In the last few years, Java surely did go as the first choice when it comes to building multifaceted, distributed and Web-enabled applications across the enterprise. Packed with multiple features, Java is one such platform that is the first choice of any developer when it comes to application building.
There are features that make Java more fun like a cross-platform runtime environment, object-oriented development model, and facilities for working with object request brokers and other code components. Despite being fun and frolic, there are certain challenges that developers still face when it comes to developing code on Java platform.
1. Not Familiar with Object Oriented Programming
Many developers who take the road to be an expert in Java language often treat it like C language. Whereas, Java is an OOP, i.e. Object Oriented Programming Language.
C is based on the writing of codes in a procedural way. The data happen to be in 'structs' and any functioning would happen on data via functions.
Java follows the reverse approach where data and functions are bound together; creating a class that operates on their own.
This is often neglected by developers and then they face challenges in writing codes on Java platform. So, when working in partnership with a Java development company always make sure that Java developers have good knowledge of OOP traits.
2. Multithreading
To follow a perfect thread of operation of codes without pop up of any errors, developers often break the entire program into separate little programs and run them into the system. This, however, is a good idea to be safe from any errors in the code, yet it lacks the connectivity between the codes.
The breaking of program works best when the output is expected to be different. However, when one single output is expected from multiple separate programs; it misses out the relation with other threads and surely outcome is compromised.
3. Memory Challenges
There are 2 types of memory challenges that are often faced by Java Developers – Garbage collector & Memory leaks.
Garbage Collector: In Java, it is difficult for developers to use and allocate memory to affect the performance of the program. It’s difficult because a developer cannot actually decide on the relation between the code and the memory use.
Memory Leaks: Different than what C and C++ offer, when the memory usage is increased in Java and the heaps run out of memory, then the issue of memory leak arises.
4. Performance
One of the biggest challenges faced by developers in Java is the performance of the platform due to slow SQL. This mainly happens due to the fields that are not being indexed, an excessive amount of data being fetched, and other various challenges in the platform. This overall affects the program application performance intensely since most of the applications use multiple SQL commands per user request. Make sure that your mobile app development company is fully aware of the challenges and work to improve the application performance.
5. Excessive use of Null References
Many Java developers have the practice of using null references. Though it is a good practice, however, excessive use of null references makes the program heavy. Thus, it's often suggested that developers should avoid using excessive null references in the program.
Let’s consider an example for this – It’s better to return empty arrays or collections from methods instead of nulls. It surely helps in preventing NullPointerException.
For other cases, when developers want to avoid nulls, alternate strategies could be used like Optional type that can either be an empty object or a wrap of some value.
6. Disobeying Contracts
There are instances where codes are being provided by the standard library or a third party vendor. In such cases, rules must be obeyed in order to get things to work. If the developer chooses to break the rules or contracts then there are often two possibilities of outcomes that hamper the program.
It may lead to exceptions or break code compilation
Most importantly, it can direct changes in the application behaviour without any sign of danger.
With change in code, the defective code could enter the production release and cause undesired effects like spoiled UI behaviour, defective data reports, poor application performance, excessive data loss, and more. Thus, this is the kind of situation where developers need to be extra attentive and break through the challenge by obeying rules and contracts.
7. Static and Instance variables
Last but not the least; one such challenge faced by Java developer is to learn the difference between the static and instance variables. When to make a method static in Java is an important decision for developers to make. Most of the time developers get confused about making a particular method static or not. It can simply be done without creating an object and just by using its class name.
However, one thing for developers to consider here is to look into the limitation of static methods since one cannot override static method in Java.
Conclusion
Wrapping up the blog, it’s positive to say that Java surely is one of the hot languages that is preferred by almost all developers. Having its own positive points in the language, Java can be a challenge for few developers, especially beginners. Nonetheless, being aware of the issues, challenges, and problems can help developers to act well in time and take advantage of the Java language easily.
