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What does a java software developer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted expert
Frank McCown Ph.D.

Java is arguably the most popular computer programming language to date, which is why java software developers are still in-demand. The Java software developer's task is to create, design, and maintain all Java-based software used or produced. The developer collects feedback from software users, drafts a list of suggestions for improvement, pinpoints trouble areas in the software, and provides solutions. Other responsibilities that go with the position includes regular updates of all Java-based software, reporting, maintenance, and tweaking.

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Java software developer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real java software developer resumes:

  • Perform debugging, unit testing, and manage continuous integration.
  • Facilitate XelerisTM imaging suite expansion by managing it's API and handling professional communications with software companies developing 3rd party applications.
  • Used JSON for data exchange between application modules along with XML.
  • Work on HTML and JavaScript with integration of UI for developing grids, charts and schedulers.
  • Provide research and details on specific issue for the team such as using HTML tables vs CSS for page layout.
  • Used JBOSS container for enterprise applications.
  • Eclipse IDE are used to build application.
  • Red hat Linux, Centos, Microsoft servers.
  • Used Hudson Jenkins server for custom remote builds.
  • Verify system logic by unit testing and debugging.
  • Deploy the application to WebLogic and apache tomcat server.
  • Used tomcat as application server and maven as build tool.
  • Develop static and dynamic web pages using JSP and HTML.
  • Develop business logic for various services using EJB and XML.
  • Create JUnit and FlexUnittest case design logic and implement throughout application.

Java software developer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 22% of Java Software Developers are proficient in Java, Spring Boot, and GIT. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Problem-solving skills.

We break down the percentage of Java Software Developers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Java, 22%

    Developed Java desktop application database synchronizations with server side Web Services when the application goes offline.

  • Spring Boot, 5%

    Leveraged GIT and Tortoise SVN for version control, and Maven and Spring Boot for project build.

  • GIT, 3%

    Employed Git and Tortise SVN for version control.

  • Object Oriented Programming, 3%

    Designed, developed and enhanced new and existing applications using Object Oriented Programming Techniques.

  • Database, 3%

    Collaborated and coordinated with multiple database programmers for integration points in application.

  • Linux, 3%

    Deployed application to Linux environment.

Most java software developers use their skills in "java," "spring boot," and "git" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential java software developer responsibilities here:

Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a java software developer to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." Java software developers often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "used xml with sax parser to transfer data between applications. "

Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform java software developer duties is communication skills. Java software developers responsibilities require that "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." Java software developers also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "developed rest web services to facilitate communication between client and servers. "

Problem-solving skills. java software developers are also known for problem-solving skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to java software developer responsibilities, because "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." A java software developer resume example shows how problem-solving skills is used in the workplace: "converted earlier prototype and client requirements to a final solution in java. "

Creativity. A big part of what java software developers do relies on "creativity." You can see how essential it is to java software developer responsibilities because "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical java software developer tasks: "applied analytical, creative and professional skills for create front end user experience to the business users. "

Detail oriented. Another crucial skill for a java software developer to carry out their responsibilities is "detail oriented." A big part of what java software developers relies on this skill, since "developers often work on many parts of an application or system at the same time and must therefore be able to concentrate and pay attention to detail." How this skill relates to java software developer duties can be seen in an example from a java software developer resume snippet: "developed jsp java server pages starting from html and detailed technical design specification documents. "

All java software developer skills

The three companies that hire the most java software developers are:

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Compare different java software developers

Java software developer vs. Java programmer

Java programmers design and develop programs with the goal of not taking up too much data and less to almost no latency that can be useful to their users every day. They aim to write testable, well designed, and efficient computer codes. Java developers need a range of skills, from a thorough knowledge of the basics to an understanding of the latest developments. Programmers also need knowledge beyond the java language itself. Their skills should include knowing how the development process works and how the apps function in which the code runs.

The annual salary of java programmers is $17,702 lower than the average salary of java software developers.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both java software developer and java programmer positions are skilled in java, spring boot, and object oriented programming.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between java software developers and java programmer. For instance, java software developer responsibilities require skills such as "git," "database," "c++," and "junit." Whereas a java programmer is skilled in "database connectivity," "application development," "unit test cases," and "web pages." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Java programmers really shine in the finance industry with an average salary of $94,924. Comparatively, java software developers tend to make the most money in the technology industry with an average salary of $103,137.On average, java programmers reach similar levels of education than java software developers. Java programmers are 2.2% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Java software developer vs. Architect and developer

An Architect And Developer is focused on the technical design, architecture, and development of products. They generally work as a part of the development team.

Architect and developer positions earn higher pay than java software developer roles. They earn a $12,940 higher salary than java software developers per year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Java software developers and architects and developer both require similar skills like "java," "spring boot," and "object oriented programming" to carry out their responsibilities.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, java software developer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "git," "database," "scrum," and "front end." Meanwhile, an architect and developer has duties that require skills in areas such as "application development," "c #," "javascript," and "application architecture." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

On average, architects and developer earn a higher salary than java software developers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, architects and developer earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $125,314. Whereas java software developers have higher pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $103,137.architects and developer earn similar levels of education than java software developers in general. They're 2.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for java software developers in the next 3-5 years?

Frank McCown Ph.D.Frank McCown Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor, Harding University

Software continues to move to mobile devices and the web and away from desktop applications. The pandemic has encouraged growth in applications that make in-person transactions go away, and that trend will likely continue. Obviously AI-enabled or assisted applications will continue to grow.

Java software developer vs. Web application developer

A web application developer is responsible for designing website and system applications following clients' specifications and business' needs. Web application developers utilize their expertise in programming languages and system codes, ensuring the efficiency and smooth navigation of the website. They also run multiple diagnostic tests on the output before release, identifying inconsistencies, and addressing incompatibilities on browsers and devices. A web application developer should be detail-oriented and highly-technical as this job requires excellent digital knowledge to manage complex systems.

An average web application developer eans a lower salary compared to the average salary of java software developers. The difference in salaries amounts to web application developers earning a $12,190 lower average salary than java software developers.java software developers and web application developers both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "java," "spring boot," and "git," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from java software developer resumes include skills like "c++," "maven," "development life," and "mvc," whereas a web application developer is more likely to list skills in "javascript," "python," "application development," and "web forms. "

Web application developers make a very good living in the finance industry with an average annual salary of $88,928. On the other hand, java software developers are paid the highest salary in the technology industry, with average annual pay of $103,137.When it comes to education, web application developers tend to earn lower degree levels compared to java software developers. In fact, they're 5.1% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Java software developer vs. Software analyst

A software analyst is responsible for creating and designing software programs and applications, as well as modifying existing ones for optimization according to business requirements. Software analysts work with the technical team to draw system codes, analyze programming languages, and ensure the stability and efficiency of software navigation by running multiple quality checks to the system. They inspect the application's performance, configure servers, and improve software infrastructure according to quality findings. A software analyst records resolution reports and provides progress updates, ensuring that the project adheres to budget limitations and set timetables.

Software analysts average a lower salary than the annual salary of java software developers. The difference is about $19,630 per year.While their salaries may vary, java software developers and software analysts both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "java," "object oriented programming," and "linux. "Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A java software developer uses "spring boot," "git," "database," and "maven." Software analysts are more likely to have duties that require skills in "software development," "troubleshoot," "test data," and "business process. "In general, software analysts earn the most working in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $86,986. The highest-paying industry for a java software developer is the technology industry.software analysts reach lower levels of education compared to java software developers, in general. The difference is that they're 7.8% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of java software developer

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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