Road map of the beginner Java programmer

Want to see yourself as a professional Backend developer and ask "Where do I start?" If you think so, you should read this blog post to the end.

1) Choose a programming language.

Currently, Java is considered the preferred language of many local and foreign companies. You can be sure of this by looking at the daily vacancy announcements. So why do many companies prefer Java?

Java is an object-oriented programming language, independent of the operating system, with many rich open source libraries and components. Additionally, there are plenty of learning materials and job opportunities. Today, Java technologies are running on more than 1 billion systems that use some Java API. It is this usage that increases the demand for Java developers. Thus, Java is considered a specialty of both today and the future.

2) Learn at least one framework.

Spring is an open source framework developed for Java. It makes it easy to develop JavaEE applications. It supports the use of frameworks such as Struts, Hibernate, Tapestry, EJB, JSF. Below is the list of advantages of using Spring framework.

The program can use the POJO structure. The benefit of using POJOs is that they are easy to load without the need for an application server.

- It is possible to create web based applications with Spring MVC.

- Spring framework can create Singleton objects automatically by tweaking configuration files.

- Supports XML configurations.

- Testing applications developed with the Spring framework is easier.

- Supports AOP integration.

- It has a modular structure. Depending on the requirements of the project, certain Spring modules can be used.

Official documentation page - https://docs.spring.io/spring-framework/docs/current/reference/html/

3) Version Control System - Learn Git.

You've probably also heard a lot about Git. It is a version control system that allows us to store and manage the source code of the software we write not on our computer or in some local storage, but on the Internet. The book "Pro Git" by Scott Chacon and Ben Straub covers extensive information about Git. Thinking that this book will be useful in your Git learning, we are sharing the PDF version with you through the link. You can use the book for free by clicking on the link below.

https://git-scm.com/book/en/v2

4) Apply SOLID principles to the code you write.

A set of principles found in the software development process that are necessary to build a better software architecture.

Single Responsibility Principle - Single responsibility principle

Open closed Principle - Open closed principle

Liskov substitution principle - Liskov substitution principle

Interface segregation principle - Interface segregation principle

Dependency inversion principle - Dependency transformation principle

You can get more information about the SOLID principles through this link.

5) Learn and apply design patterns.

All design patterns are standardized by adhering to the principles listed above. It is for easy understanding of the code, to be able to easily make the necessary changes later, to avoid code duplication, to ensure that the code can be used in many places, etc. In order to reach the Senior level as a backend programmer, it is considered necessary to understand the logic of these patterns and apply them to the codes you write.

Resources that will be useful in this direction:

- https://refactoring.guru/design-patterns (a link rich in both theoretical and practical knowledge!)

- https://www.baeldung.com/spring-framework-design-patterns

- https://refactoring.guru/design-patterns/book

6) Get at least one international certificate.

Certifications are an official indication of a person's knowledge and skills in a specific field and technology. At the junior level, you can pass Oracle's "Java SE 8 Programmer I Exam Number: 1Z0-808" exam. This will be your career start, your advantage over your competitors and your increased self-confidence!

7) Apply what you learn.

The secret of every success comes from practical experience. If you are having trouble finding a job, take part in various programming competitions or formulate your own startup idea and try to develop it. Also, apply for internship programs offered by many local companies. You can research about ATL Tech and apply for an internship program. The purpose of organizing the "Experience Program" is to help the formation of new specialists and to create conditions for the application of their theoretical knowledge in work activities. In this way, you can expand your portfolio and increase your practical experience.

Finally, in addition to the main nuances mentioned above, we have placed a picture where you can see the road map for the Backend developer in a wider and more visual way. (Source - https://github.com/kamranahmedse)