There are many popular programming languages out there (e.g. Python), and it can be hard to decide which one is suitable for the software application you have decided to create for your business. However, from supercomputers to datacenters, cell phones to game consoles, Java has become a ubiquitous computer language. Large companies like Netflix, Airbnb, Uber, and Google regularly use Java in their technology stack, demonstrating how common Java has been used due to its usability and efficiency. In this article, we discuss what Java development is, the tasks and skills associated with its work, and how to find a suitable outsourced java developer for your business.
What is Java Development?
It is worth noting that despite both having “Java” in their name, Java and JavaScript are not the same. Both are Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) meaning they both provide code for creating objects and their relationships with each other. However, Java is a class-based programming language while JavaScript is an interpreted high-level programming language.
So back to Java development. Java is a programming language, software-only computing platform that was first released in 1995 by Sun Microsystems.
It has grown from then to become one of the most used code languages out there, listing as the second most used programming language among unicorn companies. Java has great capability and is a secure environment, making it very popular. Java is intended to let programmers write once, run anywhere (WORA), creating a Java Application Programming Interface (API). In a nutshell, this means that Java code can be used on many different platforms without having to be reassembled.
Java development is the creation of an application or applets using Java language then compiling it into Java Runtime Environment (JRE) to run. Then the language needs to run using a Java Development Kit (JDK). If this seems confusing to you, it definitely can be. Just one reason to hire a java developer!
What Tasks Warrant a Java Developer?
If your business has decided to create a Java application, then a Java developer is needed. Java developers are responsible for duties throughout the development lifecycle of applications. This ranges from concept, design to texting and execution; similar to any other programming language. The responsibilities of a Java Developer include the following:
- Transform requirements from the client into code
- Design and implement different phases within a Java application creation
- Work on activities related to the software development
- Analyze, test, and clear bugs within the software
- Identify issues within production of the application
- Recommend changes that align with current and best practices
- Update code as needed.
Regardless of if you are creating a java software application from scratch or need one updated, an experienced Java developer should be versed in software and web development overall. Java does not exist in a vacuum, so many of the tasks that a Java developer will work on will be tied to this type of work.
Should I Hire an Agency, a Freelancer, or Handle Java Development In-House?
Now that you have a good understanding of Java web development and its purpose, it is time to decide how to hire a Java software developer. There are several options, including hiring in-house or outsourcing your needs to a freelancer or agency. We have broken down the pros and cons of each option for you below.
Positives and Negatives of In-House
For many business owners, control over all their business needs is paramount. The easiest way to maintain control over business operations is to hire someone to work in-house. You can ensure that the staff member has the exact expertise you need, understands your business culture and brand, and uses the same communication style as you. Hiring in-house is also great for security and proprietary reasons as your risk for cyber attacks decreases and you can be sure to own the application more easily.
Alternatively, hiring in-house means that it is much more expensive. When someone becomes your employee, you have to cover salary and benefits. Then indirect costs like the time it takes to find the right person and then onboarding them can be quite costly. Indeed estimates that the average salary for a Java developer is $100,000 a year, which may be too much for a start-up to budget. Then when you hire a full-time staffer, you are expected to keep them even during times when the work is slow or when the project is done, which may not be a smart business choice.
Positives and Negatives of Freelancers
Outsourcing your Java development is a great option for many because you can reap the benefits of having a Java developer without having to be an employer to that person. When hiring a freelancer, you can find a skilled Java software developer who fits your company’s personality, communication style, and specific skilled needs without the extra costs of benefits (e.g., healthcare) and salaries because the freelancer’s agency or business takes care of that. Hiring a freelancer is also great because once the project is done, you can end their employment. Additionally, should they not be the right fit after hire, it is easier to cut ties and find someone who does fit better.
However, outsourcing your development needs means that you do not have 100% control over the project, because the freelancer is not 100% dedicated to your business. This means that cyber security is less secure, and the time committed to your project may be less. These are concerns that you can address with the freelancer before hiring and contracting with them.
Why You Should Hire a Java Development Company
As you may have inferred, creating a Java application is a very technical expertise. Once you have decided to create a Java application, then you will have to hire a Java coder, whether in-house or outsourced. Unless you are a large corporation then it is not worth hiring a staffer full time to create and maintain a Java application. As a small business or start-up, you will save money and have access to an expert by hiring a Java development company.
Hiring a Java Development Company
If you have gotten this far, then you understand why outsourcing to hire java developers is the best way to go. But how do you get started? Check out our steps below.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Java Development Company?
Now it is time to consider the cost of hiring a java developer. Just like most things, it depends on the type of project you have. If you are looking for someone to do a quick fix then it will be much cheaper than creating a whole application from scratch.
There are two price models typically used by Java developers: hourly or flat rate.
- Hourly rate: This rate can vary from $61-$80
- Flat rate: Costs can vary between $5,000-$100,000
Note that these prices are based on average prices globally. The prices will increase if you hire within the United States or decrease if you hire out of India, for example.
Hourly rates are most common when you have maintenance needs, or you have a very basic project to implement.
However, if you are creating a java project from scratch, then the project will typically be contracted at a flat rate. This is ideal for both the outsourcing company and you. Great for you because you are guaranteed to have the project come within a specific price and the service provider is guaranteed a certain amount of income. However, it is vital that you have strict language in your contract that prevents project creep, resulting in your budget being blown.
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How to Find a Reputable Java Development Provider
A Java developer’s services are highly technical. In fact, you may not totally understand what your developer does, and that is fine. That is why UpCity has curated a list of highly reputable companies that are successful in Java development. When you use our list, you can be sure that you will find a service provider that is reputable and has integrity.
When looking for a development team, be sure to thoroughly look through reviews, testimonials, and case studies that the service provider has. Seeing real-world examples of their development services will make it easier to understand their skills and aesthetics. We also recommend looking at a company’s mission and vision statement. While they will not be your employee, as we have stated, having a similar business culture will make the work environment easier.
In this case, the more years of experience a developer has does not necessarily mean they are better. Code language and development work is constantly changing, so someone who has done this work for a long time doesn’t automatically mean they are more apt to complete your project successfully. However, one way to confirm their ability is to look at their credentials. There are several different credentials for a Java developer, but SCJP is the most common.
Finally, you should have a firm grasp of the developer’s project management approach. For Java developers, agile is most likely the type of project management style you would like to use. Agile allows all members within the project to be connected to each project component, while also keeping code out of the planning process, making things simpler for you.
What Additional Skills Should Java Developers Have?
When looking at specific skills that Java developers should have, there is a list of common technical concepts they should be versed in. Again, as a business looking to hire a Java developer, you are not required to understand all these concepts, but you should have a basic understanding of them when talking to potential candidates.
Core Java
Core Java Skills are the building blocks of every successful Java Developer. They include the following:
- Object-Oriented Programing: This binds data and functions together
- Design Patterns in Java: Great design allows customization later
- Abstract Classes in Java: Reduces code overall, ensuring things do not become too complicated
Java Build Tools
Depending on what is needed, Java programmers will need specific java tools to get the work done. They should understand Java’s specific toolset, including Maven and Gradle
Web Technologies
In order for the Java code to be used across platforms, the developer needs to have a firm understanding of web technologies. Including HTML, JQuery, and CSS.
Java Web Frameworks
Java web frameworks are used to support the development of web applications, including web APIs so that they can be built and deployed on the web. Examples include Spring MVC and Play.
Java Testing Tools
A Java developer will need to test JSP pages and web applications before launching on a website or mobile app (e.g., Android vs Apple). Examples of testing tools are Selenium and TestNG.
Java EE Components
Developers use Java EE components to write server-side applications. They have a methodology for logging activities like cookies so that issues can be fixed on the server side. Apache Struts is an example of this.
Code Version Control
As in any work, developers need to keep track of their work, including changes in codes, data, frameworks, etc. An example of this is GitHub Version Control.
What Questions Should I Ask a Java Development Company?
Now that you have narrowed down the candidates for hire, you should be prepared with a set of questions once you begin your hiring process with a Java expert. Here are some examples of questions you can ask to avoid confusion and mistakes later:
- What methodology and development process do you use when building a Java application?
- Do you have a JavaScript kit?
- What automation tool do you use (e.g., Maven)?
- Where do you house your web services (e.g., RESTful)?
- What object-relational mapping tool do you use (e.g., Hibernate)?
- What project management style and tools do you use?
Post-Hiring Expectations
Once the contract is in place and your Java software team is ready to begin work, you can expect a few things.
- Reconfirm understanding of project requirements
- Conversations around business goals and objectives
- Initial work gathering information and data on your existing java software application (if any) and any communication or project management platforms you use
- Conducting an application audit to identify content gaps and technical opportunities
- Follow the project management model established in the project management proposal
- Consistent reports on successes and opportunities for improvement
Do you have any questions about hiring the best Java development company for your business? Check out our picks for the top Java Development companies in the United States and Canada for more information.