if your goal is to become a Full-Stack Java Developer, you basically need to master three major areas
👉 Frontend
👉 Backend (Java + APIs)
👉 Database + DevOps basics
Here’s a clear step-by-step learning path:
1. Core Programming (Java Fundamentals)
Start here if you’re new to Java:
Must learn:
- Java syntax & OOP
- Classes, Objects, Inheritance, Polymorphism
- Interfaces & Abstract classes
- Exception Handling
- Collections (List, Set, Map)
- Streams & Lambda
- Multithreading basics
- JVM, JDK, JRE concepts
🎯 Goal: Write clean Java logic + understand OOP deeply.
2. Frontend (Client Side)
HTML + CSS
- Flexbox, Grid
- Responsive design
- Bootstrap / Tailwind
JavaScript
- ES6+
- DOM
- Async / Await
- Fetch / Axios
React
- Components
- Hooks
- Routing
- Forms
- API integration
- State management (Redux / Context)
🎯 Goal: Build UI + consume backend APIs.
3. Backend with Java (MOST IMPORTANT)
This is your core stack:
Spring Framework
- Spring Core
- Spring MVC
- Spring Boot ⭐
- REST APIs
Key concepts:
- Controllers
- Services
- Dependency Injection
- RESTful APIs
- DTOs
- Exception handling
Goal: Build REST APIs.
4. Database
SQL (Mandatory):
- MySQL / PostgreSQL
- Joins
- Indexes
- Normalization
ORM:
- JPA / Hibernate
- Entity mapping
- Relationships
🎯 Goal: Connect Java app with DB
5. Security
- Spring Security
- JWT Authentication
- Role-based access
🎯 Goal: Secure your APIs.
6. Tools Every Java Full Stack Dev Uses
- Git / GitHub
- Maven / Gradle
- Postman
- IntelliJ / Eclipse
- Docker (basic)
- Swagger
7. Real Projects (VERY IMPORTANT)
Build at least:
Beginner:
✔ Login + Register App
Intermediate:
✔ Employee Management System
✔ CRUD Application
Advanced:
✔ Full Stack Project:
React + Spring Boot + MySQL + JWT
Example:
- Admin Dashboard
- E-commerce
- Booking system
8. Interview Preparation
Learn:
- Java interview questions
- Spring Boot questions
- SQL queries
- REST API design
- System design basics
