Ten Must-Read Books for Java Developers
As a Java developer, you already possess the fundamentals of Java programming. The key to progress now lies in advancing your knowledge and honing your skills to excel in the field.
One of the most valuable resources for this learning journey is a good book. I’m providing here a curated list of must-read books, packed with insights and best practices that will aid you in your professional development. I honestly can’t deny the fact how they helped me during my earlier part of the career!
1. “Effective Java” by Joshua Bloch
The “Effective Java” by Joshua Block is a pearl! It is an excellent resource for those looking to gain a deeper understanding of Java. It discusses best practices that can help you write clear, correct, and efficient code. If you only have limited time, I strongly suggest you start with this book.
2. “Java Concurrency in Practice” by Brian Goetz
My second book that I recommend is Brian’s “Java Concurrency in Practice” book. Master the art of writing efficient concurrent and multi-threaded programs in Java with this comprehensive guide. A gem of a book for thred programming.
3. “Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship” by Robert C. Martin
Robert’s “Clean Code” book is not just a one-off read. It must be next to our bedside table in my opinion. This book emphasizes the importance of writing clean, maintainable code and shares best practices, patterns, and techniques to achieve this.
4. “Java Performance: The Definitive Guide” by Scott Oaks
I was involved in profiling, performance tuning and tweaking the memory of the JVMs as well as working closely with the garbage collectors. Scot Oaks “Java Performance: The Definitive Guide” is a bible on the performance aspects of Java. We can boost the performance of our Java applications with the expert tips and techniques discussed in this book.
5. “Java Puzzlers: Traps, Pitfalls, and Corner Cases” by Joshua Bloch and Neal Gafter
Another book that would provide brain teasers “Java Puzzlers: Traps, Pitfalls, and Corner Cases” from Joshua and Neal. This book presents a collection of challenging Java puzzles that test and refine your understanding of the Java language and its idiosyncrasies.
6. “Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software” by Erich Gamma, Richard Helm, Ralph Johnson, and John Vlissides
If there’s one book on design patters that I’d recommend, it’s the “Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software” by Erich Gamma and et al. It is a comprehensive book to understand the 23 design patterns that help solve common design issues and improve code readability and maintainability.
7. “Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code” by Martin Fowler
In addition to Clean Code, here’s one that’d help improving and refactoing the codebase. Martin’s book on “Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code” helps you to transform a messy codebase into clean and maintainable code without altering its external behaviour.
8. “Test Driven: Practical TDD and Acceptance TDD for Java Developers” by Lasse Koskela
Test Driven Development (TDD) is like a marmite to some. Some would like it, but some loathe it. The book on Test Driven: Practical TDD and Acceptance TDD for Java Developers” by Lasse Koskela is something we should attempt to read when trying to embrace TDD. This book offers a practical approach to implementing Test Driven Development in Java, enhancing our software’s quality and reliability.
9. “Spring in Action” by Craig Walls
The presence of Spring Framework is ubiquitous. It has proliferated like a blossoming spring flower, pollinated across various realms of programming. An essential guide for any Java developer, the “Spring in Action” by Craig offers comprehensive coverage of Spring Framework’s features.
My own book “Just Spring” is a short-straight-to-the-point book but unfortunately it’s outdated (wish I have more time to get it updated!).
10. “Microservices: Patterns and Applications” by Lucas Krause
Microservices are everywhere. Anyone moving away from the monoliths and into microservices, Lucas’s Microservices: Patterns and Applications is a book that I strongly recommend. Learn about designing, developing, and deploying microservices with this insightful book, crucial for modern Java developers.
Conclusion
Building expertise as a mid to senior level Java developer is a rewarding journey, and these books are your trusted companions along the way. Each book provides valuable insights into different aspects of Java programming, helping you to become an accomplished developer. Remember, progress in your career hinges on the continuous application of your learning and the expansion of your knowledge base. By no means these are the only books that you should consider reading!
Comment below what’s your favourite one?
Happy reading and coding!
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