In App Development, the choice of programming language can make all the difference. And among the plethora of options, one language stands out as the undisputed champion – Java!

According to StackOverflow, 64.96% of the developers who were surveyed indicated they use Java as the most used programming language.

Now you must be wondering why Java is so popular? That is because of the constant updates. Java typically releases a new version every six months with new features, bug fixes, and improvements that keeps it at the forefront of modern Development.

For instance, the latest version of Java is the JDK 20 released on 21 March 2023 and the next update is scheduled for September 2023.

These updates help keep Java relevant and applicable even in today’s changing development environment.

Source: https://stratoflow.com/java-developers-in-demand/

But is Java application development enough in present times when innovation is predominant?

In this blog, we are going to discuss everything about Java. After that, it is up to you to decide whether Java fits the bill for your innovative idea or not.

6 Benefits of Java for App Development

Compatibility with Different Mobile Platforms

One of the key advantages of Java in app development is its compatibility with various mobile platforms. Whether you are targeting Android or iOS, Java provides a seamless experience across different operating systems.

With Java, you can write code once and run it on multiple platforms, saving time and effort.

This cross-platform compatibility makes Java a preferred choice for developers who want to reach a wider audience without building separate apps for each platform.

Extensive Libraries and Frameworks for App Development

Java boasts an extensive collection of libraries and frameworks specifically designed for mobile app development. These libraries provide pre-built functions and modules that can be easily integrated into your app. This significantly reduces development time.

Frameworks like Android SDK (Software Development Kit) offer a rich set of tools and resources for building robust and feature-rich Android apps.

The availability of these libraries and frameworks makes Java a developer-friendly language. That enables developers to create powerful mobile apps with ease.

Simplified Coding and Debugging

Java’s simplicity is another benefit that sets it apart in the world of mobile app development. The language is known for its easy-to-understand syntax and intuitive structure, making it accessible to both beginner and experienced developers.

Furthermore, Java provides excellent debugging capabilities, allowing developers to identify and fix issues quickly. The combination of simplified coding and efficient debugging makes Java a reliable choice for building high-quality mobile apps.

Strong Community Support and Resources

Java’s popularity in the app development community has fostered a strong support network. Developers can find a plethora of online resources, forums, and communities where they can seek help, share knowledge, and collaborate with fellow developers.

The active Java community ensures that developers have access to the latest updates, best practices, and troubleshooting tips. This vibrant community support makes Java a valuable asset for anyone venturing into mobile app development.

Security Features and Robustness

Security is a critical aspect of app development, and Java excels in this area. Java’s built-in security features, such as sandboxing and bytecode verification, ensure that the apps built with Java are secure and resistant to malicious attacks.

The language’s robustness and reliability make it a trusted choice for developing applications that handle sensitive user data.

By choosing Java for app development, you can prioritize security without compromising functionality.

These benefits of Java make it extremely suitable for developing applications.

Scalability and Performance

Scalability and performance are essential factors for a successful mobile app. Java’s architecture and design principles make it highly scalable. This allows apps to handle increasing user demands without sacrificing performance, making app development using Java a piece of cake.

The language’s ability to efficiently manage memory and handle multi-threading ensures smooth performance even under heavy usage.

Java’s scalability and performance capabilities make it an ideal choice for developing apps that can handle a growing user base and deliver a seamless user experience.

Don’t miss to read: What are Java Application Development Vulnerabilities and How to Avoid Them

Key Features and Libraries in Java for App Development

Java application development offers a wide range of features and libraries that simplify and enhance the app development process.

Here are some key features and libraries you can leverage when developing mobile apps with Java:

Android SDK

The Android Software Development Kit provides a comprehensive set of tools, libraries, and APIs for Android app development. It includes everything from UI design components to network communication and data storage.

JavaFX

JavaFX is a rich client platform for building desktop and mobile applications. It offers a wide range of UI controls, multimedia support, and 3D graphics capabilities, making it an excellent choice for creating visually appealing and interactive apps.

Retrofit

Retrofit is a popular REST client library for Java that simplifies the process of making HTTP requests and handling responses. It provides an intuitive and flexible interface for working with APIs, reducing the amount of boilerplate code required.

Gson

Gson is a Java library for converting Java objects to JSON and vice versa. It makes it easy to serialize and deserialize data, which is especially useful when working with web APIs or storing data locally.

Apache Cordova

Formerly known as PhoneGap, Apache Cordova is a framework that allows you to build mobile apps using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It provides a bridge between web technologies and native device capabilities, making it a great option for cross-platform development.

These are just a few examples of the many libraries and tools available in Java for app development. By harnessing the power of these resources, you can streamline your development process and create feature-rich apps with ease.

Tools and Resources for Java App Development

If you’re wondering how to create an app using Java then you must know that it requires the right set of tools and resources to streamline your workflow and enhance your productivity.

Here are some essential tools and resources for Java app development:

Android Studio

Android Studio is the official IDE for Android development. It provides a powerful and intuitive environment for writing, testing, and debugging Android apps. It also includes a built-in emulator for testing your app on different devices.

Eclipse

Eclipse is a popular open-source IDE that supports Java development. It offers a wide range of features and plugins that can enhance your productivity, such as code refactoring, debugging, and version control integration.

IntelliJ IDEA

IntelliJ IDEA is a commercial IDE that provides advanced features for Java development. It offers intelligent code completion, refactoring tools, and support for various frameworks, making it a favorite among professional developers.

Oracle Java Development Kit (JDK)

The JDK is a software development kit that includes the Java Runtime Environment (JRE), the Java compiler, and other tools required for developing Java applications.

Java Documentation

Oracle provides comprehensive documentation for the Java language and its standard libraries. The official Java documentation is an invaluable resource for learning about different classes, methods, and APIs.

Java App Development vs. Other Programming Languages

While Java for app development is very powerful, it’s important to consider other programming languages and frameworks as well.

Here’s a comparison between Java and some other popular languages for app development:

Java vs. Swift

Swift is the primary programming language for iOS app development. While both Java and Swift are object-oriented languages, Swift offers a more modern and concise syntax. However, Java’s platform independence gives it an advantage when it comes to cross-platform development.

Java vs. Kotlin

Kotlin is a relatively new programming language that runs on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). It’s fully interoperable with Java and offers many modern features and enhancements. Kotlin has gained popularity among Android developers, thanks to its improved syntax and enhanced null safety.

Java vs. JavaScript

JavaScript is a popular scripting language used for web development. While it’s not typically used for native mobile app development, frameworks like React Native and Apache Cordova allow you to write mobile apps using JavaScript. Java, on the other hand, is better suited for creating complex and feature-rich applications.

Keybee Keyboard: A Successful Mobile App Built With Java

Most of the time, we are in such a situation that we have to type on our phones with one hand. And by experience, we know how difficult it is.

But what if there was a keypad designed in such a way that would allow us to type with one hand?

One of our clients had this innovative idea to build a keypad to aid single-handed typing in mobile phones. Since smartphones today are of different sizes, he wanted a keypad that would optimize space and facilitate the ease of single-handed typing.

Since this was something that has been never done before, we encountered some challenges. However, with the expertise of our team and regular feedback from the client, we were able to successfully build the Keybee app for Android and iOS smartphones.

The app to date has received more than 50,000 downloads with a rating of 4.3/5.

It’s Your Turn Now!

Java is a veteran in the developer community and continues to be an essential part of the tech stack, especially when it comes to app development that requires data science technologies. It has been serving businesses and developers well for almost two decades. 

The Java developers at Narola Infotech have an undue advantage over it because of the experience and the number of applications they have built with Java application development as mentioned in the section above.

In case you wish to discuss your project and find out if Java would be a viable option, feel free to connect with us.