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Java developer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read
Quoted experts
Dr. Brock LaMeres Ph.D.,
Sal Aurigemma Ph.D.
Java developer example skills
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical java developer skills. We ranked the top skills for java developers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 17.2% of java developer resumes contained java as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a java developer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 java developer skills for your resume and career

1. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how java developers use java:
  • Created custom user interfaces and reusable components based on Java Swing technology to support the distributed software application architecture.
  • Used validation controls in Java Script for validation purposes and extensively used Database validations.

2. Spring Boot

Here's how java developers use spring boot:
  • Converted application to Spring Boot to implement Spring Batch functionality to run periodically for the application requirements.
  • Configured applications using Spring Boot and used Spring Security for authentication and authorization purposes.

3. Database

A database is a collection of data and information which makes it easy to view, access, and manage. Databases save a lot of time and can store huge amounts of data. Databases make sorting data easier and stores it in certain fields which narrows the searching criteria. A database usually contains tables, graphs, and columns to display data.

Here's how java developers use database:
  • Worked on developing stored procedures for database administrative tasks and database triggers to implement database auditing and to store historical data.
  • Developed application service components and configured beans using spring, creation of Hibernate mapping files and generation of database schema.

4. Web Application

Here's how java developers use web application:
  • Gathered and analyzed information for developing, supporting, and modifying existing web applications based on prioritized business needs.
  • Developed interactive web application using Front end technologies with emphasis on simplicity and positive user experience.

5. HTML

Here's how java developers use html:
  • Designed and developed the front-end User Interface, Navigation, HTML layouts, and Cascading Style Sheets for IHR system.
  • Developed the presentation layer and GUI framework that are written using HTML and Client-Side validations were done using JavaScript.

6. CSS

Here's how java developers use css:
  • Developed several web pages using HTML, CSS, JSP and JavaScript to perform checking and validations at Client's side.
  • Brief experience on implementing the AngularJS in creating animations based on CSS classes for a new requirement surfaced for the client.

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7. Web Services

A web service is software that is available on the internet and uses a specific messaging system. A web service is a kind of service that is not bound to any specific programming language or operating system. Web services help every device to communicate over the world wide web.

Here's how java developers use web services:
  • Used WS-Security concepts for implementing secured web services to restrict only for prescribed users to secure customer information.
  • Developed persistence layer for the web services and integrated applications and participated in data modeling.

8. MVC

Model-View-Controller (MVC) refers to the method of software development for creating user interfaces.

Here's how java developers use mvc:
  • Developed the application using MVC architecture and deployed using WebLogic server.
  • Involved in re-implementation of existing application using Spring MVC Framework.

9. Maven

Apache Maven or, as it is more commonly and simply known, Maven is a software dedicated to the automation of the creation of other softwares and tools, primarily intended for projects which make use of the Java language.

Here's how java developers use maven:
  • Involved in installing and configuring Eclipse and Maven for development, reviewed application server issues and provided resolution.
  • Worked on Java Maven project with Hibernate framework for developing new features and modification requests.

10. Junit

JUnit is a component testing framework for Java programming language. JUnit has been important in the advancement of test-driven development. It is part of a family of unit testing structures which is collectively known as xUnit that originated with SUnit.

Here's how java developers use junit:
  • Worked on running integrated testing using the JUNIT and XML for building the data structures required for the WebService.
  • Developed various test cases such as unit tests, mock tests, and integration tests using the JUNIT.

11. XML

XML is a medium for storing and transporting data that is independent of software and hardware. XML stands for eXtensible Markup Language. XML, like HTML, is a markup language that was created to store and transport data. It was created with the intention of being self-descriptive. There are no predefined tags in the XML language. Another feature is that XML is extensible.

Here's how java developers use xml:
  • Designed and developed JDBC module to read and write data from Oracle and SQL Server databases and convert to XML format.
  • Created web service components using SOAP, XML and WSDL to receive XML messages and for the application of business logic.

12. API

Here's how java developers use api:
  • Used Hibernate Criteria API for dynamically building queries for searching contractors depending on Selection Criteria.
  • Developed email response application module using JavaMail API.

13. Spring Framework

Here's how java developers use spring framework:
  • Developed architecture to use SpringMVC and Hibernate components wired together by Spring Framework and setting up application server deployment environments.
  • Develop and maintain elaborate services based architecture utilizing open source technologies like Hibernate ORM and Spring Framework.

14. Eclipse

Here's how java developers use eclipse:
  • Revised HTML reporting system to use industry-standard database storage with Eclipse Business Intelligence Reporting Toolkit front-end.
  • Worked with Eclipse for development environment for developing and deploying applications.

15. JQuery

Here's how java developers use jquery:
  • Involved in the creation of interface to manage user menu and Bulk update of Attributes using JS, EXTJS and JQUERY.
  • Utilized various JQUERY plug-ins to build Rich Internet Application (RIA) to make it look more intuitive.
top-skills

What skills help Java Developers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on java developer resumes?

Dr. Brock LaMeres Ph.D.Dr. Brock LaMeres Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Director, Montana Engineering Education Research Center (MEERC), Montana State University

All companies are looking for some experience beyond the classrooms. This can be through internships or doing research at their universities. But students still need to show an acceptable GPA to show employers that they understand the fundamentals of their discipline.

What soft skills should all java developers possess?

Sal Aurigemma Ph.D.

Associate Professor of CIS, J. Bradley Oxley Professor of Computer Information Systems, University of Tulsa

All the soft skills are important, but a few are absolutely critical in today's hybrid workforce. With the uncertainty of COVID delaying the return to the office, many companies are embracing hybrid work and/or 100% remote for some or all of their employees. Today's employees must be able to effectively communicate over a range of different modalities, both synchronously and asynchronously, while still being able to actively build and maintain relationships as they participate in one or more teams of coworkers, customers, and other stakeholders. Today's IT workers need to be honest with themselves on the work environments they can and cannot succeed within.

What hard/technical skills are most important for java developers?

Sal Aurigemma Ph.D.

Associate Professor of CIS, J. Bradley Oxley Professor of Computer Information Systems, University of Tulsa

Students graduating with Information Systems and related degrees usually have little problem finding employment upon graduation. However, the pandemic upended that paradigm for some. For those who recently graduated and are still looking for employment, keep the faith and develop your technical skills. Developers should show prospective employers that they are familiar with agile programming methodologies and modern DevOps stacks and processes. Data analysts should be focused on presenting their ability to work with structured and unstructured data, effectively query data using SQL & NoSQL, and, most importantly, provide actionable insight by making data accessible and relatable to decision-makers at all levels of an organization. Those interested in cloud architecture and cyber security careers have to keep current on their skills and certifications. Cloud engineers need to stay aware of the constant changes happening at the major providers (AWS, Azure, GCP) and, as with all other IT fields, provide tangible evidence of your skills via real projects that you have worked on. Prospective cyber security analysts should first focus on identifying their first specialization because there are too many security roles to learn them all at once, especially as beginners. Two popular entry-level cyber security jobs include information security consultant and Security Operations Center (SOC). Both of these roles require a sound foundation in networking fundamentals, vulnerability identification and mitigation, and an understanding of organizationally relevant security and privacy frameworks and regulations.

What java developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Brian Law

Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Illinois Wesleyan University

There are several areas that are "hot" right now, such as the previously-mentioned data science, artificial intelligence, and systems, but also cybersecurity and databases/data warehousing. That being said, the most important thing for a new graduate seeking employment to do is just to do anything, produce something. Tech employers don't and have never trusted computer science credentialing; that mistrust is the origin of the infamous "tech interview," used to verify whether a candidate actually has the technical skills to back up their piece of paper.

So to preemptively answer that question and get a leg up on other candidates, graduates should be sure to generate some artifact(s) that demonstrate(s) their technical and organizational skills. Show them that you can plan a project, design it, see it through in programming it, and do so in a responsible, organized manner (good coding style, readable code, well-documented, and using proper version control), and you'll have addressed your future employer's greatest worries right off the bat.

If it's a project in one of these "hot" areas or specifically tuned for the work the employer does, all the better, but anything the employer is doing is probably leagues beyond what a fresh graduate can do by themselves in a few months, so ultimately they're not going to be that impressed with your domain-specific technical knowledge. Instead treat it more as an opportunity to show off your "soft" skills, your programming maturity, and your ability to actually produce a product rather than just answer exam questions. And while you're at it, you might as well make it something fun for yourself so you'll be driven to finish it.

What type of skills will young java developers need?

Dr. Ted Junseok SongDr. Ted Junseok Song LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor of Engineering, John Brown University

As it always has been, the ability to communicate with others would be a critical skill for college graduates. Additionally, it will be more necessary for professionals to work cross-culturally, as the U.S. is becoming more diverse.

What technical skills for a java developer stand out to employers?

Bob Sweeney Ph.D.Bob Sweeney Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor, University of South Alabama

Strong database skills including big data and SQL are always valued by local employers hiring our IS majors. While not technical, written and verbal communications skills are always important.

List of java developer skills to add to your resume

Java developer skills

The most important skills for a java developer resume and required skills for a java developer to have include:

  • Java
  • Spring Boot
  • Database
  • Web Application
  • HTML
  • CSS
  • Web Services
  • MVC
  • Maven
  • Junit
  • XML
  • API
  • Spring Framework
  • Eclipse
  • JQuery
  • Scrum
  • Jenkins
  • JSON
  • Html Css
  • JSP
  • Microservices
  • Spring Mvc
  • Design Patterns
  • UI
  • J2EE
  • Front End
  • User Interface
  • Core Java
  • Tomcat
  • JDBC
  • Linux
  • Jira
  • Object Oriented Programming
  • PL/SQL
  • Unix
  • Version Control
  • JMS
  • Debugging
  • Test Cases
  • Development Life
  • Oracle Sql
  • ANT
  • SDLC
  • JBoss
  • Digital Transformation
  • SQL Server
  • WebSphere
  • SVN
  • JPA
  • CSS3

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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