Back-End Development with Java​

Choosing the right language at the beginning of any software project is key. Many factors come into play: language capabilities, ease of coding, compatibility with different operating systems and mobile platforms, project size, domain specifics, and more.

To help you avoid the painful choices, this article explores why and when Java is the appropriate language for backend.

SaM Solutions’ seasoned and proactive Java engineering team provides end-to-end Java software development services.

Why Choose Java for Back-End Development?

Is Java good for backend? Definitely, yes. Let’s look at the detailed reasoning.

Platform independence

One of the best parts about Java code is that you don’t have to modify it for running on multiple platforms. The Java Virtual Machine (JVM) brings to life the “write once, run anywhere” (WORA) principle, so developers can create portable applications and save resources.

Scalability

Dynamic linking and automatic memory management are the features of Java architecture that help handle heavy loads and traffic. That’s why businesses choose Java when building large software projects that require scalability.

Extensive ecosystem

Java was invented three decades ago — a sufficient time frame to build a wide range of technologies around it. The list of Java frameworks and libraries is dozens long, which means there are dozens of ready-to-use solutions for common tasks that help you reduce development time. A great advantage, isn’t it?

Strong security features

With Java, you don’t have to worry about application security: the platform has a plethora of security features to protect applications from various threats.

Security starts with core language features like bytecode verification that detects malicious or corrupt code during runtime and access modifiers (e.g., private, protected) that enforce encapsulation and restrict unauthorized access to sensitive code. User identification and role-based access control are supported by frameworks like Java Authentication and Authorization Service (JAAS). With Java Cryptographic Architecture (JCA) you can implement cryptographic services like encryption, decryption, or digital signatures. Secure communication, message digests, key generation, certificate management, and many more tasks are possible with APIs.

Community

Java developers are backed up by a wealth of information resources, documentation, and forums due to the huge and active community. The community behind Java, like any technology, means quick problem-solving, knowledge sharing, and further improvements through regular updates. That’s the guarantee that the language remains relevant and effective over time.

Performance

There are several key factors that maintain Java’s performance across different environments and workloads. The Java Virtual Machine (JVM) uses Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation which converts bytecode into native machine code at runtime and optimizes execution speed.

System stability is enhanced by automatic garbage collection, which effectively maintains memory, reduces memory leaks, and makes sure that resources are removed when no longer required. Executor framework and thread-safe data structures are examples of concurrency frameworks that help manage many threads and lower the chance of deadlocks. Developers can also use profiling tools to find performance bottlenecks and improve code.

Versatility in applications

You can develop many types of software solutions with Java, from web services and mobile apps to enterprise-level systems. The language integrates with many technologies and frameworks, so it can adapt to different project requirements.

When to Choose Java for Back-End Development

Let’s explore how to determine if Java is the right option for your business project.

When scalability is a must

Large ecommerce stores are a vivid example of digital solutions that should be scalable, as they face increased traffic during peak shopping times. 

Because of its multithreading capabilities, Java can handle high concurrency and enormous data loads. It also integrates with cloud-based load balancers and databases, so growing user demands is not a problem.

For enterprise-level applications

Banks, insurance companies, and other large organizations need reliable software solutions that can handle complex workflows.

You can use Jakarta EE, Spring, and other Java enterprise frameworks to build scalable, long-lasting systems. One more perk is that existing applications remain functional, even as new versions are released. It is possible due to Java’s backward compatibility.

For systems with strict security requirements

Unauthorized access and data breaches are especially unacceptable in systems like online payment gateways or healthcare solutions. In this regard, Java has built-in security features, e.g., cryptographic libraries, secure communication protocols (SSL/TLS), and advanced authentication mechanisms, so it can provide high data protection.

When building microservices

It has become a common practice to create microservices rather than a monolithic architecture for complex software systems with numerous integrations. 

Using Java for building microservices is a reasonable choice. The language integrates with containerization tools (Docker and Kubernetes) and offers lightweight frameworks (Spring Boot), so the development of independent, modular services becomes a piece of cake.

Key Features of Back-End Development in Java

When you choose Java as a back-end​ programming language, you are supposed to use the following capabilities.

Object-oriented paradigm

Java developers work with classes and objects. They follow object-oriented programming (OOP) principles like inheritance, encapsulation, polymorphism, and abstraction. Thanks to this approach, they can build modular and reusable code. Modularity makes it super easy to manage complex back-end logic, while reusability reduces development time.

For instance, a customer management system within an enterprise application can have classes like Customer, Order, and Payment. They would operate as distinct entities but would be able to interact with no limits when needed.

Cloud-native capabilities

Need to develop cloud back-end applications? Java is a good option, as it is compatible with modern cloud platforms — AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. The language also supports serverless architecture and cloud-based tools, Kubernetes and Docker. You can use Spring Boot and Spring Cloud frameworks to create container-ready microservices and deploy them in cloud environments.

Multithreading and concurrency management

Java’s multithreading is important for back-end systems (web servers, APIs) that should handle numerous requests concurrently and execute multiple tasks at once. Tools for advanced thread management and synchronization are available in the java.util.concurrent package.

Database integration

Through frameworks and APIs like Hibernate, JDBC (Java Database Connectivity), and JPA (Java Persistence API), Java can interface with relational and NoSQL databases. In back-end programming, these technologies simplify database access, transaction management, and query execution.

Popular Java Frameworks for Back-End Development

To meet particular back-end development requirements, various projects call for distinct tools. The most widely used frameworks are listed here.

Spring Boot

Many Java projects come with complex and tedious configuration tasks. Regarding this, Spring Boot, an open-source web framework, is a magic wand for software engineers. It has an auto-configuration feature and minimizes boilerplate code, so developers write application logic without spending excessive time on configuration details. Spring Boot also has embedded servers (Tomcat, Jetty) by default, which is a big help for building microservices architectures.

Developers have access to a rich set of libraries and tools because Spring Boot integrates with the broader Spring ecosystem. This integration supports various application types, including REST APIs and cloud-native solutions. So, you can develop a simple web application or a complex enterprise solution with Spring Boot, flexibility and efficiency are guaranteed.

Hibernate

Hibernate is an Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) framework that Java developers use to interact with databases. They use Hibernate to work with Java objects instead of writing complex SQL queries, which cuts down on repetitive code. The framework offers several powerful features, including lazy loading, caching, and transaction management, all of which enhance performance and efficiency. Hibernate maps complex data relationships and supports various database systems, so it is a go-to choice for creating reliable data persistence solutions.

Apache Struts

Apache Struts is a well-established framework for building enterprise-level web applications. It uses the Model-View-Controller (MVC) design pattern, which effectively separates application logic from the user interface. As a result, you enjoy a more organized code structure.

Struts has many reusable components that simplify the development of complex web applications. Its compatibility with other Java technologies and frameworks expands its flexibility. You can select Struts for large-scale projects where performance and scalability are essential. 

Micronaut

If you need to develop microservices and serverless applications, use Micronaut, a modern, lightweight framework. It is perfect for cloud environments thanks to its lightweight design, fast startup times, and low memory usage. Building modular applications is also easy with Micronaut because it supports dependency injection and aspect-oriented programming. Reactive programming is another important feature of the framework, so you can develop apps that perform well under varying loads.

Challenges and Considerations in Using Java for Backend

In back-end Java development​ the team may encounter several challenges that can impact the entire project. Here are some key issues to keep in mind.

Performance tuning

Developers may face performance-tuning challenges due to inefficient code, suboptimal database queries, improper JVM configurations, and other factors. To keep everything under control, experts should deeply understand the application and the underlying infrastructure. Some good practices include regular performance monitoring, memory usage adjustments, and implementing effective caching strategies.

Higher memory usage

Java applications are known for higher memory consumption compared to some other programming languages. This is partly due to the overhead of the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) and garbage collection processes. Moreover, automatic garbage collection can lead to memory leaks if not managed properly. Developers need to pay attention to how memory is allocated and released, especially when dealing with large applications or complex data structures, to avoid performance issues and crashes.

Steep learning curve

For newcomers, Java presents a steep learning curve. Mastering its object-oriented programming (OOP) principles and extensive libraries are usually the biggest difficulties. For those with a background in procedural programming, it would be hard to comprehend OOP concepts, but it’s obligatory for effective Java programming. Getting accustomed to Java’s error-handling mechanisms and concurrency features requires time and practice as well.

Why Choose SaM Solutions for Back-End Java Development?

For three decades, our Java development team has been creating customized back-end solutions that fulfill clients’ business goals and expectations. When you choose SaM Solutions, you benefit from a collaborative approach and timely delivery. Our experts prioritize process transparency and data security throughout every stage of the project. The highest software quality is our ultimate goal. 

Conclusion

How is Java used in back-end​ projects? In fact, this is the leading language for developing server-side applications. Developers utilize its extensive ecosystem to create complex solutions for various business spheres. Java is well-suited for enterprise-level applications due to its high security and performance.  

Skilled Java back-end developers remain in high demand. If you’re looking to build a strong team for your project, don’t hesitate to reach out to SaM Solutions and tap into our extensive talent pool.