Java training — it’s a wise career decision for beginning or advanced computer programmers because Java programmers and developers are in big demand. Taking Java classes to become a Sun-certified Java developer can further boost your earning potential in both the desktop and mobile arenas. Fortunately, Java training programs are readily available online, in virtual classrooms, on-site and in local classrooms.

When shopping for Java training programs, consider the following:

1. Sun Microsystems Java classes for certification.
2. Java courses, boot camps and other options for beginners.
3. Java training in instructor-led virtual classrooms.
4. Bringing Java courses into your offices.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Sun Microsystems Java training

Sun Microsystems first developed Java and later optimized it for the web, where it has established itself as one of the most commonly used programming languages due to its near-universal browser and OS compatibility. Java courses are particularly popular due to widely used Java applications called applets that are downloaded from a web server and run on the user's computer.

I recommend: Sun Microsystems’ Java Training page offers certification for Java web services and web 2.0 courses with traditional as well as web-enabled training options. For Java developers, Sun Microsystems offers a complete web component developer learning path, a series of Java classes leading to exams and certification. Visit Sun Microsystem’s Java homepage as well its mascot site, Duke’s Zone, for a wealth of additional resources for developers and programmers, including an email newsletter.

Java boot camps and other Java training options for beginners

If you are just learning to program in Java, look into intensive Java classes that let you immerse yourself in the language and get hands-on Java training under the leadership of a certified instructor.

I recommend: With Netwind Learning Center’s six-day Java certification boot camp you can become a Sun Certified programmer for the Java 2 Platform. CertificationCity.com offers Java boot camps nationwide or, with a minimum number of students, will come to your office. EDULEARN offers a six-disk introduction to Java CD-ROM set for self-paced individual Java training on the PC or Mac.

On-site Java classes and team training

Many Java training companies offer on-site Java courses for team training. This can be more cost-effective for IT team training than off-site Java classes. It also allows the trainers to address your specific training needs.

I recommend: Sun Microsystems’ training for IT teams program is designed for customized IT team Java training programs in your office. nTier Training offers on-site Java courses at the beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. They will customize Java classes to suit your programming needs. With LearningPatterns.com’s jLaunch service, an experienced Java mentor will work on-site to help your IT team through the stages of launching a new Java project.

Java training in interactive virtual classrooms

Interactive Java classes can be more convenient than on-site training.

I recommend: Check the virtual learning schedule at ProTech Professional Technical Services for more than 50 specialized instructor-led Java classes, including using Java in conjunction with other tools, such as Eclipse, XML, Ant and C++ as well as Java server-side applications such as web services, servelets, applets and Java Beans.

Continuing your Java training for professional development

Java interacts with so many different programs and databases that a programmer's education is always a work in progress. Many flexible Java training programs allow you to stay current and expand your knowledge at your own pace.

I recommend: Sun Mocrosystems’s online training allows individuals or teams to pace themselves through advanced Java courses. Hand On Technology Transfer offers five-day advanced Java training in multiple cities for experienced programmers who wish to further their skills.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always ask about Sun certification before enrolling in Java classes.
• •  Save money by taking advantage of group discounts by sending several students or even your entire IT team for Java courses.
• •  Java training is a big plus for individuals seeking careers in application development.
• •  Java training is in constant demand as businesses extend the functionality of their websites.