Last Updated on September 6, 2024
Released in 1996 by Sun Microsystems, now owned by Oracle, Java is one of the oldest programming languages still widely used today. It has an enormous community, ranking fifth among the most popular programming languages in Stack Overflow’s 2019 Developer Survey.
Given its features and strengths, the language is a great fit for all kinds of software and applications. Considering using Java for your next project but don’t have the in-house talent to complete it? Here are seven tips for outsourcing Java development to ensure your product’s success.
1. Know when to use Java
From building chatbots to creating mobile apps, Java has many uses. However, if you’re planning on hiring Java development services for your next project, it’s important to know what the language can and can’t do. For example, if you’re building an Android app, Java is ideal — it’s the official Android language.
But if you want to create an iOS app, you’d better look somewhere else. Likewise, it’s important to understand that this is largely a server-side language for product backend, meaning that if you want to create interactive features on the frontend, it’s not the way to go. Instead, you might choose the unrelated JavaScript.
2. Have a basic understanding of the language
You don’t need to need to be a software engineer, of course — that’s why you’re outsourcing your Java development projects. Yet, you should have some basic knowledge of the language and its structure. This will help you formulate questions to ask when you interview candidates and recognize when they have the skills necessary for the job.
It will also allow you to stay involved and informed as the project gets underway.
If you have software developers on staff, you may defer to them on occasion, but it’s still useful to have at least a cursory understanding of Java.
3. Define your goals and the scope of the project
Before you even start looking for Java development companies to build your product, you must establish requirements and criteria for knowing when the project is completed to your satisfaction. Without clearly defining your objectives, you could be fine-tuning it forever and racking up quite a bill, all while delaying its launch and giving your competitors an advantage.
You’ll also need to estimate the scope of the project, including how much work will be involved and what a realistic timeline would look like. This will help both you and your prospective partners come to agreements about price, deadlines, and more.
4. Look for Java developers with the expertise your project demands
Most teams are going to have a fair amount of experience working with the language itself — that’s a given. But have they worked on Java development projects in your niche? When reviewing portfolios, an essential step for finding the right match, pay attention to the types of industries the developers have worked in previously.
For example, if your project is a tool for the healthcare industry, you’ll want a team that has experience building products in the medical field, too. If it’s not clear whether their past projects align with your mission, you can always ask.
5. Make sure the developer is up to date with new releases and trends
Java has been around for nearly a quarter of a century. Technology is constantly changing, and so is the programming language. The latest version, Java 13, was released in September 2019. So, when you outsource Java development, make sure the team you choose has been paying attention and is aware of the latest goings-on with the language.
You might ask, for example, which version they’re using and how the improvements have affected them.
6. Choose the best outsourcing model for your needs
Onshore, nearshore and offshore outsourcing partnerships all have their pros and cons. If you’re looking to save money, for instance, offshore is usually the cheapest, but it also often comes with language and cultural barriers that can extend your timeline.
Onshore and nearshore are generally more expensive, but you will likely have an easier time communicating. It’s up to you to weigh the advantages and drawbacks of each model to determine which one is most appropriate for your project.
7. Have a plan in place for making the partnership work
How frequently will you communicate? Have you established clear expectations? Are you on the same page about requirements?
These are just a few of the things you should think about when you embark on an outsourcing partnership. Understanding the details around your project and being upfront about what you need will certainly make things flow smoother, as there’ll be fewer surprises along the way.
Even if you only expect to outsource Java development for a single project, you may find a use for the team in the future – provided it all went well, that is. That’s why it’s essential to have a plan for how you’ll maintain the relationship and ensure that both parties feel comfortable with the terms.
Issues will arise, of course, and that’s also why it’s important to have a plan in place for addressing concerns and keeping everyone on task. You may find that this is the start of a long-term arrangement that benefits both of you.
