What Usually a Java Backend Developer usually Do

Java was developed to solve the bottleneck of using other programming languages related to incompatibility in integration with varied devices and platforms.  It came out as a  "write once, run anywhere" programming language that helped developers use it on diverse operating systems easily. Oracle’s “Java: Strength in Numbers” report puts Java as the number 1 language for DevOps, AI, VR, Big Data, Continuous Integration, Analytics, Mobile, Chatbots, and Social. Additionally, it was considered one of the top programming languages among developers globally in 2024.

 

Though it may seem that being a backend Java developer is all about writing code, testing it, and fixing it, there is more to it than meets the eye. Backend Java developers have to invest a lot of their time and potential in using different technologies with Java,  look at legacy code, write new code accordingly, work on documentation and so much more. In this blog, we highlight the capabilities this language holds and the diverse ways in which Java Backend Developers use it for projects.

 

 

What is Java?

Java is a well-known object-oriented programming language, with strong security features, and created by Sun Microsystems in 1995. It was developed to resolve the issues of the complex traditional languages like  C and C++ programs which had machine-specific code, memory management issues, security concerns, and multithreading limitations, which led to incompatibility with different operating systems. With Java, organizations in industries like finance, healthcare, education, government, hospitality, software development, machine learning, and data analytics have seen tremendous flexibility, scalability, and growth. Java backend developers are experts at implementing JWT, OAuth, and session-based authentication for maintaining security and authentication.

 

What is Backend Development?

Backend in programming refers to work done by developers using programming languages, frameworks, libraries, and APIs that involve communication with the database, storing, analyzing, and working on the user data. It involves quick and responsive management of the functionality of an application, by receiving requests from the front end.

 

Why Java is Preferred for Backend Development?

Java brings with it some of the features which were non-existent in C and C++ like portability, scalability, and security features. It has grown as the most preferred programming language because of the flexibility it allows in organizing code, driving modularity easy maintenance. 

 

What Does a Java Backend Developer Do?

The Java backend developer’s primary job is to develop web applications on the server side using clean and efficient Java programming language. A Java backend developer needs to have strong Java fundamentals, knowledge of Spring framework, API design, and testing and debugging expertise. Here’s a complete breakdown of all the roles, responsibilities, and work done by a Java backend developer.

 

Java Backend Design and Development

A Java developer needs to have exceptional database skills and needs to develop systematic and disciplined architecture and system design by following a standard software development lifecycle. The work of a back-end Java developer involves designing, coding, and testing software components. A Backend Java developer uses his strong experience in agile methodologies and delivers high-quality software through a Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) pipeline, and an in-depth understanding of relational databases.

 

Organizations that need to hire Java-backed backed developers need experts who have in-depth experience in software development, designing and implementing microservices, and Java/Java EE application development. 

 

Write Server-Side Logic

A Java developers basic responsibility is writing code and handling HTTP requests & responses. They have to ensure that the applications they are developing use RESTful APIs & Microservices. They also have to ensure that the applications have all it takes to implement business logic. A competent Java backend developer ensures that the applications are such that code structure is right and maintainability easy, and ensures secure implementation of authentication and authorization.

 

Implementation of Java with Cloud 

For cloud environments, a Java backend developer develops scalable cloud components that can be integrated with on-premises systems. A Java with cloud backend developer rejigs the existing architecture so that performance and scalability can be improved. The work of Java backend developers goes beyond the tangible and includes handling post-deployment design challenges, regular code reviews, and testing of the code.

 

Additionally, a Java backend developer is expected to design complex cloud-based solutions in Google Cloud, AWS, or Azure, through a strong grip on CS fundamentals and a comprehensive knowledge of Java along with  SQL, Linux, Python, etc. is preferred. 

 

Preparation of Documentation

The role of a Java developer isn’t related just to the backend development of applications but also includes the development, and maintenance of system documentation, where detailed program descriptions, and operating procedures, are documented.  It includes clear and detailed API documentation to help front-end developers and third-party integrators understand how to interact with the backend services, adding JavaDoc comments to classes, methods, and variables to describe their purpose, describing tables, relationships, and constraints used in the database, and writing setup and configuration guides for deploying Java application.

 

Building Database

During the initial design stage, a Java developer has to look at the design aspects of database schema and queries with JPA and Hibernate, using tables, columns based on their relation and the entities included.

 

A backend Java developer also has to take care of realizing faster and more precise data retrieval. The Java developer uses indexing, caching using Redis, Memcached, and query optimization to improve the speed of database operations, and does regular tasks like maintaining backup and addressing performance issues if any. 

 

Building a database involves the implementation of  NoSQL and NewSQL database solutions like MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, MongoDB, and Cassandra, where high volumes of data are.  is involved. 

 

Work with Frameworks

Backend development depends on the Java developer's ability to use frameworks in the right method. Spring Boot is the most popular framework for Java backend development, along with Jakarta EE, Micronaut, and Quarkus. Java developers have to pay special attention to understanding how Java frameworks can simplify development with dependency injection, MVC patterns, and built-in functionalities.

 

Using Add-On Tech Skills

Backend development annot be achieved wth a one dimensional approach involving Java alone. A Java backend developer uses their computer science fundamentals knowledge along with skills in Object Oriented Programming, spring, coding, low and high-level design, messaging queues (Kafka), DSA, etc. Though a Java-backed developer needs core expertise in Java, J2EE, they need to upskill themselves and work with Java concurrency framework, and develop proficiency in data structures, and algorithms.

 

Review Codes

The Java backend developer has to ensure that the code written is functional and does what it ends for. They do so by ensuring the quality, of applications by participating in team code reviews, and troubleshooting and debugging applications for greater functionality.

 

Collaborate with Cross-functional Teams 

The final stages of development involves conducting code reviews, maintaining documentation, keeping track of the software release management processes in tandem with diverse teams, and resolving challenges and performance issues.

 

Design Scalable Applications

A Java developer's role doesn’t end at the deployment of the application but involves designing future-focussed applications using a combination of Java, Spring Boot, Python, etc. The Java developer also uses his hands-on experience in Core Java, and Spring to build robust microservices, optimize application performance, and ensure seamless integration with databases and third-party APIs.

 

Use Cases of Java Backend Development 

According to statistics, almost 44K+ websites Java as a backend for the exceptional features it provides. Java finds its way into many industries and finds it being used for various use cases. Some of the real-world applications and what Java backend developers do are given below.

 

1. Java Backend in Banking Systems 

Have you ever thought about how banks with millions of transactions daily can run smoothly with disruption? Java makes it possible through highly secure, scalable, and reliable backend systems, where security features are a top priority and secure transactions a norm.

 

Java helps banks through end-to-end encryption using TLS and SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) thus protecting banking transactions, implementing authentication and authorization, for safe and authorized access, while building defense against frauds. The beauty of Java's backend lies in the microservices architecture and load balancing that facilitate smooth baking operations.

 

2. Java Backend in E-Commerce

Most of the biggest names in e-commerce Amazon, Flipkart, and eBay have their reputation at stake and cannot risk slow speeds. Java backend systems enable high-speed, reliable backend systems for e-commerce while ensuring scalability and performance. Java-based Spring Boot microservices handle clients’ orders and process them flawlessly while ensuring real-time order updates, and secure payment processing through payment gateways like PayPal, Razorpay, and Stripe.

 

3. Java Backend in Cloud Computing & Microservices 

Java brings with it scalability, portability, and multithreading capabilities for cloud platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. The best part of Java applications is the serverless architecture. Java is preferred for its ability to run on AWS Lambda, Google Cloud Functions, and Azure Functions without managing infrastructure, where Java-based spring boot-microservices interact flawlessly with cloud databases like Amazon RDS, Firebase, Cosmos DB while enabling cross-platform compatibility.

 

4. Java Backend in Healthcare Systems 

Patient data is sensitive and real-time updates about patients are essential for hospitals and healthcare providers, as security, reliability, and scalability in backend systems are essential to managing patient records, doctor consultations, medical billing, and much more. Using Java developers ensure HIPAA compliance where patient records are securely stored in SQL databases, and FHIR enables data exchange between hospitals.

 

5. Java Backend in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

With the rise in shipments, it becomes difficult for logistic companies to manage the massive amounts of shipment tracking, warehouse management, and route optimization. With Java used for backed development scalability becomes easy and real-time processing capabilities are added to the organization's repertoire. Developers use Java integrated with Google Maps API & GPS tracking systems for real-time shipment tracking and manage warehouses by tracking inventory, stock levels, and replenishment needs.

 

Also Read: - Top 10 magento development companies

 

Java Backend Developers Leading the Way For Organizations

 

A Java backend developer's role isn’t limited to writing code. A Java developer holds multiple responsibilities that include exceptional problem-solving, architecture, and innovation to ensure that the applications meet modern business needs. 

 

Java developers keep the backend strong through their expertise and ensure the best way to implement the application by collaborating closely with front-end developers, DevOps teams, and database administrators. From developing applications for an e-commerce platform that handles millions of transactions, and working on banking systems where securing financial data is critical, to managing healthcare applications with diverse needs, Java backend developers ensure that the backbone of these systems is smart, intuitive, responsive, and future-ready.

 

Simplify Application Development By Partnering With Expert Backend Java Developers 

The role of a Java-backed developer is multi-faceted and determines the way the application will work on the operating system. Hence for organizations who are relying on the expertise of a backend Java developer, it is necessary to ensure that they have all that is mentioned above. It’s important to hire a Java backend developer with a proven history of bringing client requirements to life through their skills, expertise, and experience.

 

At TheDevolutions, we are committed to bringing the most complex projects to reality by providing the services of our Java backend developers who build secure, scalable, and high-performance applications tailored to your business needs. Hire from the talent pool of Java developers who specialize in developing backend architectures, ensuring high security, optimizing performance, and achieving hassle-free cloud integration.