Learning Java Will Increase Your Income
Whether you’re new to programming or a seasoned coder, learning how to write code for Android apps will make you more valuable on today’s competitive job market. Since Android apps are written in Java, those who know how to code for them have an immediate leg up on their competition.
The demand for mobile developers with strong skills in Java has been growing rapidly since 2010. Those same jobs are also pulling in about 50% more money than most software development positions.
So if you’re looking to make a mid-career change, or just want to up your salary, learning Java is a great way to go. Glassdoor also found that Java developers with over 2 years of experience can expect to earn over $80,000 per year.
You’ll Be Able to Work Almost Anywhere
With its open-source nature and wide support from companies big and small, Java has become one of the most popular programming languages in use today.
That means it’s available on virtually every platform imaginable—and it will likely still be around for many years to come. That makes it an incredibly valuable skill for job seekers who are tired of being tied down by proprietary software or devices.
You’ll Have a Head Start
New languages pop up all the time, but they usually can’t hold a candle to what’s already out there. It’s hard enough just to get started with something new, let alone trying to learn something that may not even last beyond its initial hype cycle.
In fact, one study found that new languages and frameworks fail at an alarming rate, while older ones stick around longer than most people expect. Because so many companies rely on Java and have no reason to switch away from it anytime soon, you’ll get a leg up when applying for jobs because you’ll be learning what employers know they can count on.
Opportunities to Work Remotely
2022 will be an exciting year for anyone interested in working remotely. With a large number of companies allowing their employees to work remotely, you’ll be able to work from anywhere.
As long as you have a computer and access to WiFi or 5G data, you can make money without having to commute every day. Not only does it give you more freedom, but it also means that there are more opportunities available for people who want to work remotely.
If you’re interested in learning Java, now is a great time to start! You’ll be able to find plenty of remote jobs once you’ve mastered your programming skills. It might even be worth starting your search early so that when companies start posting jobs for remote workers, you’ll already be ahead of the pack.
To Stay Current
Learning a new language is less about keeping up with what’s hot and more about staying relevant in your current job or industry. Learning any new language allows you to broaden your perspective, improve communication skills, and bolster your network.
And, more than likely, if you are learning one language, you’ll want to learn others as well. So maybe it isn’t so much about learning Java itself as much as it is expanding your programming knowledge overall. Whatever your reason for learning a new skill, finding ways to keep challenging yourself—even if it means doing things differently—isn’t just good for you; it’s also good for business.
The more experience and skillset variety an employer can choose from, after all, the better their odds of finding a perfect fit. So, if you’re looking for a job, or if you’re just trying to keep your skills sharp while building your career, consider learning something new.
It’ll be good for both you and your company. This is a great example of how a person can make their CV stand out from other applicants by giving information that not everyone else would think of including or mentioning.
In general, most people will only include items such as past jobs, qualifications, etc. Those are great but they don’t really stand out from all other CVs that are being submitted at any one time.
Because it Helps You Get Better at Coding
If you don’t know Java yet, set your sights on becoming a full-stack developer who can build websites and apps from scratch. That makes you incredibly valuable—and very marketable! Knowing multiple programming languages gives you an advantage over your peers when it comes time for interviews.
And if you choose to pursue a career as a software engineer or programmer, knowing Java will be essential. In fact, according to Stack Overflow’s 2021 survey of more than 50,000 developers, it was one of their most popular programming languages.
So, even if you don’t see yourself using it now, learning Java will open up opportunities down the road. It might even help keep your options open. Learning new technologies is always good practice—you never know where your skills may take you!
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