With hundreds of useful programming languages out there, why learn Java? Software developers today utilize hundreds of programming languages, but none are as widely used, versatile, or transferrable as Java.

Thanks to Java’s many benefits and capabilities, this beginner-friendly programming language has remained in high demand across industries, including small businesses and Fortune 500 companies, for over a quarter-century.    

Still, you may wonder, with so many choices, why learn Java now? In this post we'll explore why Java is foundational for backend developers and how it can advance your career in tech. We'll also touch on how to learn to program with Java.

Should I learn Java?

We actually love that you're asking the question, "Why learn Java?" That kind of critical thinking shows you're already closer to the problem-solving skills needed to work in tech!

Java Developers are some of the most in-demand tech professionals in the industry. They work with the programming language Java to design and build innovative applications and websites. These developers specialize and dedicate their time to learning and implementing Java, a server-side language used for most backend development projects.

Whether Java is a hobby, passion, or pathway to level up your career, here are our top 7 reasons to learn to program with Java.    

1. Java is a widely used programming language

From web to mobile to desktop, Java is found in virtually all operating systems. Used commonly along with business applications and Android mobile operating systems, the Java programming language is constantly updated to keep up with industry trends and can support many languages across its platform.

Although languages such as Python, HTML/CSS, and SQL have risen in popularity over the last few years, Java has been widely used by large IT corporations like Google, Amazon, LinkedIn, Netflix, Facebook, and Twitter for decades thanks to its usability and versatility.

According to recent data collected on Java users, the largest industries to use Java include Computer Software and Information Technology. This is especially the case with small companies. Small businesses don't typically have the tech budget to invest in specialists, so its teams  rely on the accessibility and simplicity of this core programming language.

2. Java is easy to learn

So this programming language is popular. Butis Java easy to learn? Yes!

Java was designed to be beginner-friendly, creating a safe environment for new developers to play with the language and make mistakes. While it is simple to use, Java is a diverse and high-level language, allowing users to focus on programming rather than more complex machine details.

In fact, Java’s advanced memory management tools take care of memory allocation, reallocation, and deallocation automatically through a software tool called the Garbage Collector. Additionally, Java has English-like syntax with minimum magic characters, making it easy to read and learn to program with Java programs.

3. Java is a solid precursor to other programming languages

For any aspiring programmer, the benefits of learning Java are foundational to learning subsequent coding languages such as C, C#, C++, Python and others. This is because Java teaches new coders how to think like a programmer, working through processes with logic and testing out ideas. It’s no wonder, then, that Java is often the most common coding language taught in many Computer Science programs.

4. Java is versatile

Now you know Java is used throughout the tech industry. It is also easily scalable and  highly portable, as it must be executed through a cross-platform compatible Java Virtual Machine (JVM).

This JVM sends appropriate platform-specific instructions to your computer. That means if a developer writes code once it can easily be transferred to another system on practically any computing device.

Java also enables developers to create software on modern application pillars which are secure, robust, and scalable, making Java a versatile choice for computers, applications, gaming consoles, and more. It’s no wonder Java is well known as the “write once, run anywhere” programming language.‍

5. Java developers can get help

Need help? The Java community has you covered.

Java has active forums, open-source libraries, and Java user groups for every skill level. Thanks to its long-standing popularity, most Java problems have already been solved, with any question imaginable asked, tested, answered, and posted online in one of the many programmer communities.

Java’s staying power also means it’s easy to connect with other passionate and knowledgeable Java programmers via social media, meetups, subreddits, and other online support and networking communities.

Just take the popular code sharing site GitHub, which contains almost 2 million Java projects and counting. This site alone contains active discussion boards on issues and common topics related to Java use.

It’s easy to see how coding beginners, seasoned professionals, and everyone in between can easily build confidence and access resources thanks to the wealth of Java community support.

6. Java developers earn high wages

Still wondering why learn Java? Java developers' high wages should help answer that question!

Software developer roles are expected to grow by 22% over the next decade, with backend developers in high demand thanks to their specialized skill set. Further, the nationwide average base salary for backend developers sits at $80,000 – 54% more than the median income in the United States.

These statistics bode well for Java developers, who are some of the highest paid programmers in the industry. In fact, Java developers today make an average of $91,465 per year, with salaries remaining competitive with other common language developers. 

All those dollar signs are a great reason to learn to program with Java, don't you think? (If you want to learn Java and all the other skills needed for these well-paying roles, why not join BloomTech? Our Backend Development course teaches Java and more on flexible schedules you can start literally any time.)

7. Java is here to stay

The tech landscape is ever-changing, with developers looking to learn the hottest new languages and frameworks to give them an edge. While staying current is important, it can also be costly and ultimately unfruitful when industry trends change.

You know what hasn't changed much? The ongoing demand for programmers who know Java.

Once programmers learn the Java basics, they can specialize in web development, game development, app development and more, not to mention pivot their skills to more easily learn other languages.

One thing’s for sure – thanks to its mature tools and libraries, stellar reputation, and entrenchment in the tech industry, Java will remain foundational to programmers, developers, and engineers. 

How can I learn to program with Java?

By now you've answered the question, "Why learn Java?" You now be wondering, "How can I learn to program with Java?"

We're so glad you asked! Bloom Institute of Technology (formerly known as Lambda School) runs an in-depth Backend Development Program, jointly developed with Amazon. The course teaches you Java—and so much more. In fact, we designed this course by looking at what skills want Java developers and backend engineers to have, then building those skills into a comprehensive curriculum.

This course is also flexible, so you can learn part-time (while you work or raise a family), full-time (if you want to push through the program ASAP)—basically any time on any schedule! With your choice of live classes 7 days a week plus in-depth recorded video lessons you can watch anytime, you'll learn software engineering, data structures and algorithms, and other core backend skills including a focus on Java programming.

The program includes 1,300 hours of hands-on coding experience that you can work through at your own pace. It also teaches the practical skills required at companies like Amazon, without your needing a 4-year CS degree. In addition, BloomTech’s industry experts will prepare students to network, prepare for interviews (including with Amazon-specific practices), and create outstanding portfolios aligned with industry standards to ready graduates for the job market.

Ready to start your Java training? Learn more about BloomTech’s rigorous new Backend Development Program and how it can prepare you with the programming skills you need to level up your career.