After losing my job as a junior developer where I mainly worked with C# and ASP.NET for around seven months, I'm contemplating a switch to Java, specifically with Spring Boot. Has anyone made a similar transition? What was it like for you? Also, how's the job market for Java compared to .NET? Is it realistic to get hired as a Java developer, or is it tougher? I'm also curious about IDEs — should I go with Eclipse or IntelliJ? Lastly, I recently got a Windows 11 laptop for my .NET work; will I run into issues using Java with WSL2, or is it better to go straight to Linux for development?
5 Answers
IntelliJ is definitely the preferred IDE for Java development — a lot of developers rave about it. Don't worry too much about the OS; both Windows and Linux work fine for Java. Although, using Linux can simplify things, especially if you plan to use Docker; you won't have to deal with WSL. Just pick what you're comfortable with!
Totally agree! Plus, I found having 16 GB of RAM helps Docker run smoothly, especially on WSL2.
Honestly, it sounds like you're overthinking it. Remember, you're a programmer first! Moving from .NET to Java is just picking up another tool in your arsenal. Besides, don't forget different regions might favor one stack over another in terms of job availability, so keep that in mind too!
I dabble in both stacks. It's pretty similar regardless of the OS you choose. Just use whichever tool you need for job requirements. Rider is an IntelliJ-based IDE that works well too. Don't sweat the change; once you're into it, it’s more about the logic than the language specifics!
Making the switch is totally doable! Nowadays, it’s more about mastering frameworks than the specific language. Java and Spring Boot rely on a lot of the same foundational concepts, so you'll align well. Both IntelliJ and Eclipse are great choices, and coding in Windows is perfectly fine. I'd suggest starting with Java 21+; it can help streamline your learning curve!
Sweet! I’ll jump right into Spring Boot. I was confused about which IDE to choose; my university pushes Eclipse, but I’ve read that IntelliJ might be easier for learning.
Good call on Java 21 LTS! Once you get used to using Optional, you’ll see how much simpler it is than nullable types in C#.
There's no universal job market; it really depends on your location and previous industry experience. If you've mostly worked in finance with .NET, that experience can help you find a Java role in the same sector. Also, while you may get more job leads in .NET, transitioning doesn't hurt—many companies value diverse skills. Just ensure you can articulate why you're switching when interviewing; it can work in your favor!
I'm applying for both Java and .NET roles right now, but I definitely see more Java positions out there.
That’s a wise point! My first job was in finance too, so I hope my .NET experience helps in my job hunt!
Mac OS is also a solid option. You can do great Java development on it as well!