6 Reasons Why Java Developers Should Learn Hadoop

Imagine there are two girls standing in front of you - The first girl is cute, beautiful, interesting and has the smile that any guy would die for. And the other girl is average-looking, quiet, not-so-impressive... no different from the ones that you usually see in the restaurant cash counter. Which girl will you call out for a date? If you're like me, you will choose the attractive girl. You see, life is full of options and making the right choice is what matters the most.

If you're a Java developer, then you probably have more choices to make - like the switch from Java to Hadoop.

                            

Big data and Hadoop are the two most popular buzzwords in the industry. Chances are that you have come across these two terms on the Java payscale forums or seen your senior colleagues making the switch to get bigger paychecks. I'll tell you what, the upgrade from Java to Hadoop is not just about staying updated with the latest technology or getting appraisals - it's about being competent and putting your career on the fifth gear.

The good news for all the aspiring Hadoop developers is that, the Big Data industry has already crossed the $50 billion dollar mark and over 64% of the top 720 companies worldwide are interesting to invest in this forward-thinking technology as revealed by Gartner in 2013.

If that's not convincing, then take a look at these stats:

1. According to an IDC report, the Big Data industry is growing at the rate of 31.7% per year.
2. Java developers are seen as the best replacement option for Hadoop developers, says Forrester.
3. Hadoop developers enjoy a mighty 250% pay hike than Java developers, as stated in an Analytics Industry Report.

What's special about Hadoop?

Unlike the traditional databases which weren't capable of dealing with large volumes of data, Hadoop offers the quickest, cheapest, and smartest way to store and process giant volumes of data - and that's the reason why it is so popular among big corporations, government organizations, hospitals, universities, financial services, online marketing agencies, etc. The best way to familiarize with the language is to check out a beginner's big data hadoop course online.

Okay, now let's some reasons why Java developers should switch to Hadoop.

1. Easy To Learn For Java Developers

A tennis player like Rafael Nadal loves clay courts because the surface suits him well and that's where he has been most successful. Similarly, any Java developer would love Hadoop because it's completely written in Java - a language that you are already so familiar with. Switching from Java to Hadoop is a cake-walk for professionals like you because the MapReduce script used in the Hadoop is actually written in Java itself. Awesome, isn't it?

Your Java skills will come in handy when debugging Hadoop apps and employing Pig (programming tool) Latin commands.

2. Helps You To Stay Ahead Of Your Competition

If you are a Java professional, you are just seen as a person in the crowd. But, if you are a Hadoop developer, you are seen as potential leader in the crowd. Big Data and Hadoop jobs are a hot deal in the market and Java professionals with the required skill set are easily picked by big companies for high salary packages. All you have to do is attend a big data hadoop online training program and learn the concepts from an expert.

3. Scope To Move Into Bigger Domains

Fortunately for you, the road doesn't end with Hadoop and MapReduce. There is always the golden opportunity to use your Hadoop skills and expertise to move into higher levels such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Sensor Web data, and Machine Learning. These are emerging markets, and you'll see them dominate the industry in the next 4-5 years. Good knowledge in Big Data and Hadoop could boost your chances of getting into some of the bigger Big Data-dependent companies such as Amazon, Yahoo, Facebook, Twitter, IBM, and eBay.

4. Lucrative Packages For Hadoop Professionals

By switching from Java to Hadoop, you can expect a higher salary and better career prospects - the kind of salary and designation that your wife would like to rave about. According to Indeed, the average salary for a Big Data Hadoop developer with 1-2 years of experience is around $140,000 per annum in the United States. However, as you gain experience and become a senior Hadoop developer, you will be able to make a good $400,000+ salary.

5. An Improved Quality Of Work

Learning Big Data Hadoop can be highly beneficial because it will help you to deal with bigger, complex projects much easier and deliver better output than your colleagues. In order to be considered for appraisals, you need to be someone who can make a difference in the team, and that's what Hadoop lets you to be.

6. Grow With The Industry

With IDC predicting that the Big Data and Hadoop user base (big companies and government organizations) is likely to increase at 27% per year, you have a great opportunity to upgrade your knowledge and skills and grow with the industry.