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Java

Writing Readable and Maintainable Code

Andrejs Doronins

Learn how to write clean, readable, and maintainable code that human beings can read and understand clearly.

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Learn how to write clean, readable, and maintainable code that human beings can read and understand clearly.

Most software is built to last a long time, and one of the key challenges is to keep technical debt at bay. Applying fundamental principles of clean code is crucial to the long-term success of any software project. In this course, Java: Writing Readable and Maintainable Code, you will gain the ability to write high quality code that others will enjoy reading and working with. First, you will learn the importance of naming and how to choose great names for your classes, variables, and methods. Next, you will discover the pitfalls of Java constructors, methods, tests, comments, and exception handling before examining how you can either prevent or overcome them. Finally, you will learn some hands-on practical tips on how you can maintain the top quality of your code. By the end of this course, you will have the necessary skills to write clean, readable and maintainable code that human beings can read and understand clearly.

This course is no longer available. Find something similar by browsing:
Java Clean Code Maintainability Naming Conventions Constructor Exception Handling Testing

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview
Clean and Maintainable Code Concepts
Naming Matters
Better Constructors
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Customized for Java, which is an industry-standard language
Applicable to most long-term software projects
Taught by Andrejs Doronins, who is recognized for their work in Java
Examines fundamental clean coding concepts that are highly relevant to industry
Covers core principles such as naming, constructors, exception handling, and class organization
Includes hands-on tips on maintaining code quality

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Reviews summary

Java code quality and maintainability

According to students, this course is a game-changer for Java developers, providing a solid foundation in writing readable and maintainable code. Learners particularly praise the clarity of the instructor's explanations and the course's strong focus on practical application with real-world examples. Many found the modules on naming conventions, methods, constructors, and exception handling to be exceptionally useful, improving their code quality significantly. While some experienced developers found certain sections like testing examples or large-scale refactoring less in-depth, the course is broadly considered excellent for reinforcing fundamentals and applying clean code principles to daily work. The most recent reviews indicate it continues to be highly relevant and beneficial.
Opinions vary on the course's modernity, with recent feedback suggesting improved relevance.
"Some of the practices mentioned are not modern Java best practices anymore. The examples seemed a bit old-fashioned."
"This course is a game-changer for anyone writing Java professionally. My code quality has improved significantly."
"I feel much more confident in writing code that others can easily understand and modify, and it's relevant to today's coding challenges."
Excellent for building and reinforcing core clean coding habits in Java.
"A very solid course on writing clean Java. The content is well-structured and easy to follow."
"Good fundamental concepts for writing maintainable Java code. It clarified many common pitfalls."
"It covers all the essential principles of clean code in Java, which helped reinforce my understanding."
The instructor delivers clear explanations and engaging content.
"The instructor explains complex concepts with clarity and enthusiasm."
"The instructor's explanations are clear, and the pace is good for intermediate learners."
"I found the explanations so clear, and the code examples practical and easy to follow."
Provides immediately applicable knowledge for professional Java developers.
"This course is a game-changer for anyone writing Java professionally. My code quality has improved significantly."
"The focus on practical application rather than just theory makes it stand out. I've already applied many learnings at my job."
"I learned how to write clean, readable code that others can easily understand and modify."
Ideal for intermediate developers, potentially basic for highly experienced ones.
"The content felt very basic, mostly just common sense for an experienced developer. Not much new here."
"I wished for more advanced scenarios and larger refactoring examples. It's a decent introduction but not for me."
"I found some of the testing examples a bit basic, but overall, it's highly recommended for improving code readability."

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: Writing Readable and Maintainable Code with these activities:
Read Clean Code
Read a book on clean coding to gain a deeper understanding of the principles and best practices.
View CLEAN CODE on Amazon
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow a copy of Clean Code.
  • Read the book thoroughly and take notes.
  • Apply the concepts you learn to your own coding projects.
Create a Java study guide
Compile your notes, assignments, and quizzes into a comprehensive study guide.
Browse courses on Java
Show steps
  • Gather all of your course materials.
  • Organize your materials by topic.
  • Summarize the key concepts in each topic.
Build a Java project
Build a small Java project to apply the principles of clean code.
Browse courses on Java
Show steps
  • Create a new Java project in your preferred IDE.
  • Write a simple program that reads input from the user and prints the result.
  • Refactor your code to follow the principles of clean code.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Join a Java study group
Join a study group to discuss the course material and practice coding together.
Browse courses on Java
Show steps
  • Find a study group online or at your school.
  • Attend study group meetings regularly.
  • Participate in discussions and ask questions.
Watch Java coding tutorials
Watch video tutorials on Java coding to reinforce the concepts covered in the course.
Browse courses on Java
Show steps
  • Search for Java coding tutorials on YouTube or other online platforms.
  • Watch tutorials on specific topics such as naming conventions, object-oriented programming, and exception handling.
  • Take notes or practice the concepts you learn in the tutorials.
Follow Java coding challenges
Participate in online coding challenges to test your Java skills and learn from others.
Browse courses on Java
Show steps
  • Find a Java coding challenge website or platform.
  • Select a challenge that matches your skill level.
  • Solve the challenge and submit your solution.
Write a blog post on Java coding
Create a blog post or article that shares your knowledge and insights on Java coding.
Browse courses on Java
Show steps
  • Choose a topic that you are knowledgeable about.
  • Write a blog post that is informative and engaging.
  • Publish your blog post on a platform like Medium or your own website.
Contribute to an open-source Java project
Find an open-source Java project to contribute to and gain practical experience.
Browse courses on Java
Show steps
  • Find an open-source Java project that you are interested in.
  • Read the project's documentation and contribute your own code.
  • Collaborate with other developers on the project.

Career center

Learners who complete Java: Writing Readable and Maintainable Code will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Java Developer
As a Java Developer, you will design, develop, and maintain software applications. You will need to read and understand code written by others. This course can help you write clean, readable, and maintainable code that is easy for others to understand. This will make you a more effective Java Developer and help you to advance your career.
See salaries and explore the career path for Java Developer
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, test, and maintain software systems. They need to be able to read and understand code written by others. This course can help you write clean, readable, and maintainable code that is easy for others to understand. This will make you a more effective Software Engineer and help you to advance your career.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
Software Architect
Software Architects design and develop the overall architecture of software systems. They need to be able to read and understand code written by others. This course can help you write clean, readable, and maintainable code that is easy for others to understand. This will make you a more effective Software Architect and help you to advance your career.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect
Technical Lead
Technical Leads lead teams of software developers. They need to be able to read and understand code written by others. This course can help you write clean, readable, and maintainable code that is easy for others to understand. This will make you a more effective Technical Lead and help you to advance your career.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Lead
Code Reviewer
Code Reviewers review code written by others. They need to be able to read and understand code written by others. This course can help you write clean, readable, and maintainable code that is easy for others to understand. This will make you a more effective Code Reviewer and help you to advance your career.
See salaries and explore the career path for Code Reviewer
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analysts test software to ensure that it meets requirements. They need to be able to read and understand code written by others. This course can help you write clean, readable, and maintainable code that is easy for others to understand. This will make you a more effective Quality Assurance Analyst and help you to advance your career.
See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst
Software Tester
Software Testers test software to ensure that it meets requirements. They need to be able to read and understand code written by others. This course can help you write clean, readable, and maintainable code that is easy for others to understand. This will make you a more effective Software Tester and help you to advance your career.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Tester
Database Administrator
Database Administrators maintain and administer databases. They need to be able to read and understand code written by others. This course can help you write clean, readable, and maintainable code that is easy for others to understand. This will make you a more effective Database Administrator and help you to advance your career.
See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator
Network Administrator
Network Administrators maintain and administer computer networks. They need to be able to read and understand code written by others. This course can help you write clean, readable, and maintainable code that is easy for others to understand. This will make you a more effective Network Administrator and help you to advance your career.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator
Systems Administrator
Systems Administrators maintain and administer computer systems. They need to be able to read and understand code written by others. This course can help you write clean, readable, and maintainable code that is easy for others to understand. This will make you a more effective Systems Administrator and help you to advance your career.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator
DevOps Engineer
DevOps Engineers bridge the gap between development and operations. They need to be able to read and understand code written by others. This course can help you write clean, readable, and maintainable code that is easy for others to understand. This will make you a more effective DevOps Engineer and help you to advance your career.
See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer
Cloud Architect
Cloud Architects design and build cloud-based systems. They need to be able to read and understand code written by others. This course can help you write clean, readable, and maintainable code that is easy for others to understand. This will make you a more effective Cloud Architect and help you to advance your career.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. They need to be able to read and understand code written by others. This course can help you write clean, readable, and maintainable code that is easy for others to understand. This will make you a more effective Data Scientist and help you to advance your career.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine Learning Engineers design and build machine learning models. They need to be able to read and understand code written by others. This course can help you write clean, readable, and maintainable code that is easy for others to understand. This will make you a more effective Machine Learning Engineer and help you to advance your career.
See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer
Data Analyst
Data Analysts use data to analyze business trends. They need to be able to read and understand code written by others. This course may help you write clean, readable, and maintainable code that is easy for others to understand. This could make you a more effective Data Analyst and help you to advance your career.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Reading list

We've selected 12 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: Writing Readable and Maintainable Code.
Clean Craftsmanship
Save
Robert Martin's foundational book on the topic of clean code will provide you with an in-depth look at how to produce higher quality code. It core text for many computer science programs and a valuable reference for industry professionals.
Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software...
Paperback
$$
Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
On Java 8
Save
Thinking in Java is perhaps the most thorough guide to the Java programming language. It is comprehensive, covering topics from basic to advanced. It can be used as a supplement to the course, but may be more useful as a reference for more experienced programmers.
On Java 8
Paperback
Check
On Java 8
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Effective Java
Save
Joshua Bloch's Effective Java classic text on writing effective Java code. It contains numerous code examples, and covers a wide range of topics relevant to anyone who writes Java code. It common reference text for experienced Java developers and is commonly used in academic settings.
Effective Java
Paperback
$$
Effective Java
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Pragmatic Programmer
Save
A widely read text by software developers, this book emphasizes the importance of good coding practice, centered around common sense and programmer psychology, including program design and debugging.
The Pragmatic Programmer: Your Journey To Mastery,...
Hardcover
$$
Pragmatic Programmer, The: From Journeyman to Master
Kindle Edition
$$
(Italiano) Pragmatic Programmer - Edizione del 20°...
Kindle Edition
$$
(Italiano) Il Pragmatic Programmer: Guida per manovali del...
Kindle Edition
$$
(中文) The Pragmatic Programmer: access to the highest...
Paperback
$$
Pragmatic programmer (Korean Edition)
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Introduction to Software Design with Java
Save
Also by Robert Martin, this book goes through the process of refactoring existing legacy code. Refactoring is an essential skill in maintainable code, and this book covers the techniques needed to improve the design of your software.
Introduction to Software Design with Java
Kindle Edition
$$$
Introduction to Software Design with Java
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Python Programming with Design Patterns
Save
Design patterns are a fundamental part of writing maintainable code. will teach you how to use design patterns in your Java code and avoid common pitfalls.
Python Programming with Design Patterns
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Domain-Driven Design Reference
Save
Domain-Driven Design is not specific to Java, but it is an important book for anyone who wants to write maintainable code. covers the basic principles of Domain-Driven Design and how to apply them in practice. While not required by this course, it valuable reference for more complex software architectures.
Domain-Driven Design Reference: Definitions and...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Writing Secure Code for Windows Vista®
Save
Writing secure Java code is an important consideration for any developer. will teach you how to write secure Java code and avoid common security pitfalls.
Writing Secure Code for Windows Vista (Pro - Step...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Java Concurrency in Practice
Save
Java Concurrency in Practice is the definitive guide to writing concurrent code in Java. It covers all aspects of concurrency from fundamentals to advanced topics. While this book may not be directly required in the course, it valuable resource for anyone writing concurrent Java code.
Java Concurrency in Practice
Paperback
$$
Java Concurrency in Practice
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Head First Java
Save
Head First Java beginner-friendly introduction to Java. While parts of the book may be redundant for the course, it is an excellent reference for the basic concepts of Java. If you are new to Java, this book is highly recommended.
Head First Java: A Brain-Friendly Guide
Paperback
$$
Head First Java
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Java Performance Tuning
Save
While this book does not directly relate to clean code, performance is an important consideration when writing and maintaining code. will teach you how to identify and fix performance bottlenecks in your Java code.
Java Performance Tuning (2nd Edition)
Paperback
$$$
Java Performance Tuning
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Java: A Beginner's Guide, Eighth Edition
Save
Schildt's Java: A Beginner's Guide comprehensive guide to the Java programming language. It useful reference for beginner Java developers, but may be too basic for the course.
Java : A Beginners Guide, 8th Edition
Paperback
$$
Java: A Beginner's Guide, Eighth Edition
Kindle Edition
$$

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Course image
Time
144 hours
Level
Intermediate
Via
Pluralsight
Instructor
Andrejs Doronins
Language
English
This course belongs to a collection called Java Coding Practices. It's comprised of four courses:
  1. Java: Writing Readable and Maintainable Code (viewing)
  2. Java Refactoring: Best Practices
  3. SOLID Software Design Principles in Java 8
  4. Defensive Coding in Java
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Customized for Java, which is an industry-standard language
Applicable to most long-term software projects
Taught by Andrejs Doronins, who is recognized for their work in Java
Examines fundamental clean coding concepts that are highly relevant to industry
Covers core principles such as naming, constructors, exception handling, and class organization
Includes hands-on tips on maintaining code quality
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