Java-based software serves a variety of business needs and is popular across a wide range of industries. Companies that provide support services like information technology, data management, web development, or software development may want to include Java as an option for their programmers. Other businesses may seek Java training for their employees responsible for web development (including ecommerce and marketing), enterprise software (including mobile and cloud-based solutions), database and server management, or product development. Employees can build tools with Java that improve a business’s efficiency, open new customer options, collect and interpret information to guide decisions, and power high-tech products. Read on to learn about what to consider when looking for corporate Java training options and to learn about the options available for onsite and online training.
What is Java?
Java is a programming language and computing platform created at Sun Microsystems in 1995, now open-source and free to use. It is a high-level and general-purpose language, designed so that a programmer can write an application once and run it on any device with Java Runtime Environment (JRE) software. This wide utility makes Java one of the most popular programming languages, used to create web, mobile, and desktop applications (including video games), web and database servers, machine learning systems, and smart appliances. Java is an object-oriented language, which allows programmers to build projects faster by using shared code libraries and reusing previous code. Java’s syntax is highly similar to C++ and C#, which makes it easier to learn, and its long history and consistent popularity have generated many resources for learning and support. Other programming languages have also been adapted to run on the Java platform, making it a useful system for coders to understand even if they do not primarily write in Java.
What Can You Do with Java Skills?
Programmers can use Java to create software for most platforms, including web, mobile, and desktop applications. Software products created with Java include video games; social media and entertainment platforms; ride-sharing, hospitality, delivery, and other service scheduling apps; mathematical software; and research software for measurement, experimental control, and data analysis. Many businesses seek Java programmers to create and maintain enterprise applications to manage their operations, including tasks like inventory management, service scheduling, and retail sales. Java also supports cloud storage and processing, enabling more distributed services. Similarly, Java programmers can write code to operate web servers, database servers, and smart devices. Java-powered devices include home security systems, smart appliances, self-driving vehicles, and robots. Java-based applications were at the forefront of early Big Data and continue to be significant among data mining, machine learning, and generative programs. In particular, Java programmers now build many chatbots, search assistants, and other expert systems.
Benefits of Java Corporate Training
Businesses that provide technology services to other companies are most likely to need Java programmers. A client might prefer their web services, software solutions, or data operations coded in Java, either to meet needs like speed or security or to ensure compatibility with their existing resources. Java might be the best choice for a project, due to cost, supporting resources, or technical requirements. In preparation for such a project, a tech business might need to transition an entire coding team to Java or might need to upskill a few employees so that they can participate in a Java project team.
Alternatively, a company might have dedicated employees handling technical needs like their web development, enterprise software, or product development. If these employees are not already fluent in Java—or only have basic-level knowledge—and determine that a planned project would best be implemented in Java, additional training can add Java to their repertoire. In other cases, a business might have legacy software coded in Java and want to ensure that all responsible employees understand the language for maintenance or updates.
Some businesses are too small to have dedicated technical staff but still need resources like websites, database systems, organizational applications, or operating code for a product. One or more of their employees could learn Java and gain the ability to write this software. In many instances, training an existing employee in Java is less costly than employing a technical contractor or a freelance Java Developer.
Finally, some businesses have employees skilled in other areas who could benefit from Java coding ability. For example, Data Analysts can use Java to create personal tools for data collection and analysis, including machine learning and expert systems. Engineers building smart devices like appliances, vehicles, or robots can write their operating code themselves or collaborate more effectively with Java Developers working on the same projects. Training such subject experts to use Java helps them to make greater use of their other abilities.
Who Benefits Most from Java Corporate Training?
The fastest benefits of Java training come to employees already engaged in web or software development, as they can already understand Java’s underlying concepts and uses, quickly acquire the language, and apply it immediately to their work. Java adds a valuable tool for these information workers, more useful for certain tasks or necessary for other reasons. Alternatively, employees working on certain types of high-tech projects like data analysis, robotics, or scientific research will benefit noticeably from adding Java to their repertoire. Non-programmers with other job-critical skills can be trained in Java, enabling them to work more efficiently, handle more varied roles, and collaborate more effectively across fields.
New Skills or Upskilling?
Generally, Java training benefits only select employees, those whose responsibilities already involve technical work like coding, software development, web development, database management, data analysis, or tech product development. For small businesses, this may be only one or two IT employees or an employee diversifying to take care of technical needs. In these cases, Java training is typically focused on a specific project type, to meet a specific business need.
For larger companies with larger IT, web, data, or tech product teams, multiple employees in the same department could need Java training. This group training is more likely aimed at adding Java as an additional coding option for already-skilled programmers. In some cases, these teams are already familiar with Java but need upskilling in an advanced topic such as a new Java framework. Rarely does an entire business need organization-wide Java training; the exception might be technical consulting companies diversifying into Java development as a new service option.
Onsite or Online?
While in-person study at a school is a traditional and effective training method, this format is not as useful for training a business’s current workers. Traveling to a separate classroom requires employees to take time out of either their workday or their personal lives. Instead, employers can arrange training during work hours, either by hosting an onsite instructor or by booking live online classes.
For onsite training, an instructor meets employees at their workplace, often teaching a course of study tailored to that business’s specific needs. A course’s schedule can also often be shaped to minimize conflicts with work responsibilities. While that workplace would need to provide space and computer hardware for students, studying within the work environment can also improve the quality and applicability of their studies.
Live online training is conducted through shared video meetings with an instructor. This option is less costly than onsite training, as it does not require the instructor’s physical presence. Employees may also be able to use their work computers, rather than needing a separate meeting room for lessons. In some cases, online classes can be customized for content and schedule, although making use of existing online courses further reduces the cost of this training format. Finally, online training is a less intrusive option for employees in cases where an employer cannot spare time during the workday and must ask them to study from home.
Training Options for Employees
Noble Desktop offers corporate training for a variety of skills, including Java, with multiple course options. For live instruction, businesses may arrange onsite sessions or schedule online classes. Businesses in or near New York City may also schedule classes at Noble Desktop’s computer lab in Manhattan. Custom scheduling options are available, and employers can create custom courses to better fit their training needs. See Noble Desktop’s corporate training site for more information or to schedule a free consultation where you can ask questions, discuss your business’s needs, or arrange custom training.
The shortest and most basic type of Java instruction is an introductory class, which takes only a few days on a full-time schedule. Introductory Java courses teach students the fundamental concepts, terms, and techniques of Java programming. These courses can also serve as an introduction to general computer science and programming. The goal of an introductory course is to reach basic or ‘vanilla’ fluency in Java, such that students can write code manually and read and edit simple Java programs. This level of understanding may suffice for some roles, while for others, it is a stepping-stone to prepare for more advanced lessons.
Advanced short Java courses typically cover specific techniques, tools, or types of projects. For example, an advanced Java course might teach how to use common development and testing frameworks for web development. These courses can be as short as one class session or as long as several full days but are rarely longer due to their limited focus. Advanced short courses are particularly useful for employees already familiar with Java but lacking familiarity with a particular tool or a new, unfamiliar task.
Bootcamps and certificate programs are longer courses focused on professional development and typically centered around specific careers or projects. For Java courses, these focuses are usually web development, mobile development, software engineering, or machine learning. Bootcamps are relatively more focused and intensive but still cover a complete education in their specified skill. Java bootcamps typically run for several weeks on a full-time schedule, starting with an accelerated introduction to Java, then covering advanced techniques, development tools, an applied practice project, and career skills. A Java certificate program, by comparison, is normally two to three times longer, including an introduction, advanced training in multiple focus areas, career guidance, and several applied projects.
Supplemental Training Options
For businesses that need alternatives to these standard class types, Noble Desktop offers other options. For more customized training, Noble Desktop can provide tutoring for small classes or individual employees, onsite or online. Alternatively, employers can purchase vouchers for pre-existing online courses, at a discount for bulk purchases, and distribute these to employees to schedule at their best convenience. For more information, see Noble Desktop’s website for corporate Java training or contact hello@nobledesktop.com for a free consultation to address questions, arrange custom classes, or purchase course vouchers.