I've been studying Java for approximately six months now, and I'm considering delving into Spring Boot. Recently, I've been contemplating learning a secondary language for leisure, allocating about 20% of my study time to it. I'm particularly keen on a technology that is widely used. Consequently, I opted for Python since I'm not overly interested in client-side aspects. The decision to concurrently learn another technology stems from the limited availability of Java resources, especially at the junior level where more diverse small projects could enhance my understanding of backend development. What are your thoughts on this approach to diversifying technologies? Does it seem sensible, or would it be more beneficial for me to allocate 100% of my time to Java?
Picking Java as a primary language is a good choice for a beginner. If you have got good hold of Core Java concepts then it is good to understand java based frameworks. And you are on the right track by choosing Spring boot. But before that I'd encourage you to understand Spring Core first and then put your hands on Spring Boot. Spring Boot is kind of used widely in building APIs in Microservices architecture. And Microservices are a boom these days.
As you mentioned if you're a back end inclined individual, then sticking to java and spring frameworks will be good. As a secondary language, Python is a good choice. It is widely used in AI/ML based projects and also easy to pick up.
Do sample mini assignments by looking at real world problems and solving them using Java & Spring Boot. The more you do these assignments, the better you get with it. Have them checked in github. If you don't have an account create one and start pushing your code.
Thank you for your response! As a beginner actively following the market, I've come to appreciate Java despite its reputation for complexity. I see it as a positive aspect, serving as a constraint that helps avoid many beginner mistakes. Understanding concepts like returning types such as List<CompletableFuture<HttpResponse<String>>> is something I haven't encountered in languages like JavaScript or Python. Additionally, adhering to widely accepted coding patterns is becoming clearer to me.
I have a vision for my career in the next few years, focusing on Java, mastering design patterns and algorithms, and expanding into Spring and Docker. Functional programming also intrigues me.
However, the overwhelming nature of the industry is a challenge. In my local job market (Poland, Warsaw), nearly every other job listing requires skills beyond Java, usually involving JavaScript. I've learned from experience that trying to catch two birds with one stone can lead to frustration and a lack of expertise in either area. There's a nagging feeling that specializing in just one technology might be insufficient to land that first job.
While I've explored frontend out of curiosity, I'm considering creating a well-known calculator for a browser to get a taste of the frontend world. My dilemma is whether to fully specialize in one technology or gradually explore frontend technologies alongside my Java focus. Going full-stack could be advantageous for employers, but it might also spread me too thin.
I've been in a bit of a mental fog lately, unsure of the best path forward. I would greatly appreciate guidance from someone more experienced in making the right decisions for my ongoing learning journey and finding a sense of calm in where to invest my time.
Hello Bart. I also live in Poland, Warsaw. And I've noticed the same thing. Java is dominating in the industry and that is what shifted my mind to become a Java developer (and I love it.), however, when you go on LinkedIn, you notice that they list more than a specialty in one technology which is too much for the employee.
However, I'd like to have contact with you. And help each other for anyone that would come. Feel free to text back if you're intrested
Learn HTML/CSS/Javascript by following the Odin project, https://www.theodinproject.com/. Full stack positions you best in the market.
