Introduction

The Java Virtual Machine (JVM) is a platform-independent that can execute Java bytecodes. JVM takes bytecodes as input and interprets them to the assembly language. Bytecodes are similar with the instruction set that CPUs implement which makes the interpretation very fast.

At the beginning the only programming language for JVM was Java. Now there are over 50 JVM languages so I intend to limit the discussion to the languages that our software development team uses:

  • Java
  • Scala
  • Groovy
java programing
Java

Java is a very popular language and it is used to build multiple applications types, specially enterprise and mobile applications.
The main Java properties are:

  • it’s platform independent
  • strongly-typed language
  • object-oriented programming
  • compiled and interpreted language
  • automatic memory management
java languages
Advantages /Disadvantages
Advantages
  • security - offers many security features such as cryptographic algorithms, secure communication protocols, authentication
  • performance - provides the appropriate development medium for large, robust and complex applications
  • flexibility - the applications are easy to extend or integrate with other enterprise applications
  • portability - Java apps run on everything, the applications can be hosted on simple servers as well as on cloud
Disadvantages
  • runs slowly compared to the compiled languages
  • takes more system resources and memory
Success stories

A success story of Java is Android, a mobile operating system that has full support over the Java syntax. The Android project was a huge success as it is open to the community and using the full power and flexibility of Java.

Another successful project which is commonly used in the IT market is JIRA. It’s a web-based project management tool used to organize issues, assign work and follow team activity. JIRA in cloud is used by thousands of companies.

Java is the second programming language, after C and it’s on this position for more than five years, according to the TIOBE.

functional java
Scala

Scala is another object-oriented programming language for JVM while it's a functional language too. It's currently the main language for backend and services. If you want simplicity and productivity in your project then Scala is the right choice.

As we can see in the following chart from Google Trends, the two programming types get nowadays relatively the same interest from the public.

Graph TPCI
What is special

scalability - it’s designed to scale from small to large and distributed applications
parallel collections - every collection may be easily converted into a parallel collection which is responsible for scheduling and load-balancing
mixed paradigm - in Scala everything is an object even the primitive types are true objects. Scala fully supports functional programming which allows writing elegant and concise programs

Success stories

Scala was initially adopted by the web industry, mainly by social networks like: Foursquare, Twitter, Linkedin, Tumblr. Now it's also used by many big enterprises like Intel, Amazon, Ebay, Walmart, Workday and of course by many banks and funds.  

Groovy

Groovy is a scripting and dynamic language. In dynamic typing, the type is bound to the value, not the variable. Groovy has a high-productivity web framework named Grails, powered by Spring and Hibernate. Spring offers support for dependency injection, data access, transaction management, security, testing and so on while Hibernate is an object-relational mapping (ORM) used to persist data.

Features
  • support properties - all the fields have by default Getter and Setter methods
  • support scaffolding - allows generating basic CRUD (create/read/update/delete) interface for domain class
  • removes syntactical noise - allows developers to focus more time writing algorithms and less time focusing on language semantics
  • closure - it’s a chunk of code within {...} and behaves like a fist-class object (just like String or Integer objects). This code is defined and then executed at some point later on. Closures are similar with methods the difference is the first ones are objects.
Success stories

Some of the well know companies that use Groovy and Grails are Netflix, Atlassian, CollabNet, MoneyGram, T-Mobile, Lyris, Symantec, Target, Disney, Harvard University, Yale University. There are many other know websites based on Grails, you can find a complete list here.

Conclusion

One of the great things on these three programming languages is the interoperability between them. They can access code and libraries made in any of the three mentioned languages.  

We are excited to use the power of Java, Scala and Groovy and also develop professional outsourcing solutions. If you want to take part of an Romanian software development team and use these languages please apply using our Careers section.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you integrate AI into an existing software product?

Absolutely. Our team can assess your current system and recommend how artificial intelligence features, such as automation, recommendation engines, or predictive analytics, can be integrated effectively. Whether it's enhancing user experience or streamlining operations, we ensure AI is added where it delivers real value without disrupting your core functionality.

2. What types of AI projects has ASSIST Software delivered?

We’ve developed AI solutions across industries, from natural language processing in customer support platforms to computer vision in manufacturing and agriculture. Our expertise spans recommendation systems, intelligent automation, predictive analytics, and custom machine learning models tailored to specific business needs.

3. What is ASSIST Software's development process?  

The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) we employ defines the stages for a software project. Our SDLC phases include planning, requirement gathering, product design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance.

4. What software development methodology does ASSIST Software use?  

ASSIST Software primarily leverages Agile principles for flexibility and adaptability. This means we break down projects into smaller, manageable sprints, allowing continuous feedback and iteration throughout the development cycle. We also incorporate elements from other methodologies to increase efficiency as needed. For example, we use Scrum for project roles and collaboration, and Kanban boards to see workflow and manage tasks. As per the Waterfall approach, we emphasize precise planning and documentation during the initial stages.

5. I'm considering a custom application. Should I focus on a desktop, mobile or web app?  

We can offer software consultancy services to determine the type of software you need based on your specific requirements. Please explore what type of app development would suit your custom build product.   

  • A web application runs on a web browser and is accessible from any device with an internet connection. (e.g., online store, social media platform)   
  • Mobile app developers design applications mainly for smartphones and tablets, such as games and productivity tools. However, they can be extended to other devices, such as smartwatches.    
  • Desktop applications are installed directly on a computer (e.g., photo editing software, word processors).   
  • Enterprise software manages complex business functions within an organization (e.g., Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)).

6. My software product is complex. Are you familiar with the Scaled Agile methodology?

We have been in the software engineering industry for 30 years. During this time, we have worked on bespoke software that needed creative thinking, innovation, and customized solutions. 

Scaled Agile refers to frameworks and practices that help large organizations adopt Agile methodologies. Traditional Agile is designed for small, self-organizing teams. Scaled Agile addresses the challenges of implementing Agile across multiple teams working on complex projects.  

SAFe provides a structured approach for aligning teams, coordinating work, and delivering value at scale. It focuses on collaboration, communication, and continuous delivery for optimal custom software development services. 

7. How do I choose the best collaboration model with ASSIST Software?  

We offer flexible models. Think about your project and see which model would be right for you.   

  • Dedicated Team: Ideal for complex, long-term projects requiring high continuity and collaboration.   
  • Team Augmentation: Perfect for short-term projects or existing teams needing additional expertise.   
  • Project-Based Model: Best for well-defined projects with clear deliverables and a fixed budget.   

Contact us to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each model. 

1. Is ASSIST Software a reliable company for custom engineering?

Absolutely. Our partners have given us great recommendations and reviews, leading us to win The Manifest Award for Most Reviewed Software Developers. Further proof comes from our 97% employee retention rate and ongoing client partnerships for over 8 years.  

2. Are the ASSIST Software Romanian software engineers certified?

Yes. 85% of our software programmers are certified.  

At a company level, ASSIST Software is certified and recognized by industry players such as Microsoft, AWS, Google Cloud, Adobe, Drupal, Fujitsu, ISTQB, and others.  

Our employee certifications are tremendously important as they reflect the shared commitment to long-term growth.

3. Why should I choose Romania for custom software development? 

Romania has become a significant player in custom software development, attracting businesses worldwide. Romania boasts the highest number of certified IT specialists in Europe and ranks sixth globally, surpassing even the US in tech specialists per capita.  

At ASSIST Software, what sets us apart is our team and our location: our engineers are certified, experienced, and flexible, while being in the +2 GMT time zone allows us to easily facilitate meetings with clients all over the world.

4. What team will work on my project, and where will it be located?

ASSIST Software's headquarters is in Romania, a prime country for software development outsourcing. Our 350+ software engineers speak English and have a deep passion for innovation.  

We provide regular project updates through reports, meetings, and online dashboards. Generally, you'll have access to a dedicated project manager who will be your point of contact for any questions or concerns.  

5. How much will my project cost me?

Our prices are competitive, and as per our working model, we guarantee you will be satisfied with the result. Frequent meetings, check-ins, and a great communication structure will ensure this outcome.   

Project costs depend on various factors, including complexity, scope, required technologies, and team size. We'll gather detailed information about your project during the initial consultation to provide a customized quote and we guarantee that you will be able to see the benefits of bespoke software.  

1. What technologies do you work with?

ASSIST Software tackles your projects with a robust tech stack. We build native and cross-platform mobile apps, craft user-friendly web experiences, and create stunning visuals. 

Our wide-ranging expertise starts from Java, Python, and JavaScript frameworks to cutting-edge solutions like AR/VR, blockchain, and AI/ML. We also manage databases, leverage cloud platforms, and ensure flawless project execution. We're your one-stop shop for exceptional software development from concept to deployment. You can view our expertise for more details.   

2. Are you experienced in AI/ML development?

Yes. We have extensive experience in data engineering and machine learning operations (MLOps). We can employ neural networks, computer vision, and AI models to benefit your ideas.   

You can trust our long-term experience with big data, NLP, and sentiment analysis, as over the past three years, we led a European security project with 15 partners focused on detecting radicalization on social media and the dark web.

3. Do you have a research and development department and work on European Projects?

We know R&D is crucial for businesses to stay competitive and thrive in dynamic markets. Successful R&D efforts lead to developing exceptional products or services, improved efficiency and effectiveness in operations, and enhanced market positioning.   

We have established solid partnerships with 160+ European research companies, universities, and research centers (e.g., Fraunhofer, TWI, University of Heidelberg, REWE Group, SINTEF, etc.) and have participated as technical partners in over 25 EU-funded projects.  

4. Besides custom software solutions, what other services do you offer?

  • Design Thinking for Breakthrough Products:  

    We craft user experiences that resonate. Our design process is an immersive collaboration, starting with workshops to uncover your vision and user needs. We conduct market research, analyze the competition, and guide you toward cutting-edge solutions in accordance with your business requirements.  

  • Digital Transformation to Reimagine Your Business:

    Digital transformation is nothing less than a strategic shift. We empower you to become more agile and data-driven, optimizing core processes for the digital age.  

  • Scale with Confidence as We Build for Growth:  

    We understand that business success and development mean new challenges. Our solutions are built to scale seamlessly, accommodating increasing user bases and data volumes without sacrificing performance or security.  

5. As a company, does ASSIST have its own software products?

Yes, ASSIST Software teams have been involved in designing and developing innovative products that address community needs. One such example is the web and mobile platform Autisma. This therapy assistant enables continued learning for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.   

Our extensive knowledge of the Unity and Unreal engines has allowed us to develop two mobile games, Elly and the Ruby Atlas and Hooman Invaders, as well as various Unity Assets, such as the Real-Time Weather PRO and Easy Sky. These two Unity assets allow Unity developers to control the weather and sky in their projects.   

1. Is ASSIST Software hiring right now?

We are always looking for great people to join our team, whether you're a senior software engineer or a new talent seeking an IT career. Please check our careers page and contact us. Our HR department will contact you as soon as possible.   

2. Is ASSIST Software organizing internships?

Yes. Each year, we organize individual and group internships for students. Our long-term partnership with the Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava allows us to put together great events for students and help them get started in the industry. 

3. What type of learning culture does ASSIST Software encourage?

Our focus on innovation comes from a 'can do' attitude and the continuous learning we encourage our colleagues to pursue. We frequently organize workshops, learning sessions, presentations, and masterclasses. All these events are free and open to our colleagues and aim to support their professional and personal development. 

4. How does ASSIST Software focus on teamwork?

The key to stellar teamwork is the quality time we spend together. ASSIST employees and their families are frequently invited to participate in all activities. We encourage a healthy lifestyle by promoting and organizing hikes, bike riding sessions, marathons, volleyball, football and tennis matches, ping-pong championships, and many more.   

We show our care for the environment through reforestation campaigns and forest cleaning activities.   

We also have an English-speaking club, e-sports gaming nights, tech discussions, networking parties, and board game sessions.   

5. How does ASSIST Software give back to the community?

Volunteering and charity are essential to us, which is why we founded the ASSIST Humanitarian Foundation. We genuinely care about our community and want to improve the future. We invest in IT equipment for schools and award excellent teachers. We also help hospitals and fire departments enter the 21st century.   

We sponsor cultural events and deliver humanitarian aid to those in need. If you agree with our views, you can also donate.   

ASSIST Software Team Members