10 Things to Know About Java

If you're reading this blog, you've probably done some research, but still need to choose which coding language to learn. There are a lot of great options that provide job prospects and stability, including JavaScript. However, if our Java Bootcamp is a contender, here are 10 things to know about the programming language you'll master.

1. Java is Like Air
It’s everywhere, even if you can’t always see it. Java is a platform-independent language. That means that the same Java program can be used across all kinds of different environments, from Android phones and computers, to healthcare web applications and financial industry tools. It uses something called the Java Virtual Machine that allows Java applications to run anywhere.

2. Java is to JavaScript as English is to French
Much like comparing English to French, Java and JavaScript are two different programming languages. They share the basic fundamentals of any programming language as English and French both have nouns, verbs, and grammatical tense. However, Java and JavaScript use different syntax or vocabulary. Java is popular among enterprise level projects and many large companies use it. JavaScript is a necessity in web development.

3. The Road to Android Begins With Java
Android development is based on Java. It is certainly possible to dive in head first if you’re interested in making mobile apps, but you won’t get very far without a thorough understanding of the Java programming language. With Java powering the back-end of your app, you’ll be able to accomplish a lot more and create a much more complex application.

4. Java is Used by a Lot of Companies
All sorts of companies use Java including: GM/Onstar, Facebook, eBay, Ford, SalesForce, in addition to any company with an Android application. Why do they use Java? Well, it can handle a lot of information, has solid security features and can run in any environment.

5. Back-End vs. Front-End
Think of it like an illustrator for a children's book (Front-End) versus the author (Back-End). Front-End languages like JavaScript deal with the parts of the application that the user sees and directly interacts with. During the Java bootcamp, you’ll learn to create server-side code, which powers the application by defining the logic necessary for it to work (essentially step-by-step instructions to the application).

6. Oh, the Places You’ll Go
Java can be used to create so many different types of applications. It is widely used in financial institutions like banks and insurance agencies. It’s also a popular choice for e-commerce platforms. Java applications are versatile. They can be packaged or hosted in the cloud.

7. Clean Code
At Grand Circus, we put a focus on encouraging strong habits of successful professional developers. In addition to incorporating industry tools and practices like version control and test-driven development, we put special emphasis on building applications with clean code.

8. It’s Been Around for a While
Did you know that the first major release of Java was waaaaaay back in 1996? Since then, the language itself has seen a ton of growth. It’s been refined into a form that is far more powerful, versatile, and secure than it once was. Part of this sort of staying power necessitates a thriving community. Don’t learn Java in a bubble! There are tons of resources available to you including online forums, meetups, and specialized development environments.

9. Get Started With Oracle
What better way to get started with a language than to go straight to the source? You can get a feel for what Java is all about by following along with the first Trail on the documentation site. It is a great way to begin learning and understanding the basics of Java, but only covers a bite sized amount of the content you will learn during the Java bootcamp. There are a multitude of benefits to attending a bootcamp in person, not the least of which is having an expert available to you daytime for two months!

10. There are Lots of Ways to Describe Java Developers
Here’s just a sample of potential jobs you’d apply to after our bootcamp: