Java is a versatile programming language that can be used for a variety of purposes. In this blog post, we will explore whether Java can be used for eCommerce. While it may not be the best option for every business, it does have some advantages that could make it a good choice for some companies.
Let's take a closer look at Java and see what it has to offer!
Still Going Strong After 26 Years
Java is a powerful programming language that offers many advantages for businesses. It is a high-level, object-oriented programming language that is relatively easy to learn and use—making it an excellent language to learn coding for beginners.
Java is also a platform-independent language, which means it can be used on any computer system without having to worry about compatibility issues. It is fast, versatile, and scalable, making it an especially good choice for large-scale applications.
No wonder, then, that 90% of companies in the Fortune500 continue to employ Java in their operations. Of course, a sizeable chunk of this can be attributed to familiarity and legacy code, but the language is undeniably being used in more modern setups as well.
Java has been around for over 26 years and it is still going strong. This shows that it is a language that businesses can rely on. It also means that you will be able to find developers who are familiar with Java if you need help with your project.
As a small- to medium-sized eCommerce business, this bodes well as you'd want to choose a language that has staying power to make the most out of your investment.
Java also has a strong community behind it, which means that there is plenty of support available if you need it. Its large ecosystem offers plenty of options for eCommerce businesses. The vast number of Java frameworks available, as well as third-party libraries and tools, means that you will be able to find everything you need to create your eCommerce application without breaking the bank.
Some Limitations of Java
Although Java makes sense for a wide swathe of businesses, it does have some limitations.
Firstly, Java has high memory and processing requirements, which can lead to increased hardware costs.
Java also doesn't give you control over garbage collection, which can lead to performance bottlenecks that need to be addressed.
Finally, Java's complex code architecture can make it difficult for novice programmers to get started. This could lead to longer development times and higher costs if you're not careful.
All in all, Java is a great choice for businesses looking for a reliable and versatile programming language that can be used for eCommerce. While it does have some limitations, these can be overcome with careful planning and execution. As long as you're aware of what to expect, Java can be an excellent option for your eCommerce business.
Does Java Make Sense for Your eCommerce Business?
Java is a strong contender for businesses looking for a programming language to use for eCommerce. But does it make sense for your specific business?
To answer that question, you'll need to consider the specific needs of your company. Java offers many advantages, including its platform independence, scalability, and large community.
However, as we noted above, Java's limitations might make it a poor choice for some businesses.
Let's break down some of the key factors you have to consider before using Java to develop your eCommerce application:
Memory and processing requirements
Java requires a lot of memory and processing power, which could lead to increased hardware costs. The near-infinite scalability offered by Java that makes it so favored among Fortune500 companies comes with a price—make sure this investment is right for your business.
One of the biggest reasons for Java's higher memory usage is its virtual machine (VM) platform, which allows the language to run on any computer system without having to worry about compatibility issues. If you're not sure if your business needs this level of flexibility, you may want to opt for JavaScript, which is more of a lighter scripting language.
Garbage collection
Java's automatic garbage system comes with its proprietary memory management system. Businesses that need a greater degree of control over your eCommerce site's garbage collection might want to look for an alternative programming language.
Access to expert programmers
Java's complex code architecture can be difficult for novice programmers to get started with, resulting in longer development times and higher costs. If you don't have the resources to spare, another language might be a better choice.
If you live or work near areas with a high concentration of Java developers, you're in luck. The benefits of having Java developers nearby are many—they can help shorten your development time, offer after-sales support and advice, and more. However, if you don't have this luxury, you can always outsource your development needs to a remote company.
Conclusion
In the end, it's important to weigh all of Java's pros and cons before making a decision. The language offers many advantages for businesses looking to create an eCommerce application, but make sure that its limitations don't outweigh its benefits for your specific company. With careful planning, Java can be an excellent option for your eCommerce business.