Since it first came onto the scene in 1995, Java has become a go-to for building web applications.
Why is it so popular? Well, its platform independence, object-oriented design, and massive community make it a favorite. But Java’s uses go far beyond messaging applications. It’s everywhere in web banking and fintech apps. When it comes to functionality and security, Java really shines compared to other programming languages.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned developer, building a web app with Java is totally doable. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to kick off your Java web development journey.
What is a Web Application?
A web application is software you can access through any web browser. The frontend, where users interact, is typically built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript—languages that are widely supported by most browsers.
On the other hand, the backend, which handles the behind-the-scenes operations, can be developed with programming languages like Java, Python, or PHP coupled with databases. Unlike mobile apps, where specific tools are often required, you have the flexibility to use any compatible IDE to develop web applications.
Why Choose Java?
Among the several languages used for web app development, why choose Java?
Many may argue that Java is a bit verbose and has a steeper learning curve compared to other languages. However, its strengths far outweigh these minor inconveniences.
Here are some reasons:
Platform independence
Java code can be easily run on any operating system and hardware, providing great flexibility. This means you can relax about compatibility issues when deploying your application across different platforms.
Object-Oriented Design
Java’s object-oriented design encourages modular coding in Java programs, making your projects easier to manage. This approach simplifies maintenance and helps keep your code clean and organized.
Write Once, Run Anywhere (WORA)
Java’s WORA capability allows you to write your code once and run it anywhere without modifications. This feature makes Java a favorite among developers seeking efficiency and convenience.
Scalability
Java excels in scalability, making it perfect for websites anticipating high traffic. You can trust Java to grow alongside your dynamic web project, handling increased loads smoothly.
Security
Java is packed with robust in-built security features, including a top-notch security manager and bytecode verification. These elements help protect your applications from potential threats and vulnerabilities.
Community Support
Java boasts a vibrant community of developers, offering a wealth of libraries and frameworks. This support network makes finding solutions and resources a breeze whenever you need help.
If you’re not entirely convinced about using Java, consider these advantages and how they can benefit your web app development journey.
Java Technologies to Know
When it comes to building web apps with Java, there are various technologies you’ll need to familiarize yourself with. These will aid you in your development process to create dynamic, secure, and efficient applications.
While there are several technologies to choose from, some of the most popular ones include:
Java Servlets
Servlets are the foundation for building web applications with Java on a web server. This is a well-defined set of classes and interfaces that provide web developers with methods to create dynamic web content using Java.
JavaServer Pages (JSP)
This technology allows you to embed Java codes into your HTML page, helping you create dynamic content for your web applications. JSPs offer an easy and efficient way of developing web apps without necessarily writing lengthy codes.
JavaServer Faces (JSF)
JSF is a web application framework that simplifies building user interfaces for Java-based HTML pages. It provides a set of reusable UI components and offers multiple view handlers, which can be useful when working with different types of client devices.
Java Database Connectivity (JDBC)
JDBC is a Java API that allows developers to access databases from Java applications. This technology simplifies the process of connecting and working with different types of databases, providing an efficient and unified approach.
How to Build a Web Application with Java
So, you want to develop a Java web application?
Creating a web app project in Java is both straightforward and flexible. But, before we get into the process, you have to ensure you have the tools ready on your system:
It is up to you to choose the tools that best suit your needs and preferences.
Once you have your tools set up, follow these steps to build a basic web app with Java:
1. Identify your needs
To ensure a seamless development process, you have to know what you want out of your web application.
Usually, web apps serve either a business or user function. For instance, do you want to create an e-commerce platform, a social media site, or a banking application? Each has a different set of requirements and functionalities, so identifying your core needs will guide the rest of your development process.
A business analyst can work with you and your team to define these requirements and chart the best path forward.
2. Plan your application’s architecture
Every successful web app is backed by solid planning. This involves designing an optimal architecture, which includes how different components will interact and the overall flow of data within your application.
- Framework
Choose a framework that best suits your application’s needs. For Java projects, you have multiple options, such as Spring, Struts, and Hibernate. Each has its own pros and cons, so be sure to research and compare before making a decision.
[Read more: The Best Java Frameworks to Use]
- Database
Pick the type of database based on what your application needs. Remember, a well-designed database is key to your website’s performance. You could go with relational databases like MySQL or NoSQL options like MongoDB. And if you’re aiming for low-level database access, consider using the JDBC API.
- User Interface
Java GUI libraries like JavaFX or Swing are great tools to create visually appealing interfaces for your web apps. When deciding between JavaFX and Swing, let your project requirements guide you, and make sure to pick one that’s user-friendly and customizable.
- Web Server
For your web app to run, you will need to deploy it on a server. Some popular options include the Apache Tomcat server, which is a popular choice for deploying Java web applications, but you can also opt for Jetty or Glassfish.
3. Develop your backend
Once you have your project’s architecture in place, it’s time to develop the backed logic for your application. This involves employing server-side technologies to handle your application’s business logic.
Java provides a range of libraries and frameworks to simplify this task, as we mentioned earlier. Plus, you can tap into Java Servlets and JSPs to whip up dynamic web content and communicate with users’ browsers using HTTP requests. With Servlets and JSP, managing the data flow between your web server and client becomes easier.
Some best practices to keep in mind when developing your backend:
- Adopt a Model-View-Controller (MVC) design pattern to clearly delineate presentation, business logic, and data access layers.
- Organize your code into distinct modules for better manageability.
- Craft SQL queries carefully to avoid slow page loads caused by inefficiencies.
- Leverage caching to enhance your application’s performance.
4. Ensure security
Every Java web application can face security breaches and threats, so don’t leave your security as an afterthought.
Fortunately, the Java platform offers several tools and techniques to implement solid security features. You can employ HTTPS, digital certificates, and login page authentication to secure your users’ data.
Some security techniques to enhance your web app’s security:
- Implement SSL encryption to protect sensitive data transmitted over the internet.
- Validate input fields to prevent SQL injections, cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, and other forms of vulnerabilities.
- Practice session management to prevent session hijacking.
5. Create Your Frontend
With your backend all set, it’s time to dive into the user experience.
While Java is mainly used for backend work, there are plenty of frameworks that can help you craft a frontend to smoothly communicate with your Java backend.
The frontend is the face of your web app, the part users directly interact with, so ensuring it’s intuitive and responsive is key. Luckily, there are some great Java libraries and frameworks out there, like Bootstrap, JQuery, AngularJS, and ReactJS, to help you build a fantastic UI.
6. Test and debug your application
The final step before deployment is testing. A thorough testing process helps you iron out any bugs or glitches in your app.
It goes without saying that this stage is crucial as it helps identify any bugs or issues early on, ensuring a smooth user experience when your website goes live.
When testing your Java web application, look out for the following:
- Unit Testing: This involves checking each component individually to ensure it works perfectly by itself.
- Integration Testing: Here, you check how each component interacts with other parts of the application.
- Security Testing: Conducting this type of testing helps identify and mitigate potential security threats. We want to guarantee that all security measures are in place and functioning correctly.
- Performance Testing: You should test your web application’s response time and load-handling capabilities. This type of testing helps you identify areas where your app may need optimization.
- Compatibility Testing: This step involves testing your app across various browsers, operating systems, and devices to ensure it performs consistently everywhere.
7. Deploy your application
You have reached the most rewarding part of Java web development: deployment.
Once your website passes all the tests and everything aligns with your requirements, you’re ready to deploy it. You’ll need a server to make your web app available on the internet.
Java provides several options for web application deployment, including virtual private servers (VPS), cloud hosting, and dedicated servers. Whichever option you choose, ensure that it meets the scale of your website and can handle its projected growth.
Before deployment, here you have the option to deploy it via:
- Cloud-based services like AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Microsoft Azure, or Google App Engine to host your web app automatically.
- Containerization with Docker and Kubernetes to manage your application’s deployment and scaling.
- Virtual Private Servers (VPS) to deploy your Java web app on a remote server that you can access via SSH.
If you’re not comfortable deploying your app on your own, you can opt for a managed hosting service that takes care of all technical aspects for you.
Why Should You Consider Outsourcing Your Java Web Development?
Outsourcing Java web application development is a popular way for businesses to save time and resources while still delivering quality products.
The advantages of outsourcing your web app development include:
Cost-effective
Hiring an in-house team for web development can be expensive, as it involves recruiting and training costs. Outsourcing offers an affordable alternative without compromising on quality.
Expertise and experience
Outsourcing companies have a pool of experienced developers with expertise in Java programming language. They are up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices, ensuring that your project is delivered to the highest standards.
Faster turnaround time
Outsourcing allows you to leverage the experience of professionals who are committed to delivering projects within tight deadlines.
Develop Your Web App with Startechup!
If you’re considering outsourcing your Java web application development, Startechup is an excellent choice. Our team of experienced developers has a proven track record of delivering top-quality Java applications to clients globally.
At Startechup, we use agile methodologies and cutting-edge technologies to develop fully customized web applications tailored to your business needs. We also offer continuous maintenance and support services to ensure that your app stays up-to-date and bug-free.
Book a FREE consultation with us today!
