How to become a self-taught Java (or any) developer everyone wants to hire?

[arulk pillai]

If you are beginning on the journey of becoming a Java developer, I have covered all aspects of learning, resources, mindset, etc in the following blog post entitled How to become a self-taught Java (or any) developer everyone wants to hire?, which is too long to copy and paste here.

Feel free to comment on any further tips.

[Mark Spencers]

Good way to learn java is to answer questions on stackoverflow and coderanch. This will teach you right things and much quicker than a book.

Solving others problems is difficult

[Randall Twede]

All true, but you won't get hired without a BS

[Jeanne Boyarsky]

Randall Twede wrote:All true, but you won't get hired without a BS

Depends on where. Some companies don't require a degree.

[Randall Twede]

I learned java and html on my own. Got scjp, then went back to school because I needed the degree

[arulk pillai]

Randall Twede wrote:I learned java and html on my own. Got scjp, then went back to school because I needed the degree

That is the best way to learn. Technologies & frameworks are growing rapidly and one needs to keep learning continuously.

[Randall Twede]

arulk,
on the CS building at my university there was a saying. "those who profess to teach must never cease to learn." i liked that, and its true, especially at the pace we change at today

[Prasad Saya]

I'd like to add:
1. By getting a Java certification (especially, the developer certification).
2. By converting a non-Java app to Java app.
3. Write a Java app and keep re-writing it (or refactoring it) and improving it and using new APIs; over years you will find out the road map.
4. And, of course make it a must to write at least 5 lines of tested and working Java code, every day.
5. Write a blog about your coding experience.
6. Write a book (well, at least attempt at one; no need to publish)
7. And, learn a new programming language, once in a while