Is Java Still Relevant?

Is Java Still Relevant?

 Java is still commonly used in our daily life in different ways. It touches every software development field and is used by popular platforms that you might often use, such as Twitter, Google, Amazon, Spotify, and YouTube. With this wide application, the conclusion is simple — Java is here to stay and will continue to attract many developers for a long time.

When technology has existed for years, it is likely to appear irrelevant, uncompetitive, and even become obsolete to some people. That is not the case when it comes to Java, which turns 26 years this year.

Java is not a thing of the past — it is still very trendy, something which continues to surprise those who continue to cling to the idea that Java is old-fashioned. Even recent statistics and studies have show Java is still among the most demanded, used, and loved programming languages. But what still makes this a bit old technology remain competitive? Read on to learn more.

New Release Cycles Put It in Demand for a Long Time to Come

Initially, new versions of Java were released once a year — something which disadvantaged some developers. That changed in 2018 when it was decided the new versions will be released in small iterations. The new cycle now puts the Java community at the forefront of innovation as it allows new features to be added fast, tested, and rereleased.

Java Developers Worldwide Continue to Grow

After 26 years of existence — Java is still doing well — programmers who know it are still in high demand. They will continue to be sought after for a long time to come as over 90% of the Fortune 500 companies still rely on Java for their development projects.

Globally, there are over 8 million Java developers. That means a large workforce exists, making it easier for companies to find and hire qualified Java programmers. According to Indeed, the average annual salary for a java developer is $102,597 in the United States plus a $5,000 cash bonus a year.

Java Keeps up With the Times

Despite being a mature technology, Java continues to do well. Currently, it is the second most popular programming language according to TIOBE's index. The table below displays the first ten popular programming languages according to this index.

Moreover, Java is keeping up with the tech innovation and software trends. Something those who are saying "Java is dying" and "java programmers are no longer in demand" are ignoring when advocating for a switch to other languages. Thankfully statistics and facts continue to prove the wide application of Java in different projects today.

The everyday use of Java in numerous areas of software development, big data, artificial intelligence, blockchain mobile, Internet of things, and web development is also proof Java is here to stay. IoT Developer Survey puts it clearly that programmers of embedded software products for IoT devices go for Java. The main reason behind this being the platform independence and high portability nature of the Java language. Since Java runs in the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), developers manage to move Java codes to any devices, software packages, or chips with the pre-installed JVM.

Should You Choose Java for Your Next Project?

If you are still skeptical about Java's application today, the following examples demonstrate the critical areas in which it is used:

Web-Based Applications of Java

Java when paired with Servlets, Struts, JavaServer Page, Hibernate, Spring, JavaServer Face, and web-servers like Resin, Apache HTTP web-server, and Apache Tomcat is used in the design of web applications. Using these technologies, you can build any web-based application.

Ecommerce applications are also developed using Java when paired with open-source eCommerce platforms like Broadleaf. And with COVID-19 accelerating eCommerce and digital transformation, the demand for more eCommerce apps will undoubtedly increase, creating room for more Java developers.

One of the significant web applications built in Java is Google's Gmail.

Building Android Applications

While there are other ways to develop Android apps, most of them are written in Java using Google's Android API. Java Micro Edition is the framework used to design applications that run on smartphones and feature phones. In addition, Java is compatible with Kotlin and Android Studio.

The following popular applications of Java in Android clearly show that Android app development will continue to be primarily Java.

• Twitter
• Spotify
• CashApp, formerly known as Square Cash
• Signal

Embedded Systems

Embedded systems are everywhere. From our smartphones and computers to TVs and motor systems, you will find them performing dedicated functions for larger systems. These systems use Java for development. In fact, Java was purposively designed to develop embedded systems. Common applications include:

• Smart cards
• SIM cards in our phones
• Utility meters
• Television
• Blu-ray discs.

All these are devices we depend on every day in one way or another. That means the world needs Java developers for these and more products to be created and maintained.

Big Data Technologies

Big data technologies are one of the most trendy topics in the world today. All these technologies, including Apache Hadoop, Apache Mahout, and Apache, use Java in one way or another. So mastering Java is a plus if interested in big data.

Cloud-Based Application

Java also fits nicely into cloud computing. It helps develop applications used in Infrastructure-as-a-Service, Platform-as-a-Service, and Software-as-a-Service. Oracle Java cloud is an excellent example of a cloud development tool that helps design and configure Oracle servers. Now, considering the cloud continues to be a critical target for companies looking for business continuity, increased scalability, and cost-efficiency—so will the demand for Java developers to help actualize that transition.

Gaming Applications

Android games can't be built without Java. They are made with Java as the main language because it supports the Dalvik Virtual Machine that runs on the Android platform. Java also supports jMonkeyEngine, a robust 3D engine with a capacity to create 3D games.

With the epidemic driving the growth of the mobile gaming industry in 2020, you can expect the demand to be much higher, entertaining, and immersive in 2021.

Software Tools

Software tools help programmers develop, analyze, debug, maintain and support other programs. Most programmers rely on Java to write and build software tools. Eclipse, NetBeans IDE, and IntelliJ IDEA are some of the software tools commonly used by developers. Java developers' support will be critical to maintaining the functionality of these tools this year and beyond.