What Does It Mean to Be a Junior Java Developer: From A to Z

When it comes to the IT industry, we typically have three gradations of developers depending on their level of expertise: Junior, Middle, and Senior. Or four… just in case you include coding Interns as the lowest-ranked “soldiers” of the software development industry.

And if you think that being an expert in Java development mainly depends on your years of programming experience, this can’t be further from the truth. In reality, a Junior developer might have a longer length of service than a Middle or even a Senior developer. It all comes down to your skills level. That’s why, I’ve decided to paint a clear picture of what it’s like to be an average Junior developer with the skill set you’ll need to earn your “Junior’s” badge, perspectives you’ll get, and the salary levels you can expect. Let’s delve in.

Who is a Junior Developer?

Who exactly is a Junior Java dev? What’s the difference between a junior and, say, mid-level programmer? A Junior Java developer is an entry-level specialist in the world of developers, and there is a noticeable edge between a junior developer and a middle.

Not to state the obvious, but the main difference is that a Junior developer is usually a “just-graduated” coder who needs to learn many things about this new profession. In contrast, a mid developer already boasts 2 to 4 years of experience behind the belt. Middles already can work alone, whereas Juniors need supervision from Seniors or Leads.

That is to say, Juniors just start their exciting career path and get familiar with the way things are done in modern-day software development. You should be ready that you’ll start with some easy tasks like debugging, writing a code for simple features, and the like.

Ahead, I’d like to delve deeper and shed light on what employers expect from Junior devs, their most desirable skills, and their main responsibilities.

What are the Main responsibilities of a Junior Developer?

In general, a Junior developer should be able to:

• Write and maintain the code;
• Fix small bugs and minor mistakes in code;
• Work on the internal (admin) side of tools/features;
• Learn the codebase and the project’s structure;
• Work with codebase without doing anything too complicated;
• Work on defined features set by Senior software developers, their general concept, and markup;
• Focus on the backend in minor aspects;
• Assist initial stages of project planning and analyze the project’s technical requirements;
• Participate in the execution and documentation of tests;
• Work with an agile team and attend meetings;
• Prepare reports, manuals, and other documentation;
• Gather information from users about the products.

In other words, besides computer knowledge, a good Junior software engineer should be a backend-focused assistant to some extend. Junior devs can define common obstacles and clarify the workflow progress whilst gradually adapting to existing working conditions.

At first, the junior designation means working under the supervision of senior developers in the department but being involved in all project stages, from brainstorming to final testing. As a competent Junior Java developer, you may also meet with clients to review their preferences and provide advice.

Essential Skills for Junior Developers

• 0–1.5 years of experience with an intrinsic passion for learning;
• An understanding of how software interacts with and depends on hardware;
• Java syntax, collections, multithreading;
• Working with tools for coding (Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA or NetBeans), version-control systems and services (GitHub, GitLab);
• Knowing the frameworks for building web projects (Spring, Spring Boot);
• Object-relational mapping (Hibernate);
• Building automation tools (Gradle, Maven);
• Working with tools for unit testing (JUnit, Mockito),.
• Basic knowledge of other common programming languages, like JavaScript, and technologies such as HTML5/CSS3;
• Basic practical experience in programming and code writing;
• Knowledge of databases and operating systems;
• Basic knowledge of Computer Science (as a foundation of knowledge for pretty much any profession on software development);
• The ability to learn new software platforms and technologies quickly (quite an important skill for any Junior coder);
• Ability to follow instructions and work in a team environment (another skill that in no way should be underestimated, even though it often does).

Top Reasons to Become a Junior Developer

There are several benefits of becoming a Junior Java developer. For example, Junior devs often work on all stages of the development projects, so they gain a very useful experience that can be easily transferred to various areas later. Quite often, Junior developers can also take advantage of a flexible schedule that often allows for remote work. And, of course, their career is quite rewarding. Even though I don’t think that financial compensation should be the primary reason, I can’t deny that good money is amongst the main motivators for some Java devs. According to popular job sites like Glassdoor or Indeed, Junior Java developers earn up to 75,000.00 per year. And, as you evolve in your profession, your salary will grow too.

As far as professional growth is concerned, it would be amiss not to mention that a Junior coder has a real chance to get an applicable experience of a whole range of work processes, tasks, and technologies. And this experience may help you eventually grow into a Senior developer. Just try to always be open-minded, listen to the team’s new ideas and approaches to tasks. Also, be positive and friendly to your peers and never fear to ask questions if you don’t understand something.

Where to Get a Skill Set to become a Good Junior Java Developer?

Well, now you know almost everything about Junior Java developers, from their perspectives to essential skills. But where to acquire those skills and get your first job as a Java developer?

• CodeGym. It’s the ideal online course that can help you learn Java from scratch and get fully armed for your first interview. The course includes well-structured lessons with 1200 tasks with instant verification and even a game section that will let you write a full-fledged game. The course consists of four quests (Java Syntax, Core, Multithreading, Collections), which should give any Junior developer an excellent basis for their further growth.
• Codewars. It’s another useful coding practice platform for all programmers, allowing you to learn various programming languages (including Java, of course) in an interactive, gamified manner. By challenging yourself on kata (small coding exercises), you’ll be able to sharpen your coding skills and improve your coding style. Codewars also have a strong community where you can always seek support from your peers.
• Cyber-Dojo is one more online place for practicing programming. It’s a very intuitive web-based environment that requires no subscription. All you need to enter an existing practice or create a new one is a decent Internet connection and a browser.
• CodeChef is more like an international community rather than an online course. It allows for conducting global programming contests so that beginners and experts from any corner of the world can evaluate their skills and understanding of the concepts. From 3-hour short contests to those lasting for several days, there is a perfect competition for any preference and skill set.
• The complete Java masterclass. It’s a comprehensive Java course for newbies provided by Udemy. The course includes 80 hours of precious information with examples, practice exercises, and quizzes. With that, this course is very cost-efficient and won’t empty your wallet.
• Java programming for complete beginners in 250 steps. As the name suggests, it’s a perfect match for students with no programming background. The course reveals everything from A to Z, allowing you gradually get the essential Java knowledge.
• Java Certification by Duke University. Created with a partnership with Duke University, this course may be ideal for those who gravitate towards a more academic approach to learning. Designed for beginners, it will teach you core Java concepts and equip you with enough knowledge to write programs and solve complex problems. Additionally, you’ll acquire the foundational skills any software engineer will need in the future.

Conclusion

In the end, I’d like to emphasize that there are many factors that can improve your chances of landing your first job. You should focus your energy strategically, keep yourself motivated and passionate about your future profession. If things play out well, you’ll have all the chances to get your first job within one month after completing the course! But, if it takes longer than you’ve expected — don’t worry. Good things usually take time, and you’ll definitely be rewarded. So, start learning today to get the position of Junior Java Developer ASAP!