Java Developer [capitalization]

Because it's the name of the position, use the uppercase Java Developer. Since that's the way it was probably advertised, it makes sense and the company will like it and hire you (well, maybe not, but it can't hurt).

Even in regular writing, however, Java would be capitalized because it's a proper name:

What does Bob do?
He's a Java developer.

Java is always capitalized as it is a proper noun. As for developer being capitalized as well, that depends on whether it is being considered a formal title (e.g. a job title). In general usage it would not be. The wording of the ad should be your guide. Is it capitalized in the ad? I also note that this is, as far as I can see, the title of a certified professional qualification (regardless of the holder being in a particular job); in this case it is also capitalized (see this Wikipedia article). In conclusion, it seems very likely that the title should be capitalized.



By the way, please title your threads so that they reflect the specific example you are asking about, without reference to your asking a question, etc., and without irrelevant punctuation. I have changed the title accordingly.

thanks a million!!

American newspaper style is to never capitalize "false titles," such as plumber, cook, undertaker, prostitute, salesman, dishwasher, judge .... or even president or king unless they appear in front of a name as part of the formal title.

Java, of course, is a proper noun and as such is capitalized.

As always with style issues, take your pick.

sdgraham said:

American newspaper style is to never capitalize "false titles," such as plumber, cook, undertaker, prostitute, salesman, dishwasher, judge .... or even president or king unless they appear in front of a name as part of the formal title.

Java, of course, is a proper noun and as such is capitalized.

As always with style issues, take your pick.

Click to expand...

I basically agree, but I don't think it's random or entirely a matter of personal preference.

If the person hired for this position would have "Java Developer" under his or her name on a business card, so it's a real job title, capitalize both.

If it's a generic description of what the person does - you'd write Java code, develop Java applications and so on - but the official title would be something like "Senior Programmer," then don't. Regular nouns in English are not capitalized.