Top 5 Java Forums for Programmers

When you face a Java problem where do you go? StackOverflow, Coderanch or Official Java forums? Yes there are lots of online resources to help a Java programmer when he stuck. Being one of the most popular programming language ever, Java has huge community. There are lots of blogs, websites and forums to help you on minute detail of Java programming. It doesn't matter if you are beginner facing problem or an expert looking for best possible way to do certain things in Java, forums always provide a good support. When I first started Java programming, there was no StackOverFlow but there was Javaranch forum, which is now known as Coderanch. That forum has lots of good people to help you, I have personally benefited a lot from that forum especially when I was preparing for SCJP. There Java beginners forum is also very useful for anyone who has just started with Java and don't have anyone to seek help. By communicating with forum members you will not only learn how to describe your problem but also learn lot of extra knowledge about subject which you have not expected. Since I love to find good resource, today I am going to share 5 most useful Java forums for any Java programmer. If you are in Java development for more than couple of months, I am sure you already know these places but for those who are looking to become Java developer, it pays off to know these Java forums in advance.

Top 5 Java Forums

Here is my list of top 5 forums Java developer should visit regularly. Even if you are not seeking for advice go hang out there and try to help other people because it will improve your knowledge as well. It helps immensely to correct any misconception you might have, as your post is scrutinized by many Java gurus. Though the order is of my preference, they are actually popular in same order and you can visit them in the same order as well.





1) StackOverFlow

StackOverFlow is not very old, founded in 2008 but from last couple of years it is undisputed leader of any problem solving forum. It is not just useful for Java developer but also to other developer like JavaScript, C, C++ and others. StackOverFlow uses tag to organize content and if you are posting your query then you must put in right tag. Java is one of the most popular tag in StackOverFlow and has almost 773596 post till this writing.  There is high chance that your query is already answered, so make sure you do a search before posting your question to community.

2) Coderanch

After StackOverFlow this is the most popular Java forum. Well someone can argue that StackOverFlow is a question answer site while this is a proper forum. I agree, though StackOverFlow also helps Java beginners not like this site. I would highly recommend this Java forum if you have just started with Java programming or you are preparing for any Oracle Java certification. This site has dedicated Java forums for different certification e.g. Java programmer, Java Web developer, Java business component developer etc. You can also find lots of success stories and personal experiences on how to prepare for Oracle Java certification.

3) Oracle Java Forum

This is the official Java forum managed by Oracle. This community site also has lots and lots of category starting from New to Java to JDBC, Swing, Java FX, Java Card, Java Mobile, Java TV etc. The place I most often check is Java Essentials which contains another four spaces, New to Java and Java Programming. As I said this is official forum, so you will receive good advise from people who knows their Java. If you have any query or problem, I suggest you to first post it to coderanch and if you don't receive any reply then try here.

4) Java Forum 

This is not a very big forum but quite useful some time. You might not get your answer immediately but be patient you will. I seldom go this forum as big three can handle 99% of your problems and queries. This forum can be a good place for Java developer who wants to help fellow programmer and improve their knowledge on subject matter. So if you are getting bored or want to revise your Java knowledge, go hang out in this forum. You will find lots of unanswered question to start with :)

5) DreamInCode Java forum

This is the forum I have received lot of good reviews but haven't spent much time, mainly due to my attachment to big three. Like other Java forums it also allow you to ask question, but you can also take some Java challenge there. It has different section for discussing advanced Java stuff, Java Challenges, Java EE stuff and Java News and articles section. If you are beginner or just starting with Java, You can find lot of good advice here like which Java book to start with.

That's all guys, this was my list of top 5 Java forums, which I think can be very useful for any programmer learning Java or any engineer aiming to become a Java developer. If you know Java but don't consider yourself expert, these are the place where you can find gaps in your knowledge and fill it with good advice from Java gurus hanging there. 

Source:http://javarevisited.blogspot.com/2015/01/top-5-java-forums-for-programmers.html