Which Tools and Frameworks Java Developers Should Learn in 2024?
Useful Tools, technologies, framework, and libraries Java programmers can learn in 2024
Hello guys, first of all, I wish you a very Happy New Year 2024. I am sure you all have a great start to this new year and a new decade and ready with your goals to take your career to the next level. As a Java developer, I also have made some goals to become a better Java developer this year.
If you have not created your goals yet, this will help you to create your goals for 2024. As a programmer, our biggest challenge is to keep ourselves up-to-date. Technology changes very fast, and you will see a new version of programming language and framework coming to every couple of years.
This year has plentiful changes with keeping up-to-date with a new Java version every 6 months, Spring 5, Spring Security 5, and Spring Boot 2; it’s probably the busiest year in terms of changes for Java developers.
When I started 2024, I thought Java 17 was new, and before I could finish learning Java 15 thoroughly, Java 20 and Java 21 were ready. All these Java releases since JDK 9 came with a lot of exciting features, like Text Blocks, String in the switch case, var with local variables, API enhancements, GC improvement, Thread Local handshake, and many more. I am really excited to learn those in 2024.
The same goes with the Spring framework and Spring Security, I didn’t know all the changes on Spring 4.0 and Spring Security 4.0, my project was still using Spring Security 3.1, and boom we now have version 6.0 for both Spring and Spring security.
My learning speed has slowed down a little bit in the last couple of years, and I haven’t managed to keep myself up-to-date with the latest and greatest like I am yet to master new technologies like containers — Docker and Kubernetes, JavaScript frameworks like Angular and React Cloud platforms like AWS, GCP, and Azure, and most recent changes on the unit and integration testing space and new versions of simplified structure, like Spring, Spring Security, and Spring Boot.
So, 2024 will be all about getting myself up-to-date with things that matter most on the technology side, improving my toolset chain, and exploring the DevOps and Cloud Computing landscape, particularly on Docker, Kubernetes, and Jenkins with AWS.
What Java Developers Should Learn in 2024?
Here is my list of things a Java developer should learn in 2024, there is a good chance that you already know most of them but learning them better and doing deep dive doesn’t hurt:
1. Containers (Docker and Kubernetes)
You’ve probably heard the buzz around container technologies like Docker and Kubernetes and the impact it has on DevOps teams. You may have at first thought, “ahh, yet another new technology I need to learn”, but I will say that Docker is not just another technology but it's truly a game-changer.
Along with Kubernetes, It’s one of the most important tools that you can learn and will stay with you throughout your entire career.
Nowadays, Docker and Kubernetes are used by almost every development team, whether it’s a large enterprise or a small startup. It’s safe to say that if you’re entering the workforce now, you’ll most likely brush up against Docker at some point.
In short, whether you are a junior Java developer or an experienced veteran with several years of experience, Having Docker and Kubernetes knowledge is essential for your career progression and job change. If you have already realized the importance of Kubernetes and looking to learn Kubernetes in 2024 then Docker and Kubernetes: The Complete Guide by Stephen Grider on Udemy is an excellent course to start with.
If you prefer free resources, like free online courses, then you can also check out this list of free Docker and Kubernetes courses for Java developers to start your journey.
2. Cloud Platform (AWS, GCP, or Azure)
Apart from containers, Cloud is another thing that I think every Software developer and Data Scientist should learn in 2024. Companies of all sizes and domains are now shifting their environments into Cloud for cost-saving and better scalability, which means sooner or later, you need to work with cloud-native applications.
They are also essential for all the sunrise development in the field of Data Science, Machine Learning, and Artificial intelligence because the only cloud can provide the computing power needed by those resource-hungry models.
Learning Cloud platforms like Amazon Web Service (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP) or Microsoft Azure will take you one step ahead of your competitors not only in your current job but also in the next post. You don’t need to learn all of them, and in fact, learning one means you will have a fair idea about others.
To start with, I suggest you learn AWS as it is the most popular and most mature cloud platform and there is a strong demand for developers and system admins with AWS knowledge if you need a resource then I recommend the AWS Certified Solutions Architect — Associate 2024 course by Ryna Kroonenberg, the Cloud Guru. It will not only help you learn AWS in-depth but also prepare you for AWS certification.
3. Git
Git and Github have been around some time, and while I have used Git in the past with Eclipse and IntelliJ IDEA but I am yet to become comfortable with Git on the command line.
Why I haven’t mastered Git so far? Simply because I didn’t need it yet. I have occasionally downloaded projects from Github and run from Eclipse, but I am still a novice with Git.
Since now, most of the companies are migrating their projects from SVN, CVS to Git, its high time to learn and master Git. I have recently purchased the Git Complete: The definitive, step-by-step guide to Git from Udemy on their last 10$ sale, and this would be the first item to complete in 2024. If you are in the same boat and want to learn Git in 2024, do check out that course from Udemy, it’s convenient.
4. Unit testing (JUnit and Mockito)
Another area which I want to improve in the coming year. There are a lot of new frameworks and tools available for Java programmers to unit test, and integration tests their application, like Mockito and PowerMock for mocking objects, Robot Framework, and Cucumber for automated integration test and of course the new and shining JUnit 5 library.
There is plenty of stuff to learn on this front. If you can invest some time upgrading your unit testing skill, not only your coding expertise will improve, but also you will become a more professional developer, which every company looks from. To start with, you can check out the JUnit and Mockito Crash Course from Udemy.
5. New Java Features from JDK 9 to 17
As I have said in the past, I am still struggling to catch up with six-monthly Java releases and many Java developers too. I have spent some time learning new features of Java 9, 10, 11, and 12 this year, but for me, Java 11 is still a priority until I moved to Java 13, which is an LTS release.
The JDK 9 brings a lot of goodies in terms of modules, Jigsaw, Reactive Streams, Process API, HTTP2 client, JShell, and API improvements like collection factory methods, and I am really looking forward to learning them at the earliest opportunity.
Similarly, JDK 10 brings var to give you a flavor of dynamic typing and some GC improvement. Then you have Text Blocks and String in the switch case from JDK 12 and JDK 13.
In the last Udemy 10$ sale, I have purchased a host of courses, and one of them is The Complete Java MasterClass, which is updated for Java 17, and I am looking forward to starting my Java 17 journey with that.
Btw, if you have yet to start with JDK 8 then here is my list of favorite Java 8 tutorials and courses which you can free of cost: 10 best tutorials to learn Java 8.
6. Spring Framework 5 or 6
It’s been a couple of years since we had seen many significant upgrades to Spring and Java Ecosystem, and Spring Framework 5.0 is one of them.
I have been hearing about some new features like the reactive programming model on Spring 5, the adoption of Java 8 and 9, some unit testing improvement, etc. but I have yet to try that.
Anyway, I have already started learning Spring 6.0 by following Spring 6. 0: Beginner to Guru and will keep the momentum going in 2024. If you use Spring, probably it’s the best time to learn Spring 6.0.
If you like books, you can also check out this list of advanced Spring Books for Java developers from Manning and Packt Publications.
7. DevOps (Jenkins)
This is another area where I am seeing a lot of traction last year as more and more companies are moving into DevOps and adopting continuous integration and deployment.
DevOps is very vast, and you need to learn a lot of tools and principles, and that’s what overwhelms many developers, but you don’t need to worry. I have shared a DevOps RoadMap, which you can follow to learn and master DevOps, particularly Jenkins at your own speed.
This means if you are an experienced Java programmer with a passion for managing the environment, automation, and improving overall structure, you can become a DevOps Engineer.
If you are looking for some excellent resources, then Jenkins, From Zero to Hero: Become a DevOps Jenkins Master is a great course to start with, particularly for Java developers.
8. RESTful Web Service
One more thing I want to keep improving in 2024 is my knowledge about writing REST API and implementing secure and scalable RESTful Web Service in Java using Spring.
This is one skill that is highly desirable in the Java world, and there are not many people who know both Java and REST well. If you are also in the same boat and want to learn how to develop RESTful Web Service using Spring, The REST of Spring MasterClass from Eugen Paraschiv is a good starting point.
9. Spring Security 5.0 (OAuth)
This is the third major upgrade on Spring Eco-System. The 5th version of the popular security framework has several bug fixes and a major OAuth 2 module, which you just can’t miss.
This is another priority Item for me in 2024, along with Spring 5.0 framework stuff. Thankfully Eugen has updated his best selling course Learn with Spring Security to include 5.0 features and added a separate module for OAuth 2.0., probably the best material to learn Spring Security 5.0 at this moment.
10. Spring Boot 2 and Microservices
The Spring Boot framework also has a new release, Spring Boot 2. If you get some time after all these goals this year, then you should also spend some time learning Spring Boot 2.
If you also want to learn Spring Boot 2 and Microservice in 2024 then you can also check out this Master Microservices with Spring Boot and Spring Cloud from Udemy for a quick start.
If you need more choices, then you can also check this list of top Spring boot courses for Java developers to learn in 2024.
11. Angular 2+ or React JS
These two JavaScript framework has completely changed how you develop web applications. As a Java developer, I have used Servlet, JSP, and jQuery on the client-side but haven’t yet tried my hand with Angular or React.
In 2024, one of my goals is to learn Angular, and I will be starting my journey with Udemy’s Angular - The Complete Guide. If you are in the same boat, then you can also take a look at that course; it’s convenient.
If you want to learn to React, then I suggest you join React — The Complete Guide course by the same author on Udemy.
12. Android
If you don’t know how to write Android Apps in 2024, then you lack something. Mobile is one of the best platforms to reach a large number of people, and Android is probably the most popular platform to write mobile applications.
Even though I know Android basics, I have yet to publish any Android apps, maybe 2024 will change that. For now, I have shortlisted these best Android online courses to refresh my knowledge and get to the next level. If you are also in the same boat, then you may find them useful as well.
13. Apache Spark and Kafka
One more thing I want to keep exploring in-depth in 2024 is Big Data and mainly Apache Spark and Apache Kafka framework. I am not sure if I will get time to look at other Big data technologies, but it's seriously good stuff, and Big Data is probably the hottest technology at this moment.
If you also want to learn Big data in 2024, you may want to check my list of shortlisted courses to learn Apache Spark for Java developers from Udemy and Pluralsight.
By the way, you would need a Pluralsight membership to join this course, which costs around $29 per month or $299 per year (14% discount). If you don’t have this plan, I highly recommend joining as it boosts your learning and as a programmer, you always need to learn new things.
Alternatively, you can also use their 10-day-free-trial to watch this course for FREE.
That’s all about what Java programmers can learn in 2024? As I said, Technology changes at a rapid speed, and the biggest challenge for programmers are to keep themselves up-to-date.
Apart from this list, there is plenty of other stuff that you can look up in the new year like learning a new programming language like Kotlin, but for me, I will be more than happy if I can achieve these goals in 2024.
I wish you a successful Happy New Year 2024.
Other Java Articles you may like to explore:
The 2024 Java Developer RoadMap
10 Tools Every Java Developer Learn in 2024
Top 5 Courses to learn Spring Boot in 2024
10 Programming languages to Learn in 2024
10 Books Java Developers Should Read in 2024
10 Frameworks Java and Web Developer Should learn
20 Libraries Java developer should know
My favorite free courses to learn Java in depth
Top 5 courses to learn Spring Framework in Depth
10 Free courses to learn Maven, Jenkins, and Docker for Java developers
P.S. — If you are looking for some useful technologies to learn from a web development perspective then you can also check out my post 10 things every web developer should learn in 2024.
