India is one of the largest offshoring destinations for IT companies across the world. The IT sector contributes to 7.5% of the GDP of the country in fiscal year 2023.

The country offers a large pool of skills, with Java being one of the most in demand.

Although India has an expansive base of Java developers, identifying the right person can be daunting. To make things easier for you, this blog post details a list of the top 10 skills to look for while hiring Java developers from India.

Top Skills to Look for When You Hire a Java Developer from India

  • 1

    Proficiency in Core Java

    Proficiency and knowledge in Core Java are essential and non-negotiable when hiring a Java developer. While selecting candidates, you must assess their proficiency and knowledge of core Java fundamentals.

    Apart from a strong knowledge of Core Java, developers should be well-versed in object-oriented programming (OOP) principles and concepts such as classes, objects, inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation. This knowledge is fundamental for writing robust and modular code.Experience with

  • 2

    Java Frameworks

    Java is a powerful language with a rich set of frameworks and libraries. When hiring a Java developer, look for experience with advanced frameworks such as Spring, Hibernate, and Struts.

    A developer’s knowledge and proficiency with these frameworks show their ability to build efficient, well-structured, and maintainable applications.

  • 3

    Web Development Skills

    Today, web development is a crucial skill for Java developers. Ensure that the developers you hire have experience with web development technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

    While Java developers primarily work on the server side, a good understanding of these technologies enables them to collaborate effectively with front-end developers and build comprehensive web applications.

    Additionally, a Java developer should be well-versed in JSP (JavaServer Pages) and servlets, which are essential for server-side web development. These technologies enable dynamic web content generation and are integral to building interactive web applications.

  • 4

    Knowledge of RESTful APIs

    RESTful APIs are a common way to connect different components of a software system, and a Java developer should be proficient in designing, developing, and consuming RESTful APIs.

    While hiring, understand their experience with libraries like JAX-RS, which facilitates the creation of RESTful web services in Java. A Java developer who understands REST principles can seamlessly integrate their applications with external services and build robust, scalable, and interoperable systems.

  • 5

    Database Management

    Efficiently handling and extracting data from databases is a crucial aspect of any software development project. For a Java developer, it's vital to be comfortable working with relational database management systems (RDBMS) like MySQL, PostgreSQL, or Oracle.

    Developers should be capable of creating intricate SQL queries, enhancing database performance, and designing structured and organized database layouts.

  • 6

    Testing and Debugging

    As much as strong development skills, testing is also crucial to delivering quality software products. A skilled Java developer should be proficient in unit testing and familiar with testing frameworks like JUnit. Enquire about their experience in writing test cases and conducting test-driven development (TDD) to ensure the code's reliability and maintainability.

    Furthermore, debugging skills are invaluable when issues arise during development or in a production environment. A Java developer should be adept at using debugging tools and techniques to identify and rectify problems in their code.

  • 7

    Design Thinking and Modern Design Patterns

    Design thinking is an increasingly important aspect of software development. A Java developer should be capable of designing software systems with scalability, maintainability, and reusability in mind. Modern design patterns, such as the Singleton, Factory, Observer, and MVC patterns, play a crucial role in achieving these objectives.

    A proficient Java developer should be able to apply these design patterns effectively in their code. These patterns help in creating well-structured, modular, and easy-to-maintain code, which is especially important in complex software projects.

  • 8

    Industry Specialization

    Sometimes, your projects require strong domain knowledge. Hiring specialized Java developers helps you drive innovation and solve complex problems efficiently. Developers with expertise in specific areas will have a better understanding of the unique challenges and requirements of your industry, making them a great addition to your team.

  • 9

    Creativity

    Java developers often encounter unique challenges that require creative solutions. Hire candidates who can think out of the box and come up with innovative ideas for problem-solving.

  • 10

    Communication Skills

    Effective communication is crucial in any development team. A Java developer should be able to articulate their ideas, collaborate with team members, and explain technical concepts to stakeholders who may not have sound technical knowledge. Strong communication skills foster a productive work environment and ensure that project requirements are well-understood and met.

Conclusion

Hiring a Java developer from India can be a game-changing decision for your software development project. However, when hiring, focus on skills such as proficiency in core Java, experience with Java frameworks, web development skills, knowledge of RESTful APIs, database management, testing and debugging, design thinking, and industry-specific knowledge.

Apart from technical skills, it is important to hire someone with a passion for continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends. Look for candidates who prioritize upskilling & continuous improvement and are committed to delivering high-quality code.

By prioritizing these skills in your hiring process, you can find the Java developer from India who best aligns with your business requirements and helps you achieve your software development goals.