How to Improve Java Programming Skills

Key takeaways

By mastering the basics of Java, you put yourself in a position to keep learning and find new ways to use this adaptive language. Here are some important things to know:

• Northeastern University placed Java as the third-most-popular language to learn. This is due to its wide range of users, suitability for beginners, and ability to “write once, run anywhere” [2]. 

• As a versatile programming language that you can use across a range of devices, including a smartphone, Java is extremely popular with beginners and advanced users alike. 

• You can build your programming skills with practice, experience, or an online learning program.

Explore ways you can improve your Java programming skills, whatever level you are working at, and some uses for this reliable, transferable, and secure language. Then, consider enrolling in the IBM Java Developer Professional Certificate program. In as little as three months, you can design and deploy Java applications while gaining hands-on experience with essential tools like NoSQL and Docker.

Essential Java programming skills

As such a popular language with so many uses, Java programmers possess a host of skills, ranging from beginner to advanced level. According to Statista, Java is the seventh-most-popular programming language in a study of software developers worldwide, with about 30 percent of developers using it [1].

By mastering the basics of Java, you put yourself in a position to keep learning and find new ways to use this adaptive language. As a beginner, it helps by learning how to program in Java. As you advance, shift toward learning how to use Java in different environments.

Basic Java programming skills

As a starting point for learning Java programming, consider developing your understanding of syntax and data structures and becoming familiar with its basic programming, frameworks, and libraries. Examples of basic Java programming skills include:

• Object-oriented programming: Combining objects to make your code more stable

• Design patterns: Using a coding blueprint to overcome problems 

• Data structures: Arranging data for scalability

• Java EE: Building server-side applications

• Frameworks and libraries: Using Spring Framework, which is particularly popular among Java developers and a great starting point to build applications

Advanced Java programming skills

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can progress by learning how to put your Java skills to use in different development environments and broaden your Java skills to create web-based applications. Advanced skills include:

• Big data: Using Java for building data cloud storage, debugging, and creating solutions using libraries like Cascading that run with Hadoop

• Testing tool: Supporting troubleshooting using tools such as Selenium and TestNG

• AI and machine learning: Pairing Java with this technology to scale the amount of data you process

• Build tools: Automating workflow to save time and simplify software development

• Advanced Java: Building on Core Java to build solutions like distributed computing and programming concurrency

• Web technology: Communicating between computer systems

• Multi-threading: Running multiple functions at the same time to improve efficiency 

Workplace skills for Java programming

You need a range of technical skills to learn and work with Java, but improving your workplace skills alongside them can be helpful, too. These skills allow you to work well with others, communicate your designs and developments, and manage your time:

• Communication

• Teamwork

• Problem solving

• Adaptability

• Time management

• Attention to detail

• Creativity

How to improve Java programming skills

The skills and knowledge you already have influence your path toward improving your programming skills. For instance, if you are a complete beginner, your approach will be different from someone who has worked in IT programming for years. Assuming you are at the start of your journey, consider these tips to improve your Java programming skills.

Master the core concepts.

If you are a complete beginner, consider starting by mastering the core Java concepts such as object-oriented programming, data structures, and frameworks. Ensuring that you understand these thoroughly before moving on to advanced Java skills will give you a solid foundation to build on. Even though you have the option to use multiple programming languages, Java is still an essential programming tool for web development and the foundation for many other languages, making it worth learning. 

Participate in open-source projects.

Open-source projects are projects that anyone can use, modify, share, and collaborate on because they have an open license. A benefit of open-source projects is that they are readily available and allow you to build your skills in Java and beyond, working with others from across the world and learning as you do. You can find open-source projects to participate in on platforms such as GitHub and Code Triage, regardless of your skill level and expertise. 

Join a community.

You can find a community through the open-source projects you take part in or by joining options like the Oracle Technology Network or Java User Groups, which offer in-person and virtual options. Working with others on projects allows you to build connections, find a mentor, and communicate with people who can help you access jobs and training opportunities. You can also attend events and join communities that offer competitions you can take part in.

Practice with personal projects.

In addition to joining open-source projects, practicing your skills with personal projects and building a portfolio will help you improve your Java programming skills and make you more attractive to prospective employers. Practicing a skill can boost your performance and is particularly important while learning coding languages. By repeating a skill in context, you cement neurological pathways, making a skill easier to recall each time, making it feel more natural, and strengthening your learning. 

Study for a degree.

Depending on how you plan to use your Java programming skills, you might consider improving them by earning a degree. This might be especially useful for you if you are looking to start a career in Java programming. Consider a major such as software engineering or computer and information technology (IT) with a focus on Java. 

To further develop your skills, you might consider earning a master’s degree. According to Zippia, 75 percent of Java developers have a bachelor’s degree in areas of study like computer engineering or computer science, while another 22 percent have a master’s degree [3]. The benefit of pursuing a master’s degree is that you can focus your knowledge and skills in a particular direction. For example, with the advancements in AI, Java is key in developing machine learning models and data-driven solutions.

Join a boot camp.

IT technology develops quickly, and it’s essential to make sure you improve your Java skills in a timely manner. Their short, intensive learning model is one of the reasons that boot camps are popular. Coding boot camps allow you to learn a skill in a shorter time than a degree and at a lower cost. 

Whereas a degree program features a broad curriculum, a boot camp allows you to focus on a particular area you’d like to improve in and offers hands-on learning so that you can enhance niche skills. For example, a Java boot camp may provide hands-on practice in key skills, such as learning how to write bug-free code or mastering object-oriented programming and exception handling. 

Take an online course.

Another way to improve Java programming skills or to focus on a specific area is by completing online courses. You’ll find a variety of course options available, from free tutorials to courses that offer a certificate. Some possible online courses to consider include:

• Learn Quest: Introduction to Java

• IBM Java Developer Professional Certificate

• UC San Diego: Object-Oriented Java Programming, Data Structures and Beyond Specialization

• UC San Diego and Duke University: Object-Oriented Programming in Java Specialization

Get certified.

A step beyond an online course is a certification. These can be valuable to employers and allow you to improve your Java programming skills in specific areas such as Java with Oracle and Java for VMware, with courses delivered by respected bodies and organizations within your field. Industry experts like Oracle offer Java certification pathways, starting at a beginner level and moving to more advanced certifications. These certifications include Oracle Certified Foundations Associate and Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 8 Programmer. 

Be willing to learn.

Technology is rapidly changing, and Java coding systems receive six-month updates, so it’s vital to approach learning as an ongoing process, not a static, once-and-done activity. Therefore, it’s critical to keep up to date with changes to programming standards and developments in Java technology. Java is making continuing advances in AI technology, and as someone with Java skills, you are in a good position to take advantage of opportunities in this field. 

Java programming career opportunities

Java programming can lead to many career opportunities, from software and web development to technical architecture and project management. Java is a popular programming language that developers are increasingly using in the emerging fields of AI and machine learning. As a result, employers are looking for professionals with Java programming skills for a range of job opportunities from entry-level roles to more advanced positions. Check out a few possible Java programming roles and their average annual salaries to begin planning the possibilities for your own professional path.

All annual base salary data is sourced from Glassdoor as of April 2025 and does not include additional pay, such as commission and benefits.

Entry-level roles

• Associate Java developer: $90,511

• Assistant software developer: $96,246

• Programmer: $80,344

Advanced roles

• Java developer: $100,221

• AI developer: $108,152

• Front-end developer: $81,852

• Technical architect: $147,709

• IT project manager: $107,162

• Senior Java developer: $125,016

Improve your Java skills with Coursera

Java is a popular object-oriented programming language that prepares you for various career opportunities. Get started today by taking our Java Skill Assessment. Or, explore these free resources: 

• Watch on YouTube: Career Spotlight: Web Developer

• Get our insights: Subscribe to our Career Chat newsletter

• Hear from an expert: Bots & Blueprints: 6 Questions with a Software Architect and AI Developer

Whether you want to develop a new skill, get comfortable with an in-demand technology, or advance your abilities, keep growing with a Coursera Plus subscription. You’ll get access to over 10,000 flexible courses.

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