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Java Programming

Principles of Software Design

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

Solve real world problems with Java using multiple classes. Learn how to create programming solutions that scale using Java interfaces. Recognize that software engineering is more than writing code - it also involves logical thinking and design. By the end of this course you will have written a program that analyzes and sorts earthquake data, and developed a predictive text generator.

After completing this course, you will be able to:

1. Use sorting appropriately in solving problems;

2. Develop classes that implement the Comparable interface;

3. Use timing data to analyze empirical performance;

After completing this course, you will be able to:

1. Use sorting appropriately in solving problems;

2. Develop classes that implement the Comparable interface;

3. Use timing data to analyze empirical performance;

4. Break problems into multiple classes, each with their own methods;

5. Determine if a class from the Java API can be used in solving a particular problem;

6. Implement programming solutions using multiple approaches and recognize tradeoffs;

7. Use object-oriented concepts including interfaces and abstract classes when developing programs;

8. Appropriately hide implementation decisions so they are not visible in public methods; and

9. Recognize the limitations of algorithms and Java programs in solving problems.

10. Recognize standard Java classes and idioms including exception-handling, static methods, java.net, and java.io packages.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to the Course

Welcome to “Java Programming: Principles of Software Design”! 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 hear an overview of this course and be introduced to the supporting resources available.

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what should give you pause

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Challenges learners to grapple with comprehensive programming concepts that are relevant to industry, such as abstract classes and interfaces

Introduces concepts like N-grams and predictive text

Helps learners explore the connections between logic, design, and coding by studying concrete, real-world problems

Allows learners to practice these concepts by asking them to build a program that analyzes and sorts earthquake data and a predictive text generator

Provides opportunities to apply sorting algorithms in a practical context

Offers numerous hands-on lessons that allow for practical application of concepts

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Reviews summary

Java oop and design principles

According to learners, this course offers a largely positive experience, particularly for those seeking a solid foundation in Java Object-Oriented Programming and software design principles. Students frequently praise the practical projects, such as the earthquake analysis and predictive text generator, finding them engaging and effective for applying concepts. The lectures are often described as clear and providing step-by-step explanations. However, a notable point raised by many is the reliance on outdated tools like BlueJ and a custom Duke library, which some feel could make the transition to standard Java development environments more challenging. While excellent for beginners, some intermediate learners found the pace occasionally slow or the content less in-depth than desired.

Great for beginners, potentially slow for others.

"This course was a game-changer for me as a beginner."

"Okay course... felt a bit slow at times. Good as a refresher, maybe, but not deep enough for intermediate learners."

"The pace was good, and the explanations were clear."

"The use of the Duke library and BlueJ made it accessible for me as a beginner."

Core concepts like OOP, interfaces well taught.

"The lectures were clear, and the assignments were challenging yet rewarding."

"Good foundation in Java OOP. The interface and abstract class sections were well-explained."

"The explanations were step-by-step, and the assignments built upon each other nicely."

"I finally understood interfaces and sorting algorithms practically thanks to the clear lectures."

Hands-on coding reinforces concepts effectively.

"Excellent course! The lectures were clear, and the assignments were challenging yet rewarding. The practical projects, especially the earthquake and text generator tasks, were great for applying concepts."

"Fantastic course, especially the earthquake project. Really helped me understand how to break down problems and use interfaces effectively."

"Loved the project-based approach. The earthquake analysis and predictive text projects were engaging and practical."

"The hands-on coding and projects are the strongest part of the course for me."

Reliance on BlueJ and custom Duke library noted.

"Sometimes felt the BlueJ environment was a bit limiting compared to standard IDEs..."

"Disappointed with the outdated tools (BlueJ) and custom library (edu.duke). It makes transitioning to real-world development harder."

"The heavy reliance on BlueJ and the Duke library is a significant negative. It feels like a closed ecosystem and doesn't prepare you for using standard tools."

"BlueJ is a dated environment, but it works for the course scope."

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: Principles of Software Design with these activities:

Explore Java Exception Handling and Debugging Techniques

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Enhance your ability to handle errors and improve the robustness of your Java programs.

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Review the basics of exception handling in Java.
Practice using try-catch blocks to handle exceptions.
Explore common Java exceptions and their causes.

Organize and Review Course Materials

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Establish a structured approach to managing your course materials for enhanced retention and retrieval.

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Create a dedicated folder or notebook for course materials.
Organize materials into logical categories or sections.
Review materials regularly to reinforce learning.

Join a Java Study Group

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Collaborate with peers to discuss course concepts, share knowledge, and support each other's learning.

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Find a study partner or group.
Establish regular meeting times and a study schedule.
Take turns presenting and discussing course material.
Work together to solve problems and complete assignments.
Provide feedback and support to your group members.

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Practice Java Sorting Algorithms

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Reinforce your understanding of sorting algorithms by implementing several from scratch.

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Implement the selection sort algorithm.
Implement the bubble sort algorithm.
Use the Collections.sort method to sort an array.

Attend a Java Programming Workshop

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Engage with industry professionals and experts to enhance your Java skills and knowledge.

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Identify relevant Java workshops in your area or online.
Register for the workshop.
Actively participate in the workshop sessions.
Network with other attendees and speakers.

Build a Java-Based Predictive Text Generator

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Apply your knowledge of Java programming to create a practical tool that demonstrates your understanding of predictive text algorithms.

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Design the structure of your predictive text generator.
Implement the random character generation algorithm.
Enhance the generator to train based on input text.
Extend the generator to predict words.
Test and refine your predictive text generator.

Read "Effective Java" by Joshua Bloch

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Gain insights into best practices and design patterns for writing robust, maintainable, and efficient Java code.

View Effective Java (3rd Edition) on Amazon

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Read the book.
Apply the principles to your own Java projects.
Discuss the book's concepts with your peers or instructor.

Create a Java Application to Analyze and Visualize Earthquake Data

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Apply your knowledge of Java, data structures, and algorithms to develop a practical application that analyzes and presents earthquake data.

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Design the architecture of your application.
Implement data processing and analysis algorithms.
Create interactive visualizations to present the data.
Test and refine your application.
Present your findings and insights from the earthquake data.

Develop a Java Class Library for Data Structures and Algorithms

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Demonstrate your mastery of Java by creating a reusable and well-designed class library that implements a collection of data structures and algorithms.

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Design the architecture and interfaces for your class library.
Implement the data structures and algorithms as Java classes.
Create unit tests to verify the functionality of your library.
Document the usage and APIs of your library.
Share your library with the community or use it in your own projects.

Career center

Learners who complete Java Programming: Principles of Software Design will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Java Developer

As a Java Developer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining Java applications. This course will help you build a strong foundation in Java programming, including object-oriented programming concepts, data structures, and algorithms. You will also learn how to use Java libraries and frameworks to develop robust and scalable applications. With this knowledge, you will be well-equipped to succeed as a Java Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Java Developer

Software Engineer

As a Software Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software systems. This course will help you build a strong foundation in software engineering principles, including object-oriented design, software testing, and agile development. You will also learn how to use Java programming language to develop high-quality software applications. With this knowledge, you will be well-equipped to succeed as a Software Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Scientist

As a Data Scientist, you will be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to solve business problems. This course will help you build a strong foundation in data science principles, including data mining, machine learning, and statistical analysis. You will also learn how to use Java programming language to develop data science applications. With this knowledge, you will be well-equipped to succeed as a Data Scientist.

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Web Developer

As a Web Developer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining websites and web applications. This course will help you build a strong foundation in web development principles, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Java. You will also learn how to use Java programming language to develop dynamic and interactive web applications. With this knowledge, you will be well-equipped to succeed as a Web Developer.

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Mobile Developer

As a Mobile Developer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining mobile applications. This course will help you build a strong foundation in mobile development principles, including Android and iOS development. You will also learn how to use Java programming language to develop native and hybrid mobile applications. With this knowledge, you will be well-equipped to succeed as a Mobile Developer.

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Game Developer

As a Game Developer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining video games. This course will help you build a strong foundation in game development principles, including game design, game programming, and game art. You will also learn how to use Java programming language to develop 2D and 3D games. With this knowledge, you will be well-equipped to succeed as a Game Developer.

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Database Administrator

As a Database Administrator, you will be responsible for managing and maintaining databases. This course will help you build a strong foundation in database management principles, including database design, database optimization, and database security. You will also learn how to use Java programming language to develop database applications. With this knowledge, you will be well-equipped to succeed as a Database Administrator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Systems Analyst

As a Systems Analyst, you will be responsible for analyzing and designing business systems. This course will help you build a strong foundation in systems analysis principles, including business process analysis, requirements gathering, and system design. You will also learn how to use Java programming language to develop system prototypes and simulations. With this knowledge, you will be well-equipped to succeed as a Systems Analyst.

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Technical Writer

As a Technical Writer, you will be responsible for writing technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. This course will help you build a strong foundation in technical writing principles, including audience analysis, information design, and document production. You will also learn how to use Java programming language to develop interactive documentation and online help systems. With this knowledge, you will be well-equipped to succeed as a Technical Writer.

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Project Manager

As a Project Manager, you will be responsible for planning, organizing, and managing projects. This course may be useful for you as it will help you build a strong foundation in project management principles, including project planning, project scheduling, and project budgeting. You will also learn how to use Java programming language to develop project management tools and applications. With this knowledge, you will be better equipped to succeed as a Project Manager.

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Business Analyst

As a Business Analyst, you will be responsible for analyzing business needs and developing solutions. This course may be useful for you as it will help you build a strong foundation in business analysis principles, including business process analysis, requirements gathering, and solution design. You will also learn how to use Java programming language to develop business analysis tools and applications. With this knowledge, you will be better equipped to succeed as a Business Analyst.

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Quality Assurance Analyst

As a Quality Assurance Analyst, you will be responsible for testing and evaluating software products. This course may be useful for you as it will help you build a strong foundation in software testing principles, including test planning, test execution, and test reporting. You will also learn how to use Java programming language to develop automated testing tools and applications. With this knowledge, you will be better equipped to succeed as a Quality Assurance Analyst.

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Information Security Analyst

As an Information Security Analyst, you will be responsible for protecting an organization's information systems from cyber threats. This course may be useful for you as it will help you build a strong foundation in information security principles, including risk assessment, vulnerability assessment, and incident response. You will also learn how to use Java programming language to develop security tools and applications. With this knowledge, you will be better equipped to succeed as an Information Security Analyst.

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Network Administrator

As a Network Administrator, you will be responsible for managing and maintaining computer networks. This course may be useful for you as it will help you build a strong foundation in network administration principles, including network design, network configuration, and network troubleshooting. You will also learn how to use Java programming language to develop network management tools and applications. With this knowledge, you will be better equipped to succeed as a Network Administrator.

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Computer Support Specialist

As a Computer Support Specialist, you will be responsible for providing technical support to computer users. This course may be useful for you as it will help you build a strong foundation in computer support principles, including hardware troubleshooting, software troubleshooting, and customer service. You will also learn how to use Java programming language to develop support tools and applications. With this knowledge, you will be better equipped to succeed as a Computer Support Specialist.

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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 Java Programming: Principles of Software Design.

On Java 8

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Offers a comprehensive and in-depth examination of Java programming language concepts, design patterns, and best practices. It is commonly used as a textbook in academic institutions and by industry professionals.

Java Programming

Principles of Software Design

Two deals to help you save

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Java oop and design principles

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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