Finding Your Tribe – JUGs Unveiled

Ever catch yourself venting to your AI assistant at 2 am about more than just code? We get it. Debugging can very quickly turn into a therapy session. But when it comes to real talk, real career advice, and real connections, nothing beats an actual community. Java User Groups (JUGs) are spaces where Java devs […]

May 19, 2025 - 12:20

Ever catch yourself venting to your AI assistant at 2 am about more than just code? We get it. Debugging can very quickly turn into a therapy session. But when it comes to real talk, real career advice, and real connections, nothing beats an actual community.

Java User Groups (JUGs) are spaces where Java devs swap stories, share knowledge, and grow together – no awkward small talk with a chatbot required.

In this post, we’ll break down what JUGs are, why they’re worth your time, and how to get involved. Let’s go!

What are JUGs?

Java User Groups (JUGs) are developer communities where Java people hang out – online or in-person – to chat about new trends, squash coding bugs together, and learn from industry professionals.

JUGs are volunteer-driven, so you won’t find anyone trying to sell you anything. Instead, they operate on the concept of developers helping developers.

Most JUGs host regular meetups packed with technical talks, hands-on workshops, and open Q&A sessions. These gatherings are nearly always free and welcome everyone, from total beginners to experts who’ve been coding for years. Some JUGs even organize annual conferences for their region, which are usually not free but gather a lot of interesting speakers to learn from.

Outside of meetups, many groups also keep things lively with mailing lists, forums, or chat channels, so you can keep learning and getting help anytime.

The point is simple: encourage Java knowledge, support fellow coders, and create a safe, inclusive space to grow and connect.

Why Join JUGs?

JUGs are a goldmine for learning, networking, and career growth.

Here’s why you should join:

Stay up to date – Learn about new Java features, frameworks, and best practices through expert talks and workshops. Sometimes, you’ll pick up something you weren’t even looking for that ends up being surprisingly useful.
Expand your network – Meet fellow developers, find mentors, and discover job opportunities through community connections.
Boost your career – Speaking at JUGs, leading initiatives, or contributing to discussions can increase your visibility and even lead to conference speaking gigs.
Get support and mentorship – JUGs provide a friendly space to ask questions, share knowledge, and grow alongside others. It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out or leading a team, everyone’s on equal footing – no titles, no barriers, just real conversations.

Roles inside JUGs

Every JUG runs a little differently. There’s no fixed formula for how things are organized internally, and that’s exactly what makes them special.

Whatever the setup, there are always one or more leaders who take responsibility for keeping things moving. They plan meetups, connect with speakers, find venues, and hold the whole thing together. It’s voluntary work driven by passion, not perks.

Members, on the other hand, can contribute in any way they like, whether joining discussions, giving talks, helping with logistics, or simply showing up and supporting the group. There’s no pressure, just participation. Over time, those who keep showing up often become co-organizers or leaders themselves.

JUGs are powered by people who care about Java and the ecosystem, so there’s always a place and a role to suit you.

How to join JUGs?

It is very easy to share your passion for Java with fellow developers:

Find a local JUG on Meetup, Java User Groups, or Oracle’s JCP page.
No local JUG? Start your own or join Virtual JUG (vJUG) online!
Show up, connect, and start learning, contributing, and having fun with a like-minded crowd!

Develop user groups together with JetBrains

JetBrains is all about supporting developer communities. Our User Groups program offers free licenses for JetBrains tools, swag for giveaways, and promotional support to help you run engaging meetups and events. To learn more or apply for support, visit our dedicated page.

The most active JUGs

JUGs are everywhere, covering every continent except Antarctica. The numbers speak for themselves: more than 350 JUGs exist worldwide, and over 100 of them actively collaborate with the Java Community Process (JCP) as official partners.

Which JUGs are the most active? If any of these are near you, consider joining!