The extent to which our lives have changed since the advent of digital computing is almost beyond belief. It was the technology that made it possible for Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to navigate their way to the moon in the summer of 1969. However epic that achievement may seem, a modern smartphone is millions of times more powerful than the Apollo 11’s computer, and just about everyone older than ten years seems to have one. However, the unending string of apps from programmers with a Java certification is probably more responsible for the smartphone’s popularity, rather than some pressing need to make phone calls.
While the vast number of available apps is impressive enough, their versatility is even more so. In addition to running on Android or IOS, many smartphone applications also function on tablets, PCs, Macs, or any digital device with a screen. The explanation for this cross-platform compatibility lies in the choice of the programming language. One reason this language has remained so popular for more than twenty-five years and a Java certification is becoming a frequent job requirement is its “write once, run anywhere” capability, often abbreviated to WORA.
Soon after its release by Sun Microsystems in the early ‘90s, it became the world’s leading cross-platform language, effectively sidelining its only rival, Perl, as it was around 100 times faster. Its superior speed, combined with the option of a free, open-source version, led to rapid growth in its use by both amateur and professional developers. While there are now some new cross-platform contenders, such as Python and Ruby, programmers with Java certification remain in high demand and will continue to be sought after for the foreseeable future.
While some of that demand stems from the vast volumes of legacy code still operating and requiring support from those with the relevant skills and experience, the internet is continuing to create new and exciting opportunities for its developers. It is just over a decade since the concept of an IoT or “internet of things” was first mooted. There have been some revolutionary developments on its heels, including “machine to machine” (M2M) communication and Industry 4.0, creating many fascinating new challenges for Java certification holders.
Today, many everyday tasks in the home, such as setting security alarms, operating door locks and lighting, and adjusting the temperature of each room, can be performed remotely using a smartphone with a broadband connection. Devices with artificial intelligence, such as Alexa and Siri, obediently respond to verbal instruction to perform similar tasks, serve as handy encyclopaedias and play our favourite tunes. Autonomous vehicles are already outperforming human drivers, while passenger aircraft also appear set to become pilotless drones. Such feats require skilled developers, a good reason to pursue some form of Java certification. On the industrial scene, additive manufacturing using 3D printers has evolved from a rapid prototyping technology to a viable production tool, taking us one step closer to a fully automated and autonomous assembly line. The sky is the limit for those with the programming skills to play a role in this evolution. To discover how you could join them, talk to geeks4learning and find the right Java certification course for you.