Transition from Python Developer to Java Developer

This plan helps you gain core Java skills and build a full Java project, showing real development and deployment abilities. By following this path, you will be ready for Java Developer roles in less than 5 months.

Weekly Hours: 30
Estimated Weeks: 18

Phases

Java Foundations

Start by learning Java syntax and how it differs from Python. Focus on building comfort with Java basics, simple applications, and core libraries.

3 weeks

Understand Java syntax and data types
Use key Java libraries
Write simple Java programs
Learn Java coding tools

Declare variables and loops (for/while in Java)
Write functions and classes (methods and constructors)
Manage exceptions (try-catch blocks)
Use IDEs (IntelliJ, Eclipse)

Java Documentation
Beginner Java Books
Online Java Exercises

Complete 5 short Java apps (calculator, text analyzer)
Pass Java basics quiz (score 80%+)

Core Java Development

Expand your Java knowledge by building more complex features. Learn about collections, file handling, and object-oriented programming.

5 weeks

Use Java collections (List, Map)
Organize code with packages
Read and write files
Apply object-oriented patterns

Handle lists and maps (ArrayList, HashMap)
Structure code in packages (package imports)
Process files (read CSV, write text)
Design objects and inheritance (extends, implements)

Java Tutorials
Sample Projects
Online Practice Platforms

Build data handler module (read/write CSVs)
Show code with class inheritance (Animal/Dog/Person example)

Full-Stack Java Web App

Create a full showcase Java project: a task manager web app. Cover backend (Spring Boot), frontend (standard HTML or simple framework), basic forms, routing, tests, and deployment.

8 weeks

Build backend with Spring Boot
Design REST APIs
Connect frontend to backend
Write basic web forms

Create APIs (GET/POST methods in Spring Boot)
Use routing (Spring Controllers)
Build HTML forms (Thymeleaf or JSP)
Test APIs (JUnit tests)

Spring Boot Guides
Sample Java Web Projects
Project Hosting Platforms

Demo web app with create/edit/delete tasks (video or screenshots)
Pass main feature tests (JUnit, score 90%+)
Write project README (setup, usage, overview)
Deploy web app online (free cloud or Heroku)

Professional Java Practices

Learn best practices for clean code, teamwork, and tools used in companies. Explore automated builds, code reviews, and documentation standards.

2 weeks

Apply clean code rules
Use code versioning (Git basics)
Run builds with Maven or Gradle
Document code and APIs

Refactor to improve readability (rename classes, add comments)
Commit code with Git (push, pull, branch)
Add build scripts (pom.xml for Maven)
Create API docs (use Javadoc)

Java Clean Code Guides
Intro to Git Tutorials
Maven or Gradle Docs

Finish README and Javadoc for project
Add CI badge showing build success (GitHub Actions)

Interview and Job Readiness

Prepare for job search and Java developer interviews. Work on common coding problems, explain your project, and update your resume.

2 weeks

Solve Java coding questions
Practice explaining your project
Update your resume for Java roles
Get feedback from a peer

Solve algorithm problems (FizzBuzz, palindrome checker)
Answer Java interview questions (describe inheritance, exceptions)
Summarize your showcase project
Review Java job posts

Java Interview Question Lists
Coding Challenge Platforms
Resume Tips for Developers

Complete 12 Java practice questions
Mock interview for project explanation (peer or video)
Submit updated resume for feedback

Weekly Plan

Week	Focus	Why	Tasks	Deliverables
1	Learn Java basics and syntax	Understand how Java differs from Python.	Read Java syntax docs (Java Documentation), Try short coding exercises (Online Java Exercises), Install Java IDE (IntelliJ IDEA)	Create Hello World Java app
2	Practice Java variables, loops, and functions	Build comfort writing basic Java code.	Write code for basic math (calculator), Use loops for text analysis, Create simple classes (Person, Animal)	Submit 3 mini Java programs
3	Handle errors and use basic libraries	Write safer code and use built-in tools.	Add try-catch blocks for error handling, Import and use Java libraries, Review sample code for file operations	Pass Java basics quiz (scored 80%+)
4	Learn Java collections and data structures	Store and manage groups of data easily.	Work with ArrayList and HashMap, Write code with for-each loops, Practice sorting a list of numbers	Submit code to handle and sort user data
5	Work with files and packages	Save and organize data and code.	Read and write CSV files (FileReader/FileWriter), Create multi-class project structures, Group code using packages	Build data handler module (CSV reader/writer)
6	Strengthen object-oriented programming	Use real design patterns and models.	Write code with inheritance (extends keyword), Override methods in child classes, Create sample polymorphism examples	Show inheritance with Animal/Dog/Person classes
7	Build project design and setup	Plan your showcase project for smooth development.	Draft feature list for task manager app, Design basic data models (Task, User), Set up Spring Boot project	Submit project plan and starter code
8	Build backend APIs in Java (Spring Boot)	Create main logic and connect data for your app.	Add endpoints to create and list tasks, Use Spring Controllers for routing, Connect to local database (H2 or SQLite)	Have backend create/list/edit/delete tasks
9	Create web forms and connect frontend	Allow users to use your app in a browser.	Build HTML forms (Thymeleaf or JSP), Link frontend to backend APIs, Test submitting and viewing tasks	Demo working create/edit forms with browser
10	Improve user experience and basic styling	Make your project pleasant to use.	Add basic CSS styles, Show error messages on forms, Test on mobile and desktop browser	Share screenshot of app on two device sizes
11	Add and run backend tests	Make sure your code works as expected.	Write unit tests with JUnit, Test main features (create, edit, delete tasks), Review test coverage	Pass 90% of feature tests
12	Document your project	Help others understand and use your code.	Write a clear README file, Add setup and usage instructions, Generate Javadoc	Upload finished README and API docs
13	Deploy your project online	Show you can deliver real working software.	Choose free cloud or Heroku for hosting, Set up build scripts (Maven or Gradle), Deploy latest code and test online version	Share deployed app link and build status
14	Refine code and apply best practices	Make your code ready for real work settings.	Refactor code for readability, Add comments and proper names, Run linter and fix warnings	Show before-and-after code cleanup example
15	Use version control and continuous integration	Work with tools common in teams.	Commit code with Git (GitHub), Set up GitHub Actions for builds, Add CI badge to your README	Display CI badge showing successful build
16	Solve Java coding interview problems	Get ready for technical interviews.	Practice 3 algorithm challenges (FizzBuzz, palindrome check), Review Java question lists, Explain your solutions out loud	Submit 6 solved problems and explanations
17	Practice explaining your project and interview basics	Show confidence talking about your work.	Record a demo walkthrough, Prepare answers for Java background questions, Ask friend for feedback on explanation	Record or perform mock interview
18	Polish resume and get job search ready	Make your profile stand out for Java roles.	Update resume with new Java project, Write a project summary for LinkedIn, Share resume for review	Submit updated resume for feedback