What level of Java expertise do I need for building a basic e-commerce backend?
You need intermediate-level expertise including Spring Framework knowledge, database integration skills, and API development experience. A developer should understand security practices, payment integration, and basic performance optimization to handle typical e-commerce requirements.
How can I verify if a Java developer actually knows what they're doing versus just listing it on their resume?
Ask them to walk through a recent project's architecture, explain their choice of frameworks, and discuss how they handled specific challenges like database optimization or concurrent user sessions. Request code samples and ask them to explain their design decisions.
Can Java handle real-time applications like chat systems or live dashboards?
Yes, Java excels at real-time applications through WebSockets, reactive programming with Spring WebFlux, and messaging systems like Apache Kafka. However, it's not ideal for ultra-low-latency applications where languages like C++ would be better suited.
How well does Java integrate with our existing tools like Salesforce, Shopify, or AWS?
Java has excellent integration capabilities with robust libraries for most popular services. It easily connects to Salesforce via REST APIs, integrates with Shopify's API for e-commerce functions, and has comprehensive AWS SDK support for cloud services.
How long does it typically take to build and deploy a Java application?
A simple REST API can be built in 2-4 weeks, while complex enterprise applications may take 3-6 months. Initial setup and deployment to cloud platforms usually takes 1-2 weeks, with ongoing feature development happening in 1-2 week sprints.
What kind of ongoing maintenance will my Java application need after launch?
Expect regular security updates, dependency updates every few months, performance monitoring and optimization, and potential scaling adjustments as your user base grows. Budget for 10-20% of development time for ongoing maintenance and feature enhancements.