Java is the reigning general-purpose programming language. It is to the modern world of software what Fortran, C, and C++ were to previous generations. It consistently comes in at number one on the TIOBE index - a respected ranking of language popularity – despite the growth of alternative technologies such as Python and server-side Javascript (Node.js.).
What critical modern benefits does Java bring to the world?
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Java is the primary development language for Android apps.
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As recently as 2015, 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies used Java for their enterprise architecture.
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Java is the implementation language of Hadoop, one of the leading frameworks for big data processing.
Given the importance of Java in the current business environment, Java developers are critical for medium to large-sized companies that seek a competitive advantage. However, it turns out that despite the prominence of the language such engineers are hard to find and recruit.
Why are Java skills scarce?
Seasoned software developers are scarce enough as it is, let alone those that have solid Java skills. Why is it so difficult to find Java professionals in particular?
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Despite being an interpreted language with automatic memory management (garbage-collection), leveraging it in an enterprise-grade environment requires strong data structure and operating systems fundamentals.
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Though a college degree is not absolutely necessary for one to become a Java programmer, it is the surest path to attaining the depth of understanding needed to master Java and all of its associated tools.
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Java is not just a set of code conventions and syntax rules - it is an entire ecosystem with countless tools and frameworks. The Java Virtual Machine (JVM) is one such bedrock platform that hardcore Java developers must know intimately, but the pro-level Java “toolbelt” also includes Java EE, Spring Framework, Java Server Pages (JSP), Struts, Java Messaging Service (JMS), Maven, Ant, Gradle, and literally dozens of other complex topics.
What should you do in order to find and hire Java developers?
There is a massive sea of job searchers in the current market. Companies get inundated with resumes covered with a large alphabet soup – list after list of acronyms and qualifications that rarely line up to the requirements.
Somewhere within this flood of data, there are some positive leads, but sifting through them takes wisdom and expertise. Some applicants may have computer science degrees or code bootcamp training, but no Java. Some people may have Java, but only at the academic and not the professional level. Some may have professional Java, but may have not been exposed to any of the critical frameworks needed for the company's unique architecture. Diving into all of this is a drain on time, budget, and the psyche of any hiring manager.
With all of this difficulty, your best bet is to find an established staffing partner that has the skills needed to connect you with top-tier Java talent.