Top Java Projects to Sharpen Your Skills and Build Your Java Portfolio

Java is one of the most popular programming language in the world and is used by several top tech companies. So, why not master Java skills and become a sought-after candidate in the backend development job market? 

This article will help you acquire this in-demand tech skill by listing the most popular Java projects. We will include Java projects for beginners, intermediate, and advanced programmers. Be sure to choose the projects that enhance your coding skills and aid your professional journey. 

5 Skills That Java Projects Can Help You Practice

There are tons of popular Java skills that can help you complete a variety of Java projects. The required skills vary depending on your project type and programming background. We will include the top five beginner, intermediate, and advanced Java skills. 

• Front end development. Tons of Java application development projects encompass front end development technologies. You will need to learn HTML, JavaScript, and CSS to develop an optimal application. 
• Database management systems. You can build several management systems in Java that require data storage and processing. So, it is crucial to acquire database management skills that include MySQL, and relational databases. 
• Spring framework. Java projects, such as customer relationship management systems and networking sites, use Spring frameworks for their development. You will need to master this open-source framework to succeed as a Java programmer. 
• JSON and XML. As a Java programmer, having excellent markup language skills is crucial to executing projects involving operating systems. Be sure to polish your JSON and XML skills to perform intermediate and advanced Java projects.  
• Backend development. Backend development is another essential Java skill required for application and platform development projects. You need to gain excellent skills in backend languages, data structures, and Java server skills. 

Best Java Project Ideas for Beginners

For those new to the world of Java programming, below are the best Java project ideas for beginners. These projects are great for new Java programmers looking to add ample practical experience into their portfolios with real-world projects. Keep reading for beginner project ideas for Java that cover management systems, billing systems, server-side software, and web-based software. 

Smart City Java Project

• Java Skills Practiced: Web-based software, integrated platform, and application module 

The smart city project is web software that provides essential information and city guides to tourists, job seekers, and incoming students. You will build an integrated web-based platform that contains information about the city’s attractions, healthcare facilities, housing and food accommodation centers, and transportation services. 

You will also include a map for the city that will assist users to find city landmarks and other destinations. You will build this platform with Java, and add five modules that cover administration, business, job seekers, student, and tourism. You can find the source file for this beginner Java application project online to get started. 

Online Survey System Java Project 

• Java Skills Practiced: Java, Windows OS, web-based software application, and MySQL database server

This is another web-based software project where you create a survey collection and email application system on the platform. You’ll implement a Java application by using a MySQL server database and create a secret answer collection and processing survey system. This online system will use ratio button features to gather and register the participants’ votes and opinions. 

Data Visualization Software with Java 

• Java Skills Practiced: Data visualization, project node connectivity networking, software development, and statistical graphics 

This beginner data visualization software project is great for those interested in developing a Java software project related to the data science field. You will create functional and aesthetically pleasing software that can communicate and provide a seamless insight into datasets. 

This project uses graphical format representation, software development, statistical graphics, and data visualization designs for the development of optimal software. You will also display a node connectivity network in this project. 

Run a Flappy Bird Game in Java

• Java Skills Practiced: Java development kit, NetBeans IDE, Eclipse IDE, and application servers 

There are several amazing Java projects available for those interested in pursuing a career in game software development. You can find tons of project source code that will help you develop these game application servers. In this project, you will run a Flappy Bird game in Java. 

You need to have a working knowledge of IDE, project imports, the Java development kit, and application servers for this project. You will import the project source code into NetBeans IDE and Eclipse IDE, debug targets in the browser, and run the game board. 

Airline Reservation System in Java

• Java Skills Practiced: JavaScript, SQL database, HTML, backend and CORE Java, and Windows operating system 

If you are curious about management systems and enterprise applications in the airline business, then this Java project for beginners is for you. The project contains both international and domestic flight modules and you will create a reservation system that allows customers to interact and reserve online flight tickets and seats. 

The Java backend system uses customer information inputs including age, flight name, destination, flight source, and the number of seats to provide a flight ticket price, timing, and other information. The project’s software requirements include Windows operating system, Javascript, HTML, CORE Java, and SQL database. 

Best Intermediate Java Project Ideas 

If you are an entry-level Java developer or software developer looking to boost your professional portfolio and land an intermediate backend developer job, then read our list of best intermediate Java project ideas to get started. These intermediate project ideas cover billing management systems, target directories, social networking sites, and information management systems. 

You will need to master Java skills in Java database connectivity, Java SE, project nodes, project metadata, Java libraries, console-based applications, and Java Server frameworks to execute these intermediate projects. 

Build a Social Networking Site in Java 

• Java Skills Practiced: APIs, Spring Boot, JSON requests, and Java backend 

Java offers a wide range of libraries and frameworks you can use to build the backend and middleware of applications. This social media current time project requires you to build a networking site in Java. 

You will create a site that incorporates all the essential components of a social networking site including image positing, reactions, chatting interfaces, and friend request features. You will create a model, repository, service, controller file, and APIs for the site and use Spring Boot, Java, and JSON requests to do so.

Supply Chain Management System with Java 

• Java Skills Practiced: Database management systems, client module, administration module, JSP, HTML, JDBC, and dealer module 

If you are looking to penetrate careers in software development in the business tech or fintech sectors, then adding this project to your portfolio is worth it. To successfully execute this project, you need to learn supply chain management basics, Java application development, inventory network systems, and web-based system design. 

You’ll use HTML, JSP, and JDBC to automate communication systems between the organization’s admin and clients. The project contains three modules including the client module, administration module, and dealer module. You’ll create a management system that consists of an efficient inventory network cycle that reflects the expenses, sales, and inventory of the organization.

Create an Electricity Billing System with Java 

• Java Skills Practiced: Target debugging, service-oriented application, database management, and system automation 

If you are looking for a service-oriented software application project, then this electricity billing system with Java is for you. This project requires you to create a high-performing and consumer-friendly application. 

Some components of this billing system include data sharing services, automated meter reading, security restrictions, provisioned debug targets, and data collection. This project implements several Java skills, including database management, and web-based digitized systems. This project will help you build several career skills in software development. 

Create an Ebook Learning Platform with Java  

• Java Skills Practiced: Java library, Java SE, project nodes, Java database connectivity, static void, and database management

Java is a popular platform creation and backend development language. To create an ebook learning platform with Java you must gain an in-depth understanding of Java SE, project nodes, static voids, Java libraries, and classpath relations. 

This project uses Java database connectivity and Java libraries to create an application where users receive access to books after they create an account on the platform. It also requires an understanding of database management for large amounts of book storage. 

Web Medical Management System Portal with Java 

• Java Skills Practiced: Database management system, Java library, web-based application, and administration module

Java’s easy integration with machine learning, scalability, and object-oriented features make it a popular language for web management systems. You will create an online medical management system portal using the language that will provide patients access to the hospital’s appointment system. 

The portal will include patient medical and appointment history and provide access to online prescriptions. This is a complex project as it requires extensive knowledge of system design, Java libraries, database management systems, client modules, and administration modules.  

Advanced Java Project Ideas

Advanced Java project ideas apply to professionals who have experience with Java development. Including advanced Java projects in your portfolio will enhance your candidacy and help you land a senior job. Advanced Java project ideas range from customer relationship management systems to network security. Choose the projects that best suit your career plans. 

Build a Customer Relationship Management System with Java 

• Java Skills Practiced: JSpring framework, JDBC, MySQL, and HTTP 

This advanced Java project requires advanced skills in MySQL, HTTP, Java database connectivity, and JSpring framework. You also need to know Spring core, Spring MVC, ORM framework, and Hibernate to do this project. 

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You will create a management system for the web platform that will allow organization managers to edit and access customer data for better customer relations. This project uses the Spring framework and provides the source sets for Java programming. 

bFit Cognitive and Memory Testing Game with Java 

• Java Skills Practiced: Java, splash screens, multithreading, and mobile application development

If you want to become an Android developer, then adding Java Android development application projects to your portfolio is highly beneficial. This mobile game app development project is an online brain exercise game that tests your memory and cognitive skills. 

To build this application, you will set up the user interface, add game logic, create a splash screen, create a game guide, and set up the game screens. You will also build an APK for the application’s release. Lastly, you will create an automated data processing scoreboard in the app that tracks the user’s answers. 

Network Packet Sniffer Analyzer Software with Java 

• Java Skills Practiced: System administration, network administration, LAN data packets, and system security 

If you are interested in system and network administration career paths, then this network packet sniffer analyzer software with Java project might be for you. The goals of this project are to create system security rules and set up network packet sniffer analyzer software for system monitoring. 

You will create a packet sniffer that consists of features including 24/7 monitoring, packet decoding, protocol analysis, network problem solving, and real-time data storing. It consists of a statistics module, a packet analysis module, and a user interface module. 

Internet Service Provider Automation System with Java

• Java Skills Practiced: Database management system, J2EE, Java, and system automation 

This internet service provider (ISP) project requires you to create a system that offers automatic troubleshooting, and error messages to the user. The project also requires you to connect the communication systems between the ISP and the server. 

It consists of four automation modules including a user login module, a connection module, hardware and software modules, and a service module. You will use Java technology, and J2EE to create this system. 

Build a Criminal Face Detection System with Java

• Java Skills Practiced: Oracle, Apache Tomcat web server, Java technology, and Windows XP

If face detection applications interest you, then this project is for you. This project consists of witness, investigator, and admin modules and requires you to build an efficient image detection system. You will load sliced images data into the system and enable the instant viewing feature on it. 

Java Starter Project Templates

Java starter project templates are great for programming newbies looking to gain support for their projects using source sets. Stater project templates are also helpful for developers with advanced Java skills looking to skip the foundational coding required for an application or a platform development. 

• Coffee shop management in Java. This is free source code for creating a management system for a coffee shop. You can use this source code to create other beginner management systems in Java. 
• Java 8 ball pool game. This Java source code will help you build an 8 ball pool game. It will serve as a guide for other web-based game development projects. 
• ISP management system in Java. If you are looking to create a management system for customer service and an internet service provider, then this template can help you get started. 
• Online job portal platform in Java. If you want to learn how to build online job portals in Java, then this project’s source code will help you learn it. 
• Global communication network in Java. This project template helps you to build a text-based communication network that includes system security and user authentication features.  

Next Steps: Start Organizing Your Java Portfolio

Java is a popular object oriented programming language that is used by many top companies. If you want to become a mobile app developer or a software developer, you should build Java projects that showcase the language’s application in software tools, web applications, Android apps, and scientific applications. Keep reading for tips on how to create a strong Java portfolio.

Complete Mobile Application Development Projects 

Java is a top mobile application development programming language. Adding mobile application projects with the language to your portfolio will highlight your backend development, Java library, and Java SE skills. Depending on your expertise level, you can develop Java web application projects for beginners, or advanced Android java applications. 

Create Web Management Systems with Java 

Add a wide variety of project types to your portfolio. There are tons of Java web management systems projects you can do that cover the medical, ebook, billing, and supply chain industries. You can refer to the Java management systems project ideas mentioned above to get started. 

Complete Java Projects from GitHub and Source Code and Projects

You can use popular open-source platforms and do various Java projects. GitHub and Source Code and Projects are two platforms that offer tons of project ideas and source code options you can choose from. Choosing a project that displays the skills necessary for the specific job you are after will help you stand out to your potential employer.

Java Projects FAQ