Developer career roadmap
Java Backend Developer Roadmap
Build production-oriented Java and Spring Boot services with data structures, SQL, APIs, tests, and containers.
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Dependency-aware sequence
Java Backend Developer Roadmap
- 1
Programming Foundations
Understand how programs process data, make decisions, repeat work, organize logic, and report errors, then build and debug a command-line application.
- 2
Command Line and Shell Essentials
Navigate files, run programs, combine commands, manage environment variables, and write safe shell scripts across major operating systems.
- 3
Git and GitHub
Track changes, create focused commits, work safely with branches, collaborate through pull requests, and recover from routine Git mistakes.
- 4
Java Fundamentals
Build, organize, test, and debug Java applications using modern language features, collections, object-oriented design, files, exceptions, and tests.
- 5
Data Structures and Algorithms
Select, implement, analyze, and test common data structures and algorithms using practical constraints rather than memorized patterns.
- 6
SQL and Relational Databases
Design a relational schema, write reliable queries, update data safely, use transactions, and diagnose common correctness and performance problems.
- 7
HTTP and APIs
Trace HTTP requests and responses, use common methods and status codes, work with JSON APIs, handle authentication, and diagnose communication failures.
- 8
Spring Boot Development
Build, secure, test, containerize, observe, and deploy a Spring Boot API with controllers, services, persistence, validation, and authentication.
Project ladder
Projects to Build
Stage 1
Foundation project
Build evidence that combines the skills from the roadmap stages you have completed.
Stage 2
Specialization project
Build evidence that combines the skills from the roadmap stages you have completed.
Stage 3
Portfolio capstone
Build evidence that combines the skills from the roadmap stages you have completed.
Extend your capability
Recommended Specializations
Software Testing Fundamentals
Design useful tests, separate unit and integration concerns, test error behavior, recognize unreliable tests, and create a balanced test strategy.
Secure Coding Fundamentals
Identify trust boundaries, validate untrusted input, protect credentials, apply authentication and authorization safely, and reduce common risks.
Docker and Containers
Build, run, secure, debug, connect, persist, test, and distribute containerized applications and multi-service development environments.
Continuous Integration and Delivery
Build secure, testable, versioned, observable, and recoverable pipelines for software integration, artifacts, releases, deployments, and rollback.