What to Learn After Java

Java is both an object-oriented programming language and a software platform. Developers value Java because it is portable across platforms and adaptable to a wide range of contexts. If you already know how to use Java, consider learning JavaScript, HTML/CSS, or Python. If you’re looking to learn Java because you want to be a Web Developer and use Java for your back end work, you’ll also want to know JavaScript and HTML/CSS so you can transition to full stack development. If you’re interested in data science, you’ll want to make sure you pick up Python. For Mobile App Developers, both JavaScript and Python are extremely useful. We’ll cover JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and Python below so you have a clear understanding of what skill you want to tackle next. 

What is Java?

Java is both an object-oriented programming language and a software platform in itself. Its creators designed it as a “write once, run anywhere” tool. It is portable, scalable, and adaptable. An app created in Java can function across multiple platforms and over distributed networks. This flexibility makes the Java language widely useful and Java coders highly desirable to employers. Professions that use Java include Web Developer, Mobile App Developer, User Experience Designer, Data Scientist, Game Designer, and Laboratory Scientist.

Java’s modular nature allows developers to take existing pieces of code that are useful to them and then combine those modules in a new context for a new purpose. Also, programs in Java do not need to be compiled because the virtual Java Runtime Environment tool interprets the code and translates it for the computer you are using. Java’s portable and adaptable nature allows it to serve a wide range of use cases. For this reason, it has become the chosen tool of key players in the technology space: for example, the Android operating system is based on Java code. In addition to being critical for mobile app development, Java is also a crucial skill for Web Developers. It is also used for data science, game design, user experience design, and scientific applications. Many employers are eager to hire Java coders because the language is highly flexible, with many possible use cases and adaptations to new contexts.

Read more about what Java is and why you should learn it. 

What Can You Do with Java?

Knowing Java means you can code across multiple operating systems and hardware architectures without modifying your programs for a new environment. Because it is an object-oriented programming language, Java allows you to create modular units of code that you can reuse in any Java program, even across platforms and environments. You can quickly adapt code created for one use case to apply in another, as Java is highly flexible and adaptable for novel contexts. So as exciting new technologies arise, your knowledge of Java will remain relevant and desirable to employers.

Using Java also speeds up the development cycle. This is due to its unique interpretation process, which allows developers to sidestep much of the routine testing and debugging necessary when coding in other programming languages. You can use the Java Runtime Environment to keep your applications robust with its automatic memory management. The JRE also supports robust graphic interfaces through multithreading. Another advantage is that its built-in virus and tamper protection keeps your code secure.

With Java, you can build mobile applications for the Android platform and, in some cases, for iOs. If you’re into big data, you can use Java to analyze large datasets with open-source tools like Hadoop and Spark. Java’s “write once, run anywhere” functionality makes it perfect for writing cloud-based applications and powering data collection within them. Though machine learning is typically associated with Python, libraries such as Deep Learning for Java and MLib make it easy to take advantage of Java’s speed and security by providing a stable environment for deep learning or machine learning processes. Another great application for Java is programming smart household devices. Java is also useful for game design, both mobile and desktop. 

JavaScript

JavaScript is a language used for front end web development and mobile app development. If you want to become a full stack web developer and are learning Java for back end development purposes, you’ll also want to learn JavaScript for front end development. Want to become a Mobile App Developer on the Android platform? Learning Java is a great start! And adding JavaScript will broaden your potential employment options.

HTML/CSS

HTML and CSS are the programming languages that instruct your browser on how to display the visual elements of a website. Both are essential for front end web development. To become a Full Stack Developer, you’ll need front end expertise as well as a knowledge of back end skills like Java coding.

Python

Python, another object-oriented programming language, is increasingly important for data science. (Object-oriented means that Java and Python are organized around “objects,” units of code that programmers can reuse and combine in a modular fashion to serve different purposes.) Python is generally considered a little easier than Java, so you’ll likely be able to pick it up quickly once you’ve studied Java. Taking classes in Python will make you a strong candidate for Data Scientist roles. Mobile App Developers also frequently use Python in their work.

Key Insights

• Skills you could learn after Java include JavaScript, HTML/CSS, or Python
• JavaScript can complement Java for full stack web development or mobile apps
• HTML and CSS are vital for front end web development
• Python is a key language for data science and mobile app development
• You can receive comprehensive Java, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, or Python training through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop

Learn Java with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers several options for studying Java. Its small class sizes and expert instructors make for an ideal learning environment. And if you want to enhance your knowledge further, you can always retake the class—for free. With both in-person and live online options available, you can learn Java in whichever way best fits your needs.

Noble’s Java bootcamp is a great way to learn Java quickly and well. You can do the bootcamp either in-person or live online. This program teaches practical Java skills and the computer science principles that form the foundation of Java’s effectiveness. The course covers object-oriented programming, recursion, and data structures. You’ll also discover the secrets of the interpretation process that streamlines the creation of a new program in Java. By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to pass the Java SE 11 Programmer 1 Exam, helping you qualify for entry-level coding positions. In addition to the bootcamp, some of Noble’s other coding classes also include instruction in Java.

High school and college students can take summer Java classes through NextGen Bootcamp, Noble’s partner school. For those who can attend an in-person program in New York City, NextGen offers a Java programming summer camp. This 50-hour course culminates in each student creating a final project in Java, which they can include in their portfolio when applying for computer science programs. The camp also gives students a head start preparing for their AP Computer Science exam. Students who can’t make it to NYC have another option: NextGen’s live online summer Java program. Though different in the delivery method, this course offers the same content, final project, and exam preparation as the in-person course.