A senior Java® developer typically has extensive experience in software development and assists in the creation and support of Java®-based desktop, web, and database programs. He or she is usually involved in the entire development process, from planning to testing, and is capable of integrating various technologies into new and existing programs. Senior developers must be extremely knowledgeable in Java® technologies, so they may hold Sun Java® certifications and must keep their skills up to date as new technology emerges. They also use their expertise to mentor junior programmers and provide assistance to other members of the development team.
A senior Java® developer collaborates with other members of his or her team to create a prototype during the early stages of the software development process. Meetings with team members to discuss the program’s features or the best way to integrate new features into an existing program are also examples of this phrase. Following the creation of an initial plan, he or she may collaborate with others to create the modules required to complete the program. After all of the coding is finished, the program is put through a series of tests. The program is ready for use after the programming team finds and fixes any errors, and it will be maintained by the senior Java® developer and other programmers throughout its life cycle.
Although a senior Java® developer usually plans, develops, and tests desktop applications in Java®, some jobs necessitate knowledge of other desktop languages. Web application knowledge, which is becoming more common in 2011, is frequently a job requirement that adds to the skill set required to perform the job. A senior Java® developer must be familiar with web programming and scripting languages, as well as how to integrate them with Java® applications, in order to create web applications. In some cases, he or she will work with a web development team to build entire websites and will need to learn database technologies.
Because a senior Java® developer creates such a wide range of programs, additional training is usually required. As a minimum, many employers require a bachelor’s degree and five or more years of experience. Employers expect candidates to have advanced analytical skills in order to create complex programs, so this is not a quick or easy job to obtain. Several Sun Java® certifications may be required by some employers to demonstrate that the candidate has sufficient knowledge for the job.