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Software Construction

Data Abstraction

Gail Murphy and Elisa Baniassad

This is the third course in the Software Development MicroMasters program. You will learn how to build larger and more complex software systems using the Java programming language.

The course begins with the topic of data abstraction - from specification to implementation. Particular attention is given to how to write robust tests using JUnit. Then the course expands on these ideas to explore how type hierarchies and polymorphism can be used to decrease redundancy in your code. The course wraps up with a discussion of how to design robust classes.

By the end of the course, you will have a solid foundation in designing software in Java, and be ready to move onto Software Construction: Object-Oriented Design, where you will learn more complex design patterns and principles designing object-oriented programs.

Learners who enroll in the Verified track will receive staff grading for the course project and increased interaction with the instructors and staff.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

How to read and write java programs
How to test java programs with junit

To build larger software systems using abstraction and decomposition
How to specify, implement, use and test a data abstraction

How to read and write java programs
How to test java programs with junit
To build larger software systems using abstraction and decomposition
How to specify, implement, use and test a data abstraction

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines Java programming language, which is vital in the software development industry

Emphasizes writing robust tests using JUnit, an essential industry tool

Develops skills in building larger and more complex software systems, expanding technical capacity

Taught by Gail Murphy and Elisa Baniassad, esteemed instructors well-regarded in software development

Requires basic knowledge of Java programming, suitable for learners with foundational understanding

Can be challenging for learners completely new to programming, as some background in object-oriented programming concepts may be beneficial

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Reviews summary

Java data abstraction

According to students, Software Construction: Data Abstraction is a three-star course that takes a different approach to teaching Java. It teaches the architecture of a Java program before teaching syntax and moves quickly into test-driven development.

This course emphasizes test-driven development.

"It quickly moves on to teach test-driven development."

This course teaches Java architecture before syntax.

"The material teaches the architecture of a Java program before worrying about teaching simple syntax."

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 Software Construction: Data Abstraction with these activities:

Read 'Effective Java'

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Gain insights and best practices for writing effective Java code.

View Effective Java (3rd Edition) on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes
Apply the principles and techniques described in the book to your own Java code

Follow Tutorials on Polymorphism in Java

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Expand your knowledge of polymorphism by following guided tutorials.

Browse courses on Polymorphism

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Find reputable tutorials on polymorphism in Java
Watch the tutorials and take notes
Try out the examples provided in the tutorials

Practice with JUnit

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Reinforce your understanding of testing by practicing with JUnit.

Browse courses on JUnit

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Find a project that uses JUnit
Run the tests
Modify the tests and check the results

Five other activities

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Discuss Class Design Strategies

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Engage with peers to exchange ideas and improve your understanding of class design strategies.

Browse courses on Software Design

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Find a peer or group of peers to discuss with
Identify a specific class design problem to discuss
Present your own ideas and listen to the ideas of others
Work together to develop a better understanding of the problem and potential solutions

Write a Tutorial on Java Data Abstraction

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Enhance your understanding of data abstraction and improve your communication skills by writing a tutorial.

Browse courses on Java

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Identify the key concepts of data abstraction
Write a clear and concise explanation of these concepts
Provide examples and code snippets to illustrate your points
Review and edit your tutorial to improve its accuracy and clarity

Design a Robust Class

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Apply your knowledge of software design by creating a robust class.

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Identify the purpose and requirements of the class
Design the class interface and implementation
Test the class thoroughly
Refactor the class to improve its design and maintainability

Participate in a Java Coding Competition

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Challenge yourself and test your skills by participating in a Java coding competition.

Browse courses on Java

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Find a Java coding competition that interests you
Study the competition rules and requirements
Develop a strategy for approaching the competition problems
Practice solving coding problems in Java
Participate in the competition and give it your best effort

Contribute to an Open-Source Java Project

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Gain practical experience and contribute to the community by working on an open-source Java project.

Browse courses on Open Source

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Find an open-source Java project that interests you
Study the project codebase and documentation
Identify a bug or feature that you can work on
Fork the project and create a pull request with your changes
Collaborate with the project maintainers to get your pull request merged

Career center

Learners who complete Software Construction: Data Abstraction will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Engineer

Software Engineers oversee the development of software systems and make sure that they meet the needs of the business. The focus of this course on data abstraction and JUnit testing will provide you with the tools to tackle complex engineering problems and ensure that software behaves as expected.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Software Developer

Software Developers write, maintain, and improve software programs for companies and organizations. This course will help build a foundation in Java, allowing you to get into this field. The course's focus on abstraction and decomposition will help you to break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts, a skill essential to Software Developers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems and develop new products and services. The focus of this course on data abstraction and testing will provide you with the skills needed to build complex data models and verify their accuracy, essential skills for Data Scientists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to help businesses make informed decisions. The focus of this course on data abstraction and test-driven development will provide you with the skills needed to manage large and complex datasets, a key aspect of being a Data Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

IT Architect

IT Architects design and implement technology solutions for businesses. The focus of this course on data abstraction and object-oriented design will provide you with the skills needed to understand complex systems and develop innovative solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Architect

Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases, ensuring that they are efficient and reliable. The focus of this course on data abstraction and testing will provide you with the skills needed to design and implement database systems and ensure their integrity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Software Tester

Software Testers evaluate software to ensure that it meets the needs of the business and is free of defects. The focus of this course on testing with JUnit will provide you with the skills needed to design and execute effective test plans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Tester

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts study the needs of businesses and develop technology solutions to meet those needs. The focus of this course on data abstraction and object-oriented design will provide you with the skills needed to understand complex business processes and design effective systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts ensure that software meets the quality standards of the business. The focus of this course on testing and data abstraction will provide you with the skills needed to develop and implement quality assurance plans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Mobile Developer

Mobile Developers design and develop mobile applications. The focus of this course on data abstraction and JUnit testing will provide you with the skills needed to build robust and maintainable mobile applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Developer

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. The focus of this course on data abstraction and JUnit testing will provide you with the skills needed to build robust and maintainable web applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

User Experience Designer

User Experience Designers design and evaluate the user experience of software products. The focus of this course on data abstraction and testing will provide you with the skills needed to understand user needs and design software that is easy to use.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer

Computer Network Architect

Computer Network Architects design and implement computer networks. The focus of this course on data abstraction and testing will provide you with the skills needed to understand network protocols and design efficient and reliable networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Network Architect

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access and attacks. The focus of this course on data abstraction and testing will provide you with the skills needed to understand security vulnerabilities and develop security measures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Project Manager

Project Managers plan and execute projects to ensure that they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality. The focus of this course on data abstraction and testing will provide you with the skills needed to understand project requirements and manage project teams.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Reading list

We've selected 18 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 Software Construction: Data Abstraction.

Domain-Driven Design Reference

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Provides a comprehensive guide to domain-driven design. It covers all of the major principles of domain-driven design, and it includes practical advice and examples.

Software Construction

Data Abstraction

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What's inside

Learning objectives

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Reviews summary

Java data abstraction

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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