Welcome to the second article in our 11-part guide, "Kickstarting Your Software Development Career – A Guide for Junior Developers." In our first article, you’ve seen how to transition from university to your first dev job but now let’s zoom out and look at the big picture: your tech stack.
As a junior developer, your tech stack is your toolbox. It’s what you’ll use to build, test, and deploy real-world applications. But with so many languages, frameworks, and tools out there, where do you start?
Here’s what you actually need to know to be job-ready.
🧱 Core Programming Languages
1. Java
A go-to language for enterprise applications. It’s strong in backend systems and known for its reliability and performance. Java is commonly used with Spring Boot, making it a critical skill in corporate and financial environments.
✅ Learn Java if you're aiming for stable, backend-heavy roles in large organizations.
2. JavaScript
The language of the web. JavaScript runs in every browser and is essential for creating interactive frontends. It’s also used on the backend with Node.js.
✅ Learn JavaScript to be versatile and work across both frontend and backend (a.k.a. full stack).
3. TypeScript
A superset of JavaScript that adds static typing. TypeScript is used in Angular and is gaining popularity across frontend frameworks due to its ability to catch errors early.
✅ Learn TypeScript to write safer, scalable frontend code and boost your chances with modern web projects.
🧰 Essential Frameworks
1. Spring Boot
Powerful backend framework for Java. It simplifies creating REST APIs, connecting to databases, and structuring large applications. Nearly every Java job in enterprise software expects Spring Boot knowledge.
2. Angular
A full-fledged frontend framework used heavily in large enterprise apps. Comes with built-in tooling, uses TypeScript, and enforces a strong project structure.
3. Vue.js
A flexible and beginner-friendly frontend framework. It’s lighter than Angular and ideal for rapid development or smaller teams.
🛠 Pick one backend and one frontend framework to focus on, then build something real with them.
🔧 Must-Have Tools
1. Git
Version control is non-negotiable. Learn how to commit, push, pull, create branches, and merge. Every company uses Git—most via GitHub or GitLab.
2. Docker
You don’t need to be a DevOps pro, but understanding containers is key. Docker helps you package your app and all its dependencies to run consistently across environments.
3. IntelliJ IDEA
A top-tier IDE for Java development. It helps you write, debug, and refactor code faster. Learn how to navigate and use its powerful features—your future self will thank you.
⛏ Bonus tools: Postman (for testing APIs), VS Code (for frontend), Maven/Gradle (for Java builds).
🗃️ Understanding Databases and APIs
You’ll work with data in almost every project. At a minimum, you should know:
- SQL and Relational Databases (like PostgreSQL or MySQL): Learn basic queries—SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, joins, and indexing.
- APIs: Know how to consume and build RESTful APIs. Practice using GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE endpoints with tools like Postman or curl.
Also get familiar with how backend services handle data through Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) tools like JPA/Hibernate in Java.
📚 Beginner-Friendly Learning Resources
Java:
- Head First Java by Kathy Sierra & Bert Bates
- Java Programming Masterclass – Udemy
- freeCodeCamp Java Tutorials
Spring Boot:
- Spring in Action by Craig Walls
- Java Brains YouTube Channel
- Spring Boot Official Docs
JavaScript:
- Eloquent JavaScript by Marijn Haverbeke (free online book)
- JavaScript.info
- freeCodeCamp JavaScript Track
TypeScript:
- TypeScript Handbook
- TypeScript Crash Course – Traversy Media
- TypeScript for Beginners – Udemy
Angular:
- Angular Official Docs
- Angular – The Complete Guide on Udemy
- Academind Angular Crash Course
Vue.js:
Git:
- Git Handbook by GitHub
- Learn Git Branching
- Git & GitHub Crash Course – Traversy Media
Docker:
- Docker for Beginners – freeCodeCamp
- Docker Docs
IntelliJ IDEA:
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to master everything at once. Focus on the fundamentals: one language, one backend, one frontend, and one database. Add tools as needed while building projects. A solid tech stack is your launchpad—it’s how you turn ideas into working software.
Up next in the series: "Mastering Java and Spring Boot as a Junior Developer".
