Java Developer Roadmap from Scratch Free

# Free Roadmap: From Beginner to Junior Java Developer with Spring

Java developers build server applications, web services, and enterprise systems. The main focus is backend using Spring. The program covers 8–10 months of intensive learning with free resources. Foundation: computer science, Java language, frameworks, DevOps tools. After completion, look for junior positions and prepare for interviews.

Step 1: Basics of the Profession

Start by understanding the role. Watch videos about the daily work of a Java developer and backend specialist. Reinforce your knowledge with an article on the advantages of starting with Java for beginners. This will take 1–2 weeks and provide motivation.

Step 2: Computer Science Fundamentals

You can't skip the basics. Complete a course on Computer Science fundamentals. Master algorithms, data structures, and computer architecture. This step is critical—skipping it will leave gaps in understanding the stack.

Step 3: Core Java and Spring Stack

Move on to practice. Study this sequence of courses:

• Java with nulya (kanal Ablazzing)
• Polnyy kurs Java (Bogdan Stashchuk)
• Spring Boot full kurs (Evgeniy Afanasev)
• Spring Core with nulya (Pavel Withrokin)

Keep in mind: free materials can become outdated. For version errors, turn to themed chats. This step will take 3–4 months.

Step 4: Supporting Technologies

For junior level, add infrastructure. Master this stack:

• Git — version control (Git course)
• PostgreSQL — relational DBs (beginner tutorial)
• Docker — containerization (lessons for beginners)
• Kubernetes — container orchestration
• Maven — project builds
• JUnit 5 — unit testing
• Jenkins — CI/CD
• Kafka — message broker

Supplement with self-study of documentation. Integrate into pet projects: build a Spring Boot app with a DB, Docker, and tests.

Practice and Community

Reading is key to growth. Subscribe to channels «Biblioteka dzhavista» and «Java Developer». Ask questions in the learn.java chat. Create 2–3 projects on GitHub: REST API, microservice with Kafka.

Key points:

• Focus on Spring stack for backend.
• Free resources require self-discipline.
• Pet projects are essential for your resume.
• 8–10 months until junior job search.
• Chats for fixing version bugs.

Preparing for the Job Market

After the program: update your resume and GitHub. Practice interviews on typical questions (algorithms, Spring, SQL). Junior roles require solid core skills plus basic DevOps.

— Editorial Team