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Java Programming

Solving Problems with Software

Owen Astrachan, Robert Duvall, Andrew D. Hilton, and Susan H. Rodger

Learn to code in Java and improve your programming and problem-solving skills. You will learn to design algorithms as well as develop and debug programs. Using custom open-source classes, you will write programs that access and transform images, websites, and other types of data. At the end of the course you will build a program that determines the popularity of different baby names in the US over time by analyzing comma separated value (CSV) files.

After completing this course you will be able to:

1. Edit, compile, and run a Java program;

2. Use conditionals and loops in a Java program;

After completing this course you will be able to:

1. Edit, compile, and run a Java program;

2. Use conditionals and loops in a Java program;

3. Use Java API documentation in writing programs.

4. Debug a Java program using the scientific method;

5. Write a Java method to solve a specific problem;

6. Develop a set of test cases as part of developing a program;

7. Create a class with multiple methods that work together to solve a problem; and

8. Use divide-and-conquer design techniques for a program that uses multiple methods.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to the Course

Welcome to “Java Programming: Solving Problems with Software”! We are excited that you are starting our course to learn how to write programs in Java, one of the most popular programming languages in the world. In this introductory module, you will get to meet the instructor team from Duke University and have an overview of the course. Have fun!

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores string manipulation techniques, such as finding genes in a DNA string or identifying links in a web page

Uses hands-on labs and interactive materials to enhance understanding

Emphasizes the importance of organizing code into separate processing steps

Taught by experienced instructors from Duke University

Provides a practical introduction to Java programming, suitable for learners with limited or no programming experience

Course materials may not be up-to-date with the latest software versions

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Reviews summary

Foundational java for problem solving

According to learners, this course is a highly recommended starting point for those new to programming or Java. Students frequently highlight the clear and concise explanations and the engaging, practical assignments, particularly the hands-on coding projects. The mini-project on baby names is often cited as a highlight, effectively tying concepts together. While the course uses the BlueJ IDE and custom Duke libraries, which some find less standard than other tools, reviewers generally agree that it provides a solid foundation in Java fundamentals and problem-solving techniques. A few mention it might be too basic for those with prior coding experience, but for its target audience of beginners, it's widely seen as effective and well-structured.

Involves BlueJ IDE and Duke libraries.

"Using BlueJ and the Duke libraries is different from standard Java development environments, but it works well for learning."

"The specific libraries for file handling and images were helpful for the projects."

"BlueJ is simple for beginners, but I'd like to transition to a more standard IDE later."

"Adjusting to the course's specific tools took a little time."

Instructors explain complex ideas simply.

"The instructors explain the concepts very clearly and make them easy to understand."

"Lectures were concise and easy to follow."

"I appreciated the step-by-step approach in the videos."

"The teaching style is really effective for beginners."

Hands-on projects help solidify understanding.

"The assignments were practical and really helped solidify my understanding."

"Solving problems with actual code made the concepts stick."

"Loved the hands-on exercises and the mini-projects."

"The practical exercises using provided data were a highlight for me."

Ideal first course into programming or Java.

"This course is an excellent starting point for someone completely new to programming."

"Perfect for beginners to grasp the basics of Java."

"I had no prior experience and found this course very accessible."

"Great introduction to Java programming concepts."

May be too slow for non-beginners.

"If you have some prior programming experience, the first modules might feel a bit slow."

"I already knew some basics, so I felt the pace was very gentle initially."

"This course is strictly for beginners, not intermediate learners looking to deepen knowledge."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Java Programming: Solving Problems with Software with these activities:

Review Java syntax and fundamentals

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Refresher on the foundational aspects of Java syntax and concepts will equip you with a stronger basis for building upon in the course.

Browse courses on Java Syntax

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Go through Java tutorials or documentation
Review basic programming concepts such as variables, data types, and control flow
Practice writing simple Java programs
Complete online quizzes or exercises to test your understanding
Discuss or connect with other students to clarify any concepts

Volunteer at a local coding workshop

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This activity allows you to give back to the community while sharing your knowledge of Java and inspiring others to learn programming.

Browse courses on Volunteering

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Find a local coding workshop that needs volunteers
Sign up to volunteer and assist with the workshop
Help participants with their Java coding exercises
Share your knowledge of Java and best practices
Encourage participants to continue learning and exploring Java

Compile a list of Java resources

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This activity encourages you to explore and organize valuable Java resources, enhancing your knowledge base and making it easily accessible for future reference.

Browse courses on Java

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Search for and identify useful Java resources, including tutorials, documentation, and online courses
Organize the resources into a structured list or database
Categorize the resources based on topic or level of difficulty
Add brief descriptions or annotations to each resource
Share your resource list with other students or online communities

Four other activities

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Read Effective Java

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This book provides fundamental and advanced insights into how to write excellent Java code. It covers topics such as object-oriented design, concurrency, security, and performance optimization.

View Effective Java on Amazon

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Read each chapter and make notes on the key concepts
Apply the concepts to your own Java programs
Discuss the concepts with other students or online forums

Create a presentation on a Java design pattern

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This activity combines technical knowledge of Java design patterns with presentation skills, allowing you to enhance your communication and teaching abilities.

Browse courses on Design Patterns

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Choose a Java design pattern to present on
Research the pattern and its applications
Create a presentation that explains the pattern clearly
Rehearse your presentation and practice explaining the pattern
Deliver your presentation to a group of peers or online audience

Solve LeetCode problems

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LeetCode provides a collection of coding challenges that test your problem-solving and coding skills. Solving these problems can help you improve your Java programming abilities.

Browse courses on Problem Solving

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Choose a problem that matches your skill level
Read the problem description carefully and understand the requirements
Design an algorithm to solve the problem
Implement your algorithm in Java
Test your solution and debug if necessary

Build a simple Java application

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Building an application from scratch allows you to apply the concepts you've learned in the course and gain practical experience in software development.

Browse courses on Application Development

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Identify a problem or need that you want to address with your application
Design the architecture and user interface of your application
Implement the core functionality of your application
Test your application thoroughly
Deploy your application and share it with others

Career center

Learners who complete Java Programming: Solving Problems with Software will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Architect

Software Architects play a crucial role in the design and development of software systems. They use their expertise in programming languages, software design patterns, and software development methodologies to create robust and scalable software solutions. The Java Programming: Solving Problems with Software course provides a solid foundation in Java programming, which is essential for Software Architects. The course covers topics such as object-oriented programming, data structures, algorithms, and design patterns. By taking this course, learners can gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful Software Architects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Software Developer

Software Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. They use their programming skills to translate user requirements into functional software solutions. The Java Programming: Solving Problems with Software course provides a comprehensive introduction to Java programming, covering topics such as object-oriented programming, data structures, algorithms, and design patterns. By taking this course, learners can gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful Software Developers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Web Developer

Web Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining websites and web applications. They use their programming skills to create user-friendly and interactive web experiences. The Java Programming: Solving Problems with Software course provides a solid foundation in Java programming, which is a popular language for web development. The course covers topics such as object-oriented programming, data structures, algorithms, and design patterns. By taking this course, learners can gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful Web Developers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use their programming skills to analyze large datasets and extract meaningful insights. They use statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms to build predictive models and make data-driven decisions. The Java Programming: Solving Problems with Software course provides a solid foundation in Java programming, which is a popular language for data science. The course covers topics such as object-oriented programming, data structures, algorithms, and design patterns. By taking this course, learners can gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful Data Scientists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Data Analyst

Data Analysts use their programming skills to analyze data and identify trends and patterns. They use statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms to build predictive models and make data-driven decisions. The Java Programming: Solving Problems with Software course provides a solid foundation in Java programming, which is a popular language for data analysis. The course covers topics such as object-oriented programming, data structures, algorithms, and design patterns. By taking this course, learners can gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful Data Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for defining, developing, and launching new products and features. They work with engineers, designers, and marketers to bring products to market that meet customer needs. The Java Programming: Solving Problems with Software course provides a solid foundation in Java programming, which is a popular language for developing software products. The course covers topics such as object-oriented programming, data structures, algorithms, and design patterns. By taking this course, learners can gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful Product Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and delivering projects. They work with stakeholders to define project goals, timelines, and budgets. The Java Programming: Solving Problems with Software course provides a solid foundation in Java programming, which is a popular language for developing software projects. The course covers topics such as object-oriented programming, data structures, algorithms, and design patterns. By taking this course, learners can gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful Project Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts use their programming skills to analyze business processes and identify opportunities for improvement. They work with stakeholders to define business requirements and develop solutions. The Java Programming: Solving Problems with Software course provides a solid foundation in Java programming, which is a popular language for business analysis. The course covers topics such as object-oriented programming, data structures, algorithms, and design patterns. By taking this course, learners can gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful Business Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Technical Writer

Technical Writers use their programming skills to create documentation for software products and services. They work with engineers and developers to explain how software works and how to use it. The Java Programming: Solving Problems with Software course provides a solid foundation in Java programming, which is a popular language for developing software documentation. The course covers topics such as object-oriented programming, data structures, algorithms, and design patterns. By taking this course, learners can gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful Technical Writers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Computer Science Teacher

Computer Science Teachers use their programming skills to teach students about computer science concepts and programming languages. They work with students of all ages and levels, from elementary school to college. The Java Programming: Solving Problems with Software course provides a solid foundation in Java programming, which is a popular language for teaching computer science. The course covers topics such as object-oriented programming, data structures, algorithms, and design patterns. By taking this course, learners can gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful Computer Science Teachers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Science Teacher

Software Quality Assurance Engineer

Software Quality Assurance Engineers use their programming skills to test software products and services for defects. They work with developers to identify and fix bugs. The Java Programming: Solving Problems with Software course provides a solid foundation in Java programming, which is a popular language for developing software testing tools and frameworks. The course covers topics such as object-oriented programming, data structures, algorithms, and design patterns. By taking this course, learners can gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful Software Quality Assurance Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Quality Assurance Engineer

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts use their programming skills to analyze, design, and implement computer systems. They work with businesses and organizations to identify their IT needs and develop solutions. The Java Programming: Solving Problems with Software course provides a solid foundation in Java programming, which is a popular language for developing computer systems. The course covers topics such as object-oriented programming, data structures, algorithms, and design patterns. By taking this course, learners can gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful Computer Systems Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts use their programming skills to protect computer systems and networks from security threats. They work with businesses and organizations to identify and address security vulnerabilities. The Java Programming: Solving Problems with Software course provides a solid foundation in Java programming, which is a popular language for developing security software. The course covers topics such as object-oriented programming, data structures, algorithms, and design patterns. By taking this course, learners can gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful Information Security Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Database Administrator

Database Administrators use their programming skills to manage and maintain databases. They work with businesses and organizations to ensure that their data is safe, secure, and accessible. The Java Programming: Solving Problems with Software course provides a solid foundation in Java programming, which is a popular language for developing database management systems. The course covers topics such as object-oriented programming, data structures, algorithms, and design patterns. By taking this course, learners can gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful Database Administrators.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Network Administrator

Network Administrators use their programming skills to manage and maintain computer networks. They work with businesses and organizations to ensure that their networks are reliable, secure, and efficient. The Java Programming: Solving Problems with Software course provides a solid foundation in Java programming, which is a popular language for developing network management tools and frameworks. The course covers topics such as object-oriented programming, data structures, algorithms, and design patterns. By taking this course, learners can gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful Network Administrators.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Java Programming: Solving Problems with Software.

Java Concurrency in Practice

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Comprehensive guide to Java concurrency. It covers all the basics of concurrency, including threads, locks, and synchronization.

Java Programming

Solving Problems with Software

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Foundational java for problem solving

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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