Becoming a proficient Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) developer takes more than just technical know-how — it requires a blend of specific skills that help you build and manage dynamic web experiences.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential skills you need to excel in this role and take your AEM development game to the next level.
1. Basics of Adobe Experience Manager (AEM)
First things first — let’s talk about what AEM is. Adobe Experience Manager is a powerful content management system (CMS) that allows developers to build websites, apps, and forms. With AEM, you can easily manage and deliver content to different platforms, ensuring a seamless user experience across the board. If you’re aiming to become an expert AEM developer, mastering this tool is non-negotiable.
2. Strong Java Programming Skills
Since AEM is built on Java, having a solid understanding of Java programming is a must. This is especially true for backend developers who need to implement server-side logic, create custom components, and integrate AEM with other systems. If Java isn’t your strong suit yet, it’s definitely time to dive deeper into this language.
3. AEM Core Components
Core components in AEM are basically the building blocks for creating a user-friendly and functional webpage. These include features like breadcrumbs, image components, tabs, and buttons. Familiarity with these components can make the difference between a basic webpage and one that’s fully optimized for user experience.
4. Content Management Expertise
As an AEM developer, your role involves more than just coding — you’ll also need to manage content effectively. This means understanding how to create, organize, and publish content seamlessly on websites. A strong foundation in content management is key to making sure your pages are both functional and visually appealing.
5. AEM DAM (Digital Asset Management)
Digital Asset Management (DAM) in AEM allows you to store and retrieve digital files like images and documents from a central hub. This makes organizing media content a breeze, and knowing how to use AEM DAM efficiently is a skill every developer should have. It simplifies asset management and enhances collaboration within teams.
6. Sightly (HTL)
AEM uses its own HTML templating system called Sightly (also known as HTL). This system is designed to keep code clean and easy to read, which is critical when working on large-scale projects. If you’re working on the front end of AEM, getting comfortable with Sightly is a must.
7. AEM APIs
APIs, or Application Programming Interfaces, allow different applications to communicate with each other. AEM developers frequently use AEM APIs to retrieve data, manipulate content, and fetch product information. Understanding how to interact with these APIs will help you customize content delivery in a way that aligns with the overall business goals.
8. AEM Workflows
Automation is key in any development process, and AEM workflows allow you to automate various tasks within AEM. For example, workflows can be set up to automate publishing, approvals, or asset processing — helping you save time and streamline project management.
9. CRXDE (Content Repository)
CRXDE is a web-based content repository that allows you to perform development tasks directly in your browser. It’s particularly useful for making quick changes without having to redeploy the entire project. If speed and efficiency are important to you, then CRXDE is a tool you’ll want to master.
10. AEM Deployment
Deployment in AEM involves building and customizing the web experience by designing and implementing templates and components. You’ll need to understand the ins and outs of deployment — everything from coding to ensuring the web experience is dynamic and engaging.
11. Apache Sling
Apache Sling is a framework that is core to AEM’s architecture. It helps with everything from URL mapping to scripting. Understanding how Apache Sling fits into the AEM ecosystem will enable you to work more efficiently on various projects.
12. AEM Dispatcher
Security and performance are always top priorities, and the AEM Dispatcher plays a critical role here. This tool helps protect your server from attacks by using caching, redirects, and load-balancing features. Knowing how to configure and optimize the Dispatcher is an essential skill for any AEM developer.
13. Maven
Maven is another key tool that handles the complexities of AEM’s OSGi-based architecture and its unique project structure. If you’re working on larger, more complex projects, Maven will become your best friend in managing dependencies and automating builds.
14. AEM Forms
AEM Forms allows developers to build and manage user-friendly digital forms. It also helps integrate those forms with backend systems, making the data collection process smoother. If your project involves complex forms, AEM Forms is a tool you should know inside and out.
15. AEM Mobile
In today’s mobile-first world, knowing how to create responsive and interactive experiences for mobile apps is crucial. AEM has a dedicated mobile capability that lets you build these experiences efficiently. Understanding AEM Mobile ensures you can deliver top-notch user experiences on any device.
16. Adobe Target
Adobe Target is part of the Adobe Experience Cloud and is designed to improve the customer experience through personalization. By mastering Adobe Target, you can create tailored web experiences for different audience segments with simple drag-and-drop tools. It’s a great way to enhance user engagement without much hassle.
17. AEM Security
Security should always be top of mind, especially when you’re dealing with sensitive content. AEM offers several security features like SAML 2.0 authentication and Single Sign-On (SSO). As an AEM developer, knowing how to implement these security measures is critical to safeguarding both data and application integrity.
18. AEM Multisite Management
If you’re working with multiple websites that share common content, AEM Multisite Management (MSM) is a lifesaver. MSM allows you to manage multiple sites efficiently, ensuring consistent branding and content across different platforms. This is especially useful for global companies with regional websites.
19. Web Technologies
As an AEM developer, you’ll be working closely with various web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These are the core technologies you’ll need to build custom user interfaces and ensure your web pages are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
20. AEM Translation Integration
If you’re working on a global project, you’ll likely need to integrate translation services. AEM’s Translation Integration Framework (TIF) helps break down language barriers by enabling content translation through third-party services. Understanding how to use TIF can make managing multilingual websites much simpler.
Additional Skills That Can Give You an Edge
In addition to the core AEM skills, there are some secondary skills that can give you a competitive advantage:
- Cloud Platforms: Cloud services like AWS and Azure are often used to deploy and host AEM applications.
- DevOps Tools: Tools like Jenkins and GitLab streamline the CI/CD process, ensuring smoother and faster deployments.
- Apache Kafka: This open-source streaming platform helps with real-time data processing, making it a useful tool for AEM developers.
- GraphQL: This query language allows for more efficient data queries, which can be a huge time-saver when building complex websites.
- React or Angular: Both JavaScript frameworks help in creating rich, interactive user interfaces that enhance the user experience.
Conclusion
Becoming a successful AEM developer means mastering a wide range of skills, from Java programming to understanding complex deployment strategies. By focusing on these essential and secondary skills, you’ll be well-equipped to build dynamic, user-friendly websites that meet business goals and provide a great user experience. Keep learning and stay up-to-date with the latest tools and trends in the industry!