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Core Java

Code and run your first Java program in minutes without installing anything!

This course is designed for learners with limited coding experience, building on a solid foundation of Java, learners will dive into key Java classes, interfaces, and frameworks. The modules in this course cover developer best practices, data handling, and connecting to web-based systems. Completion of an introductory Java sequence such as Codio's Hands-On Java Introduction is recommended.

Code and run your first Java program in minutes without installing anything!

To allow for a truly hands-on, self-paced learning experience, this course is video-free. Assignments contain short explanations with images and runnable code examples with suggested edits to explore code examples further, building a deeper understanding by doing. You'll benefit from instant feedback from a variety of assessment items along the way, gently progressing from quick understanding checks (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and un-scrambling code blocks) to small, approachable coding exercises that take minutes instead of hours.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Java Developer Best Practices

Week 1 of the Core Java course covers code style, package namespaces, build automation with Maven, annotations, and UnitTesting with JUnit. The module ends with graded coded exercises.

Data Handling

Week 2 of the Core Java course covers the List, Map, and Set Collections, Streams, lambdas, and DateTime classes. The module ends with graded coded exercises.

Connecting to Web-based Systems

Week 3 of the Core Java course covers Exceptions, how to handle errors, HTTP Protocol including classes to handle requests and responses, and parsing JSON. The module ends with graded coded exercises.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches industry standard practices, such as code style, package namespaces, automated builds, and unit testing

Builds a solid foundation in Java, including knowledge of key classes, interfaces, and frameworks

Covers data handling, including working with lists, maps, and sets, as well as streams, lambdas, and date and time classes

Provides practical experience through hands-on exercises and assignments with instant feedback

Suitable for learners with limited coding experience who want to build a strong foundation in Java

Requires prior completion of an introductory Java course for a better understanding of the material

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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 Core Java with these activities:

Review Core Java Concepts

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Review fundamental Java concepts to strengthen your foundation and prepare for the course materials.

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Go over your notes or textbooks from previous Java courses.
Review online resources and tutorials covering Java syntax and basics.
Solve simple coding exercises to refresh your memory.

Data Structures and Algorithms Review

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Review data structures and algorithms to strengthen your understanding and prepare for the Java Collections Framework covered in the course.

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Review your notes or textbooks from previous data structures and algorithms courses.
Solve coding exercises or problems involving common data structures and algorithms.
Familiarize yourself with the Java Collections Framework and its key classes.

Online Java Tutorials

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Explore online Java tutorials to supplement your learning, expanding your knowledge and understanding of Java programming.

Browse courses on Java Development

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Identify areas where you need additional support or want to explore further.
Search for online Java tutorials that cover these specific areas.
Follow the tutorials, taking notes and experimenting with the code examples.
Implement the concepts you learn in your own coding projects.

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Coding Exercises

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Practice coding exercises to reinforce your understanding of Java syntax and concepts, improving your proficiency in coding.

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Review the provided code examples in the course materials.
Identify areas where you need additional practice.
Find online coding exercises or create your own.
Solve the coding exercises, debugging and refining your code as needed.
Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement.

Study Groups

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Participate in study groups to collaborate with peers, discuss concepts, and reinforce your understanding of Java programming.

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Find or create a study group with other learners in the course.
Set regular meeting times and discuss specific topics.
Review course materials together, asking questions and explaining concepts to each other.
Work on coding exercises and projects collaboratively.

Technical Blog Posts

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Create blog posts to explain technical concepts covered in the course, solidifying your understanding and sharing your knowledge with others.

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Choose a technical concept from the course materials.
Research the concept thoroughly and gather relevant examples.
Write a clear and concise blog post explaining the concept in your own words.
Include code snippets and examples to illustrate your points.
Publish your blog post and share it with others.

Hackathons or Coding Challenges

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Participate in hackathons or coding challenges to test your Java skills, solve real-world problems, and learn from others.

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Find hackathons or coding challenges that align with your interests.
Form a team or participate individually.
Develop and implement innovative Java solutions to the challenges.
Present your solutions and get feedback from industry experts.

Career center

Learners who complete Core Java will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems, focusing on the technical aspects of software development. A strong understanding of programming languages and software engineering principles is required. The Core Java course covers key Java classes, interfaces, and frameworks, providing a solid foundation for aspiring Software Engineers specializing in Java development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Software Architect

Software Architects design and develop software systems, focusing on the overall structure and technical implementation. A deep understanding of programming languages and design principles is required. The Core Java course provides a comprehensive overview of Java programming concepts and best practices, which can serve as a stepping stone for individuals interested in becoming Software Architects specialized in Java development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Computer Programmer

Professionals in this role write and maintain code for software applications and systems. Knowledge of programming languages and software development tools is essential. The Core Java course covers the fundamentals of Java programming and provides hands-on exercises, which can be beneficial for those looking to become Computer Programmers specializing in Java development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Quality Assurance Analyst

These professionals ensure that software programs meet quality standards by conducting tests and identifying bugs. They rely on their knowledge of programming languages and testing tools. The Core Java course's focus on developer best practices, data handling, and testing with JUnit can provide a strong foundation for those interested in becoming Quality Assurance Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Database Administrator

Professionals in this role are responsible for managing and maintaining databases, ensuring their performance and security. They require a deep understanding of database systems and programming languages such as Java. The Core Java course covers important concepts related to data handling, including Collections, Streams, and lambdas, making it a suitable choice for aspiring Database Administrators.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Data Scientist

Data Scientists analyze and interpret large datasets to extract insights and make predictions. They require expertise in statistics, data analysis techniques, and programming languages. The Core Java course's coverage of data handling, including topics like Collections, Streams, and lambdas, can be beneficial for aspiring Data Scientists who wish to gain proficiency in Java.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Data Analyst

Data Analysts gather, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. They utilize their knowledge of statistics, data mining, and programming languages to extract insights from data. The Core Java course covers modules on data handling, including topics like Collections, Streams, and lambdas, which can be valuable for those planning to pursue a career in Data Analytics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts are responsible for analyzing and designing computer systems, focusing on efficiency and effectiveness. A strong understanding of programming languages is required. The Core Java course covers key concepts in Java and project-based exercises, which can be beneficial for individuals looking to enter the field of Systems Analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Web Developer

These individuals work on building and maintaining websites and applications, using their skills in web design and programming languages such as Java. As the Core Java course delves into connecting to web-based systems and covers important concepts like HTTP Protocol and JSON parsing, it can be beneficial for those aspiring to be Web Developers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Information Security Analyst

Professionals in this role protect computer systems and networks from cyberattacks and data breaches. They require a deep understanding of security principles and programming languages. The Core Java course's coverage of security concepts and best practices can provide a foundation for aspiring Information Security Analysts, particularly those specializing in Java-based systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

IT Manager

IT Managers plan, implement, and oversee the IT infrastructure and systems of an organization. They require a comprehensive understanding of technology and management principles. While the Core Java course does not directly focus on management aspects, its coverage of Java programming concepts and best practices can provide a solid technical foundation for aspiring IT Managers, particularly those working in Java-based environments.

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Technical Support Specialist

These professionals provide technical assistance to users of software products and systems, helping them resolve issues and maximize product effectiveness. They typically have a background in technical fields and strong communication skills. The Core Java course can provide valuable insights into Java programming concepts and best practices, making it useful for aspiring Technical Support Specialists working with Java-based products or systems.

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Technical Writer

These professionals create documentation and training materials for software products and technical systems, ensuring that users can understand and effectively utilize them. They typically have a background in technical fields and strong communication skills. The Core Java course can provide valuable insights into Java programming concepts and best practices, making it useful for aspiring Technical Writers in the software industry.

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Cloud Architect

These professionals design, develop, and manage cloud computing systems and applications. A strong understanding of programming languages and cloud computing concepts is required. While the Core Java course does not explicitly cover cloud computing, its focus on Java programming concepts and best practices can provide a solid foundation for aspiring Cloud Architects working with Java-based cloud platforms.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

Software Developer

Professionals in this role implement new software programs and improve existing ones, using their knowledge of programming languages and software development tools. Since this course covers key Java classes, interfaces, and frameworks, it may be useful for those interested in becoming Software Developers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Reading list

We've selected 13 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 Core Java.

Head First Java

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Must-read for anyone interested in learning Java. It provides a comprehensive overview of the language, with a strong focus on object-oriented programming.

Core Java

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

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Activities

Career center

Reading list

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