AP Computer Science A: Java Programming from edX

In this computer science course, you will learn the basics of programming in the Java language, and cover topics relevant to the AP Computer Science A course and exam.

This course includes a broad view of computer operation, the global impact of computing, and then introduces Java programming concepts including variables, selection and object-oriented design.

This course is for anyone interested in taking a first-level computer-programming course, particularly those who attend a school that does not provide a similar class.

No previous programming knowledge is needed. We are looking forward to helping you explore this exciting new world!

What you'll learn

Ethical computing
Basic computer hardware
Number representations
Java program structure
Simple input / output
Data types and variables
Assignment statements
Primitive types and reference types
Arithmetic operators
Math library
String class and methods
Integer and Double classes
Boolean type
Relational operators
Selection statements
Short-circuit operation
DeMorgan's laws

What's inside

Learning objectives

Ethical computing
Basic computer hardware
Number representations
Java program structure
Simple input / output
Data types and variables
Assignment statements
Primitive types and reference types
Arithmetic operators

Math library
String class and methods
Integer and double classes
Boolean type
Relational operators
Selection statements
Short-circuit operation
Demorgan's laws

Ethical computing
Basic computer hardware
Number representations
Java program structure
Simple input / output
Data types and variables
Assignment statements
Primitive types and reference types
Arithmetic operators
Math library
String class and methods
Integer and double classes
Boolean type
Relational operators
Selection statements
Short-circuit operation
Demorgan's laws

Syllabus

Unit Name or Timeframe: Computer Programming Fundamentals (2 weeks)

Discussion of the objectives of good programmers (correctness, design, style, efficiency)

Problem solving and computer science

The ethics of computer use, social networking, and engineering for the greater good.

Computer hardware and memory

Number representations and conversions

Overflow and underflow

Introduction to Java IDE and debugger (DrJava, IntelliJ)

Building a first Java class and simple program

The main method

I/O in Java

Unit Name or Timeframe: Primitive data types, variables, arithmetic (2 weeks)

Data types and variables

Constants

ASCII and Unicode representation of characters

Assignment

Primitive types vs reference types

Binary arithmetic operators

Static methods and the Math class

String class and functions

Wrapper classes for integer and double type

Unit Name or Timeframe: Selection (2 weeks)

Boolean type

Relational operators

Selection statements (if, else, else-if, switch)

Short-circuit execution

Code blocks

Dangling else

Compound relational operators and truth tables

DeMorgan’s Laws

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Meets AP exam computer science standards

Provides an introduction to programming designed for beginners

Stresses ethical computing

Covers the fundamentals of Java programming

Taught by experienced instructors

Career center

Learners who complete AP Computer Science A: Java Programming will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computer Programmer

A Computer Programmer is a professional who writes and tests code for software applications. Java programming is a popular choice for developing software applications, so taking this course will help you build a strong foundation in computer programming. The course covers topics such as data types and variables, arithmetic operators, and selection statements, which are all essential concepts for Computer Programmers.

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Software Developer

A Software Developer is a professional who designs, develops, and maintains software applications. Java programming is a popular choice for developing software applications, so taking this course will help you build a strong foundation in software development. The course covers topics such as data types and variables, arithmetic operators, and selection statements, which are all essential concepts for Software Developers.

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Software Engineer

A Software Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and maintains software systems. Java programming is a popular choice for developing software systems, so taking this course will help you build a strong foundation in software engineering. The course covers topics such as data types and variables, arithmetic operators, and selection statements, which are all essential concepts for Software Engineers.

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Data Analyst

A Data Analyst is a professional who collects, analyzes, and interprets data. Java programming is a popular choice for developing data analysis applications, so taking this course will help you build a strong foundation in data analysis. The course covers topics such as data types and variables, arithmetic operators, and selection statements, which are all essential concepts for Data Analysts.

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Database Administrator

A Database Administrator is a professional who manages and maintains databases. Java programming is a popular choice for developing database applications, so taking this course will help you build a strong foundation in database administration. The course covers topics such as data types and variables, arithmetic operators, and selection statements, which are all essential concepts for Database Administrators.

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Web Developer

A Web Developer is a professional who designs and develops websites. Java programming is a popular choice for developing web applications, so taking this course will help you build a strong foundation in web development. The course covers topics such as data types and variables, arithmetic operators, and selection statements, which are all essential concepts for Web Developers.

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Information Technology Specialist

An Information Technology Specialist is a professional who supports and maintains computer systems and networks. Java programming is a popular choice for developing software applications and systems, so taking this course will help you build a strong foundation in information technology. The course covers topics such as data types and variables, arithmetic operators, and selection statements, which are all essential concepts for Information Technology Specialists.

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Computer Scientist

A Computer Scientist is a professional who studies the theory and practice of computing. Java programming is a popular choice for developing software applications and systems, so taking this course will help you build a strong foundation in computer science. The course covers topics such as data types and variables, arithmetic operators, and selection statements, which are all essential concepts for Computer Scientists.

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Quality Assurance Analyst

A Quality Assurance Analyst is a professional who tests and evaluates software applications and systems. Java programming is a popular choice for developing software applications and systems, so taking this course will help you build a strong foundation in quality assurance. The course covers topics such as data types and variables, arithmetic operators, and selection statements, which are all essential concepts for Quality Assurance Analysts.

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Business Analyst

A Business Analyst is a professional who analyzes and designs business processes. Java programming is a popular choice for developing business analysis applications, so taking this course will help you build a strong foundation in business analysis. The course covers topics such as data types and variables, arithmetic operators, and selection statements, which are all essential concepts for Business Analysts.

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Systems Analyst

A Systems Analyst is a professional who analyzes and designs computer systems. Java programming is a popular choice for developing computer systems, so taking this course will help you build a strong foundation in systems analysis. The course covers topics such as data types and variables, arithmetic operators, and selection statements, which are all essential concepts for Systems Analysts.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager is a professional who plans, organizes, and manages software development projects. Java programming is a popular choice for developing software applications and systems, so taking this course will help you build a strong foundation in project management. The course covers topics such as data types and variables, arithmetic operators, and selection statements, which are all essential concepts for Project Managers.

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Computer Support Specialist

A Computer Support Specialist is a professional who provides technical support to users of software applications and systems. Java programming is a popular choice for developing software applications and systems, so taking this course will help you build a strong foundation in computer support. The course covers topics such as data types and variables, arithmetic operators, and selection statements, which are all essential concepts for Computer Support Specialists.

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Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst is a professional who protects computer systems and networks from security threats. Java programming is a popular choice for developing security applications and systems, so taking this course will help you build a strong foundation in information security. The course covers topics such as data types and variables, arithmetic operators, and selection statements, which are all essential concepts for Information Security Analysts.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer is a professional who writes documentation for software applications and systems. Java programming is a popular choice for developing software applications and systems, so taking this course will help you build a strong foundation in technical writing. The course covers topics such as data types and variables, arithmetic operators, and selection statements, which are all essential concepts for Technical Writers.

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