13 Java Project Ideas For Your Resume and Portfolio

Are you looking to build your resume and stand out from the competition? Java projects are a great way to showcase your coding skills and put yourself ahead of other job applicants. With the right project, you can show employers that you have all the technical knowledge they need for their software development team.

In this article, we will go over 13 Java projects ideal for your resume or portfolio that could help make you an attractive job candidate. From beginner-friendly tasks to more complex ones, these projects should give you plenty of ideas on how to best present your skills and experience in code form. So let’s get started!

What Kind of Projects Is Java Language Best for?

Before we start, let’s briefly touch on what kind of projects is Java language best suited for. Java is a highly popular, versatile language that can be used to develop anything from web apps and mobile applications to desktop programs.

Believe it or not, Java is used by 90% of Fortune 500 companies, and it is the second most popular programming language in the world.

Most common applications of Java include:

• Enterprise software
• Desktop software
• Back-end web development
• Mobile applications
• Mobile games

Java is used by many of the world’s largest companies and is an excellent language for developing applications that require high security. Additionally, it has a wide range of libraries and frameworks that can make the development process easier.

Best Java Project Ideas for Your Resume and Portfolio

Now that you know what kind of projects Java is best suited for, let’s look at 13 ideal Java projects for your resume or portfolio:

1. Tic-Tac-Toe Game

Description: Tic-tac-toe is a classic puzzle game that can be used to show your ability to develop logic and game strategies. The game consists of two players who take turns marking a 3×3 grid with either an “X” or an “O.” The player who succeeds in placing three of their marks in a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal row wins the game.

• Complexity: Beginner
• Estimated time: 10-15 hours
• Knowledge required: Java syntax, basic OOP concepts

Steps to take:

1. Design the game board as a two-dimensional array
2. Write code to draw the game board in console
3. Develop logic to check if a player wins
4. Create a loop to allow players to take turns

2. Hangman Game

Description: Develop a hangman game that can keep track of user’s points and score, as well as the number of lives. The game should allow users to guess letters in a randomly generated word. If the user guesses correctly, they will gain points, while incorrect guesses will cause them to lose lives. The game should end when the user has guessed all letters or run out of lives.

• Complexity: Beginner/Intermediate
• Estimated time: 10-20 hours
• Knowledge required: Java syntax, basic OOP concepts, knowledge of GUI programming

Steps to take:

1. Set up basic project structure and create the game class
2. Create a loop that will generate a randomly selected word from an array of words
3. Create the game interface, including buttons for guesses and a display for guessed letters
4. Write code to check if the user’s guess is correct or incorrect and update lives/points appropriately
5. Write code to check if the user has won/lost the game

3. Address Book

Description: Create an address book application that can store contact information such as name, address, phone number, and email. The application should allow users to add, delete, search, and update contact information.

• Complexity: Beginner/Intermediate
• Estimated time: 10-15 hours
• Knowledge required: Java syntax, basic OOP concepts, knowledge of GUI programming

Steps to take:

1. Set up a basic project structure and create the address book class
2. Create a GUI interface for the address book using Swing components
3. Write code to add, delete, search and update contact information
4. Create a database to store the contacts
5. Test the application and debug any errors

4. Quiz App

Description: Create a quiz application that can generate multiple-choice questions and track user progress. The application should allow users to select the number of questions they would like to answer, as well as the difficulty level.

• Complexity: Intermediate
• Estimated time: 10-20 hours
• Knowledge required: Java syntax, basic OOP concepts, knowledge of GUI programming

Steps to take:

1. Create a database of questions and answers.
2. Create a user interface to display the generated questions and keep track of user progress.
3. Create a class to store and generate the questions, such as their difficulty level, type of question (multiple choice, true/false, etc.), and answer.
4. Write code to generate multiple-choice questions based on the database of questions and answers.
5. Write code to track user progress and display the results.
6. Test the application in a variety of scenarios to ensure that it is working properly.

5. Chart Maker

Description: Create an application that can generate charts based on user input. The application should allow users to select the type of chart they would like to generate, such as a bar chart or line graph. Then the user should be able to enter data in the form of x and y values, which will be rendered into a chart. This can be used to display data such as sales figures or population trends in an organized and visually appealing way.

• Complexity: Intermediate/Advanced
• Estimated time: 20-30 hours
• Knowledge: Java syntax, basic OOP concepts, knowledge of GUI programming and chart libraries

Steps to take:

1. Create a user interface to allow the selection of the chart type
2. Implement a way to store user data in appropriate data structures
3. Use an available chart library to render the data
4. Add functionality to allow users to tweak the display properties of the chart, such as line width or color
5. Add any additional features, such as the ability to save or print the chart.
6. Test and debug the application

6. Image Viewer

Description: Create an application that can display images from a given directory. The application should allow users to navigate through the images in the directory, and display basic information about each image such as size, resolution, and file type.

• Complexity: Intermediate/Advanced
• Estimated time: 15-20 hours
• Knowledge required: Java syntax, basic OOP concepts, knowledge of GUI programming

Steps to take:

1. Create a user interface with buttons to open files, display previous and next images, as well as other features such as image info or print.
2. Implement a method to get the list of images from the directory.
3. Create a method for displaying an image and its basic information, such as size, resolution and file type.
4. Implement the navigation buttons to move back and forth through the images.
5. Test the application and refine it as necessary.

7. Calendar App

Description: Create an application that can display a calendar, allowing users to enter and view events. The application should allow users to select different months, and show which dates have events associated with them.

• Complexity: Intermediate/Advanced
• Estimated time: 15-20 hours
• Knowledge required: Java syntax, basic OOP concepts, knowledge of GUI programming

Steps to take:

1. Create a user interface to display a calendar and allow user interactions.
2. Add functionality to allow users to add events to the calendar, with associated details such as time, location, description.
3. Implement a data structure to store and track user events.
4. Show which dates have associated events by highlighting or displaying a symbol.
5. Test the application and refine it as necessary.

8. Notification App

Description: Create a mobile application that can send notifications to users. The user should be able to select the type of notification they want, such as a text message, email, or push notification. The user should also be able to define when the notification is sent and customize its contents.

• Complexity: Intermediate/Advanced
• Estimated time: 15-20 hours
• Knowledge required: Mobile development, user interface and backend development, mobile app development platform (such as Xamarin or React Native), messaging service (such as Firebase Cloud Messaging).

Steps to take:

1. Develop a user interface for the application, allowing users to select the type of notification they want and define its contents.
2. Implement a backend to store user data and manage the notification service.
3. Integrate a messaging platform, such as Firebase Cloud Messaging, to send notifications.
4. Add functionality to allow users to customize the notification’s timing and content.
5. Test and debug the application.
6. Deploy the application on an appropriate platform, such as iOS or Android.

9. Currency Converter

Description: Create an application that allows users to convert currency from one to another. The user should be able to select the currencies they want to convert, as well as the amount. The application should display the converted amount and show a graph of the current exchange rate between currencies over time.

• Complexity: Intermediate/Advanced
• Estimated time: 20-30 hours
• Knowledge required: Java syntax, basic OOP concepts, knowledge of GUI programming, web development (API integration)

Steps to take:

1. Develop a user interface for the application, allowing users to select the currencies they want to convert, as well as the amount.
2. Implement a method to get currency exchange rate data from an external resource, such as the European Central Bank.
3. Create a method to convert between currencies based on the exchange rate data retrieved.
4. Create a graph to show the exchange rate between two currencies over time.
5. Test and debug the application.

10. Weather App

Description: Create an application that displays the weather forecast for a specific location. The user should be able to enter their location and view the current weather, as well as the forecast for upcoming days. The application could also display a graph of the temperature over time and show any associated warnings.

• Complexity: Intermediate/Advanced
• Estimated time: 20-30 hours
• Knowledge required: Java syntax, basic OOP concepts, knowledge of GUI programming, web development (API integration)

Steps to take:

1. Develop a user interface for the application, allowing users to enter their location.
2. Integrate a weather API, such as OpenWeatherMap or Yahoo Weather, to retrieve the forecast data.
3. Create a method to display the current weather, as well as the forecast for upcoming days.
4. Add functionality to show any associated warnings.
5. Create a graph to show the temperature over time for the location. (optional)
6. Test and debug the application.

11. Fitness Tracking App

Description: Create a mobile application that allows users to track their fitness progress. The user should be able to enter information about their exercises and track their progress over time. The application should also be able to generate reports and provide personalized recommendations for users.

• Complexity: Advanced
• Estimated time: 30-40 hours
• Knowledge required: Mobile development, user interface and backend development, mobile app development platform (such as Xamarin or React Native), database design

Steps to take:

1. Develop a user interface for the application, allowing users to enter information about their exercises and track their progress.
2. Design a database to store user data and exercise history.
3. Integrate a mobile development platform to create the application.
4. Implement a reporting feature, allowing users to view their progress over time.
5. Create algorithms to generate personalized recommendations for users.
6. Test and debug the application.
7. Deploy the application on an appropriate platform.

12. Recipe App

Description: Create an application to help users discover and create new recipes. The user should be able to search for recipes based on ingredients, as well as create their own recipes. The application should be able to generate shopping lists, suggest meal plans, and provide nutritional information for recipes.

• Complexity: Advanced
• Estimated time: 30-40 hours
• Knowledge required: Java syntax, basic OOP concepts, knowledge of GUI programming, web development (API integration), database design

Steps to take:

1. Develop a user interface for the application, allowing users to search for recipes and create their own.
2. Design a database to store user data and recipe information.
3. Integrate a recipe API, such as Spoonacular or Edamam, to retrieve recipes.
4. Create algorithms to generate personalized meal plans and shopping lists.
5. Add functionality to provide nutritional information for recipes.
6. Test and debug the application.
7. Deploy the application on an appropriate platform.

13. Image Recognition App

Description: Create a mobile application that uses image recognition to identify objects in an image. The user should be able to upload an image and the application should be able to detect any objects in the image, such as plants, animals, or objects.

• Complexity: Advanced
• Estimated time: 30-40 hours
• Knowledge required: Mobile development, user interface and backend development, machine learning (TensorFlow, Scikit-Learn), mobile app development platform (such as Xamarin or React Native)

Steps to take:

1. Develop a user interface for the application, allowing users to upload images and view results.
2. Design a database to store user data and image recognition results.
3. Integrate a mobile development platform to create the application.
4. Implement machine learning algorithms to detect objects in images.
5. Test and debug the application.
6. Deploy the application.

Tips to Make Your Java Projects Loved by Recruiters

By now, you have hopefully picked a project you would like to work on to make a good impression on recruiters. We would like to further help you make the most out of your projects by suggesting some tips and tricks to make your resume and portfolio irresistible.

In addition to these suggestions you can make use of creative resume templates that will give you an idea of what an eye-catching resume looks like. By utilizing templates you can make sure you follow a foolproof outline while still having some room for creativity.

1. Name your variables and methods properly

Recruiters and hiring managers like to see that you are following the best coding practices. By naming your methods and variables correctly, it shows them that you have a good understanding of clean coding principles. Be consistent with using camel case vs. snake case as well.

2. Establish appropriate object hierarchy

Create an organized hierarchy of objects so that the code is easy to read and understand. This means having a clear distinction between classes, methods, and variables. Make sure your classes and their interaction make sense, as this will show recruiters that you understand object-oriented programming.

3. Use proper formatting

Formatting is an important aspect of your code. If it is not properly formatted, it can be difficult for a recruiter to read and understand your code. Formatting conventions include indentation, spacing, and use of comments to describe the code.

4. Stick to general principles like DRY and KISS

Following general coding principles make your code easier to read and understand. The Don’t Repeat Yourself (DRY) principle means that you should not write the same code multiple times and instead try to reuse existing blocks and methods. The Keep it Simple, Stupid (KISS) principle means that you should not overcomplicate your code and should simplify it as much as possible.

5. Write unit tests

Unit testing is an important part of programming and shows recruiters that you understand the importance of testing and debugging. Writing unit tests for your code will also ensure that it is working correctly and efficiently.

6. Use version control tools

Using version control tools like Git allows you to easily keep track of changes in your code. This will help you to keep organized and also provide an easy way for recruiters to look at your work. Try to host your code on a version control platform to show recruiters that you are familiar with version control tools.

7. Document your code

Add comments to your code to help others understand it. This makes it easier for recruiters to read and understand your code. It will help relieve any miscommunication and show that you understand the importance of documenting code.

How Many Java Projects Do You Need for Your Resume?

The number of projects you should include on your resume depends on the amount of work experience you have. If you have no work experience, it is a good idea to include several personal projects on your resume, as to show that you make up for your lack of experience by presenting your personal work and accomplished projects.

On the other hand, if you already have some relevant coding work experience, you should always prioritize putting it on your resume, even if it means leaving less space for your personal projects. All companies value work experience more than personal projects, so you should make sure to accentuate the former.

Generally speaking, 2-5 projects is a good number to include on your resume, if you are a junior developer. Quality is more important than quantity here, and you should aim to describe a few projects well rather than include all of your projects with short one-sentence descriptions.

Include those projects that are more complex, more recent, and those that use the technologies most sought by the employer for this particular role.

Where To Put Projects on Your Resume?

While there is no one correct order of sections that you should follow in your resume, there is a sequence that is most familiar to recruiters. Let’s go over what it is.

1. Personal information (name, contact info, etc.)
2. Summary statement (if switching careers from another field)
3. Education
4. Work experience (including internships)
5. Personal projects
6. Skills/Awards/Activities

As such, you should include a section on your personal projects after work experience, if you have any. If you don’t, it’s okay to write your personal projects right after your education section.

If you have a lot of experience and want to fit more projects than you can, consider adding a link to your personal portfolio or GitHub at the top of your page along with your contact information. That way, recruiters could check out all the projects you have on display and the information about them.

In any case, make sure your resume is organized and easy to read, so that recruiters find the information they are looking for quickly. And don’t forget, your resume should not exceed one page (!) unless you are a very experienced developer with 5-10+ years of work experience.

How To Write a Java Project Description for Your Resume?

Writing a project description for your resume is an important part of filling your resume with details. You should make sure your project descriptions are succinct, on-point, and clear.

When writing your project descriptions, start with naming your project, if you haven’t already. The name should be short and interesting. It may be a nominative word or a descriptive identifier.

After you have named your project, summarize the project in two or three sentences. An overview of how the project was able to achieve its goals, as well as the technology and techniques that you used in developing it should be included.

Additionally, you may mention how long the project took to complete, what advantages it had for your business or self, and any awards or acknowledgments given for your efforts.

How To Create Your Java Portfolio

As we mentioned before, a great way to showcase your personal projects is to create a portfolio of your accomplishments. There are several ways to do this.

1. Put your projects on GitHub

The most straightforward way to organize your portfolio and share it with potential employers is to upload your projects to GitHub. With the help of the version control system, anyone can access and review your projects from anywhere in the world.

2. Upload demos on YouTube

If you created a demo of your project, why not share it on YouTube? This is an excellent way to showcase your work and get more attention. Visual cues and graphic demonstrations are a great way to explain and show the technical aspects of your project.

3. Create a portfolio website

If you want to go all-out and present your projects in the most professional way, consider creating a portfolio website. This is an excellent opportunity to place screenshots, detailed descriptions, code, and demonstrations, all in one place!

As you can see, there are several ways to showcase your Java projects on your resume and create an impressive portfolio. The key is to pick the right way that works best for you and makes your projects stand out.

Conclusion

Creating a standout resume, especially if you are an experienced Java developer, is essential to make sure your work experience and projects are noticed by recruiters. The projects listed above can help you to showcase your Java programming skills, giving you an edge over other applicants.

If you are a beginner who is looking for easier Java projects to start with, make sure to check out our article “10 Fun and Simple Programs of Java for Beginners!”.

Also, don’t forget to properly format your resume and work on your portfolio, and hopefully, you will be starting your first day at your dream job in no time! Good luck!