Java may be decades old, but it’s far from obsolete. In fact, it remains one of the top five most used programming languages worldwide, thanks to its versatility, community support, and presence in everything from enterprise systems to Android apps and financial platforms. Yet, as businesses move toward cloud-based systems, microservices, and automation, the role of Java developers is also shifting.
For hiring managers and tech companies aiming to stay ahead, it’s no longer enough to find someone who can write for-loops and extend classes. If you’re preparing to hire Java programmers today, you need to know what skills really matter in tomorrow’s development environment.
In the sections below, we’ll break down the top competencies you should look for, the frameworks gaining traction, and why a modern Java developer must think beyond syntax and IDEs.
Java Is Evolving—Is Your Hiring Strategy Keeping Up?
1. Solid Foundation in Core Java and Object-Oriented Design
Even as frameworks and tools evolve, the fundamentals remain critical. Core Java knowledge is the anchor every good developer needs to write efficient and maintainable code. Object-oriented programming principles like inheritance, encapsulation, and polymorphism are not just textbook concepts—they’re how real-world software stays organized, testable, and scalable.
When hiring, it’s not enough to see “Java” on a resume. Ask candidates how they structure their applications. Do they know the difference between composition and inheritance—and when to use which? Can they explain memory management or the nuances of Java’s concurrency model?
Hiring someone who can think through architectural decisions, not just solve isolated coding problems, is what separates a junior hire from someone who can grow with your team. Tech companies need talent that contributes to sustainable, long-term codebases.
2. Fluency with Modern Java Versions
Java isn’t the same language it was five years ago. Java 17 (the current LTS version) brought major updates, and Java 21 is already gaining traction. Yet, many developers still default to Java 8 because it’s “safe” or familiar. That’s fine for legacy systems—but if you want to build future-ready products, you’ll want developers who stay current.
Newer Java versions offer features that improve performance and reduce boilerplate code:
- Text blocks simplify multiline strings
- Records enable concise data carriers
- Pattern matching helps with type-safe object destructuring
- Sealed classes allow better inheritance control
When you hire Java developers, it’s worth asking: what version of Java are you using in your current project? If their answer is stuck in 2015, it may be time to look elsewhere.
Hiring developers who embrace new tools and language features means faster development, cleaner code, and fewer bugs in the long run.
3. Mastery of Spring Boot and Related Frameworks
There’s Java, and then there’s Spring. These days, knowing how to write a class and compile it isn’t enough—you need developers who understand how to build complete systems using modern frameworks.
Spring Boot is the most widely used Java framework for microservices, APIs, and enterprise applications. If you’re looking for a Java developer for hire, experience with Spring Boot isn’t optional—it’s a must-have.
But don’t stop there. The ideal candidate should also be familiar with:
- Spring Security for authentication and authorization
- Spring Data JPA for streamlined database access
- Spring Cloud for distributed services and service discovery
- Actuator for monitoring and performance tuning
Whether you’re building SaaS products or internal tools, having a developer who understands this ecosystem can dramatically reduce development time and improve scalability.
4. Cloud Deployment and CI/CD Know-How
As more companies migrate their infrastructure to the cloud, the ability to deploy and manage applications in these environments is becoming essential. Java developers aren’t just writing code anymore—they’re expected to understand how their applications run in production.
That means being comfortable with:
- Docker and Kubernetes for containerization and orchestration
- CI/CD tools like Jenkins, GitHub Actions, or GitLab CI
- Cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
- Application monitoring tools like Prometheus or Grafana
When tech companies hire Java coders, they benefit from developers who can deploy to staging and production environments independently, without relying heavily on DevOps.
Not only does this speed up development, but it reduces hand-off friction, deployment errors, and last-minute surprises before going live.
5. Understanding of RESTful APIs and Microservices
Nearly every modern application depends on web services and modular architectures. That’s why experience with RESTful API development and microservices is a major plus when you’re hiring.
Here’s what to look for:
- Can the developer design and document a REST API?
- Do they understand HTTP verbs, status codes, and JSON serialization?
- Have they worked with API gateways or service discovery tools?
- Can they break down a monolith into decoupled services?
A skilled Java developer should be able to create endpoints, secure them with OAuth or JWT, and test them using Postman or Swagger. These capabilities ensure your applications can communicate with third-party tools, mobile apps, or other internal systems.
When you hire a Java developer, make sure they can explain not just how they build services—but why their architecture decisions matter.
6. Database Integration: SQL and NoSQL
Great Java developers don’t just understand code—they also know how data flows through an application. Whether you’re using traditional relational databases or flexible NoSQL stores, developers should know how to query, optimize, and connect data sources to the app logic.
Look for experience with:
- SQL databases like PostgreSQL, MySQL, or Oracle
- ORM tools like Hibernate or JPA
- NoSQL options like MongoDB, Redis, or Cassandra
- Concepts like connection pooling, transaction management, and indexing
When tech companies hire Java developers, they often underestimate how important database knowledge is to performance. A well-structured query or normalized schema can mean the difference between a snappy app and one that crashes under user load.
Ask candidates to talk about how they’ve handled large datasets, migrated databases, or optimized slow queries. Their answers will tell you a lot about their backend experience.
7. Testing, Debugging, and Writing Clean Code
Here’s a harsh truth: if your Java developer doesn’t write tests, they’re shipping bugs. It’s that simple.
Good developers know how to write unit tests using JUnit and Mockito. Great ones integrate testing into their workflow from day one. They also understand the importance of code reviews, version control, and continuous testing pipelines.
Things to ask:
- Do you use TDD (test-driven development)?
- How do you approach debugging tricky bugs in production?
- What’s your strategy for writing maintainable, modular code?
A disciplined approach to code quality saves time and money in the long run. And let’s face it—clean code is easier for the next developer to understand, which matters when teams scale.
When you’re reviewing candidates, look for signs they care about code quality just as much as functionality.
Final Thoughts: The Java Developer You Hire Today Should Be Ready for Tomorrow
Java is evolving, and so are the expectations for developers who use it. The role has shifted from just “writing backend logic” to thinking holistically—about performance, scalability, architecture, and deployment.
Whether you’re looking to hire Java developers for a new SaaS app or to refactor legacy systems, these are the skills that separate good hires from great ones.
Author Bio;
For such content and more, feel free to contact Colton Harris He’s a highly experienced SEO expert with over 6 years of experience. His extensive knowledge and expertise in the field has helped numerous businesses and individuals to improve their online visibility and traffic. Harris writes and publishes content on business, technology, finance, marketing, and Cryptocurrency-related trends. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge and helping others to grow their online businesses.
