10 Things Java Programmers Should Learn in 2020

It's 24th December now, and only a few days have left in the year 2019. It's an excellent time to look back and retrospect what you achieved in 2019 and what you could have done better. This will help you to create your goals for 2020. 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 2019, I thought Java 11  was new, and before I could finish learning Java 11 thoroughly, Java 12  and Java 13 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 2020.

Same goes with 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 we have version 5.0 for both Spring and Spring security.

My learning speed has slowed down a little bit in last a couple of years, and I haven't managed to keep myself up-to-date with latest and greatest like I am yet to master new technologies like Docker and Kubernetes, JavaScript frameworks like Angular and React, most recent changes on unit and integration testing space and new versions of simplified structure, like Spring, Spring Security, and Spring Boot.

So, 2020 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 Programmers should learn in 2020?

Here is my list of things a Java developer should learn in 2020, there is a good chance that you already know most of them but learning them better and doing deep dive doesn't hurt:

1. Docker and Kubernetes

You’ve probably heard the buzz around 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 its 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 of 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 2020 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 andKubernetes courses for Java developers to start your journey.

2. Git

Git and Github have been around some time, and while I have used Git in the past with Eclipse, 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 download 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 2020. If you are in the same boat and want to learn Git in 2020, do check out that course from Udemy, it's convenient.

3. 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, e.g., 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 form. To start with, you can check out the JUnit and Mockito Crash Course from Udemy.

4. New Java Features from JDK 9 to 13

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 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 isThe Complete Java MasterClass , which is updated for Java 11, and I am looking forward to starting my Java 11 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 tutorial to learn Java 8.

4. Spring Framework 5+

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 reactive programming model on Spring 5, 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 5.0  by following Spring 5. 0: Beginner to Guru and will keep the momentum going in 2020. If you use Spring, probably it's the best time to learn Spring 5.0.

If you like books, you can also check out this list of advanced Spring Books for Java developers from Manning and Packt Publications.

5. 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 overwhelm 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.

5. RESTful Web Service

One more thing I want to keep improving in 2020 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.

6. 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 2020, 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.

7. Spring Boot 2

The Spring Boot framework also has a new release, Spring Boot 2. If I get sometime after all these goals this year, then I will spend some time learning Spring Boot 2. If you also want to learn Spring Boot 2, you can check out thisfree Spring boot course 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 2020.

8. 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 at the client side but haven't yet tried my hand with Angular or React.

In 2020, one of my goals is to learn Angular, and I will be starting my journey with Udemy'sAngular 8- The Complete Guide . If you are in the same boat, then you can also take a look at that course; it's convenient.

9. Android

If you don't know how to write Android Apps in 2020, 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 2019 will change that. For now, I have shortlisted these 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.

10. Apache Spark and Kafka

One more thing I want to keeping exploring in-depth in 2020 is the 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 its seriously good stuff and Big Data is probably the hottest technology at this moment.

If you also want to learn Big data in 2020, you may want to check my list of shortlisted courses to learn Apache Spark for Java developers from Udemy and Pluralsight.

That's all about what to learn in 2020? As I said, Technology changes at 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 2020.

I wish you guys Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2020.

Other Java Articles you may like to explorer:

The 2020 Java Developer RoadMap

10 Tools Every Java Developer Learn in 2020

Top 5 Courses to learn Spring Boot in 2020

10 Programming languages to Learn in 2020

10 Books Java Developers Should Read in 2020

10 Frameworks Java and Web Developer Should learn in 2020

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 gift ideas for your programmer friend on this holiday season, then you can check out my list of 10 best gifts for programmers and tech geeks.

P.P..S - I had published the same article on the same day for the last 2 years, and now I am updating it so that it makes more sense in 2020.