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Java Basics

Selection and Iteration

Anh Le, Patrick Ester, and Elise Deitrick

4.5

Based on 117 ratings

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Anh Le, Patrick Ester, and Elise Deitrick

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

This course is designed for learners with no coding experience, providing a solid foundation of not just Java, but core Computer Science topics that can be transferred to other languages. The modules in this course cover printing, operators, iteration (i.e., loops), and selection (i.e., conditionals).

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

Basic Skills - Writing your first program!

Welcome to Week 1 of the Java Basics: Selection and Iteration course. These assignments cover the concepts of printing, variables, and comments. The module ends with a lab and graded coding exercises.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Students with no coding experience can learn Java's fundamentals

Provides a solid foundation in computer science concepts applicable to other languages

Self-paced, hands-on learning with no video content and instant feedback

Covers basic Java concepts like printing, operators, loops, and conditionals

Course progression is structured with increasing complexity, starting with understanding checks and moving to coding exercises

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Reviews summary

Java basics: hands-on learning for beginners

According to students, this course offers an excellent foundation in Java basics, particularly for true beginners with no prior coding experience. Learners consistently praise its highly interactive and hands-on approach, featuring runnable code examples and instant feedback on coding exercises that make learning efficient and engaging. While many appreciate the course's video-free, text-based format and self-paced structure, some learners find the explanations occasionally too concise, wishing for more detailed theoretical breakdowns or visual demonstrations to fully grasp complex concepts.

Course relies on written explanations and images.

"The 'no video' approach with runnable code examples was brilliant. I felt very supported even without an instructor's voice."

"The content is fine, but the lack of video lectures was a bit jarring for me. I prefer visual learning."

"I felt the 'no video' approach was a significant drawback... I missed the personal touch of an instructor explaining things verbally."

Emphasizes learning by doing with interactive elements.

"The 'no video' approach with runnable code examples was brilliant. I learned so much from experimenting directly."

"The immediate feedback system is a huge plus. It's self-paced and I could revisit tough topics easily."

"The hands-on labs and coding exercises are definitely the strong point. I appreciate the emphasis on practical application."

Ideal for learners with no prior coding knowledge.

"Absolutely fantastic for a true beginner! ... Highly recommend for anyone starting out in Java and programming."

"As someone with zero prior coding experience, this course was a game-changer."

"Excellent course for getting started with programming logic in Java. It's truly beginner-friendly."

Some learners desired more in-depth theoretical context.

"My main feedback would be that some explanations could be a bit more elaborate for a complete novice."

"Sometimes I had to look up external resources to fully grasp a concept, even with the runnable examples."

"I sometimes struggled to understand *why* certain things worked... I wish there were more theoretical explanations..."

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 Basics: Selection and Iteration with these activities:

Review Pre-Algebra Fundamentals

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Refresh your understanding of pre-algebra to ensure a solid foundation for learning Java

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Review basic arithmetic operations (+, -, *, /)
Practice solving equations with one variable
Review concepts of exponents and radicals

Explore Java Code Examples

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Delve deeper into Java concepts by exploring real-world code examples and tutorials

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Browse online tutorials on Java basics
Run sample code examples from Java documentation
Join online forums to ask questions and learn from others

Practice Java Coding in an Online IDE

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Solidify your understanding by writing and running Java code in an online IDE

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Create a free account on an online IDE like Replit or CodeSandbox
Start a new Java project and write simple programs
Use debugging tools to identify and fix errors

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Build a Java Resource Collection

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Organize your learning materials and create a valuable resource for future reference

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Gather useful articles, tutorials, and code snippets on Java basics
Create a document or online hub to organize your resources
Share your compilation with classmates or fellow learners

Participate in Java Coding Projects on GitHub

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Contribute to real-world Java projects and gain practical experience

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Join Java open-source projects on GitHub
Review code, suggest improvements, and collaborate on bug fixes
Share your knowledge and expertise with the community

Read 'Effective Java' by Joshua Bloch

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Gain insights into best practices and common pitfalls in Java programming

View Effective Java (3rd Edition) on Amazon

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Read through the book and take notes
Apply the principles and patterns discussed in the book in your own Java code

Develop a Java Application with a Graphical User Interface

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Build a practical Java application that showcases your programming skills

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Design the user interface for your application
Write Java code to handle user input and interactions
Test and refine your application

Career center

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

Software Developer

The skills taught in this course are foundational to success as a Software Developer. The course's focus on selection and iteration builds a solid understanding of core Computer Science concepts that are essential for writing efficient, maintainable code. The course's hands-on approach and emphasis on runnable code examples allow learners to apply these concepts immediately, making them more effective Software Developers.

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Computer Programmer

This course provides Computer Programmers with a strong foundation in Java, one of the most popular programming languages used in industry. The course's coverage of printing, operators, iteration, and selection equips learners with the skills needed to write and execute complex programs. The course's focus on self-paced learning and instant feedback allows learners to progress at their own pace and receive valuable feedback along the way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Web Developer

This course may be helpful for Web Developers who are looking to build a foundation in Java. The course's coverage of basic Java concepts, such as printing, variables, and comments, provides a foundation for understanding more advanced Java concepts used in web development. Additionally, the course's emphasis on hands-on learning and runnable code examples allows learners to apply these concepts directly to web development projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Data Scientist

This course may be helpful for Data Scientists who are looking to build a foundation in Java. The course's coverage of basic Java concepts, such as printing, variables, and comments, provides a foundation for understanding more advanced Java concepts used in data science. Additionally, the course's emphasis on hands-on learning and runnable code examples allows learners to apply these concepts directly to data science projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Database Administrator

This course may be helpful for Database Administrators who are looking to build a foundation in Java. The course's coverage of basic Java concepts, such as printing, variables, and comments, provides a foundation for understanding more advanced Java concepts used in database administration. Additionally, the course's emphasis on hands-on learning and runnable code examples allows learners to apply these concepts directly to database administration projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Network Engineer

This course may be helpful for Network Engineers who are looking to build a foundation in Java. The course's coverage of basic Java concepts, such as printing, variables, and comments, provides a foundation for understanding more advanced Java concepts used in network engineering. Additionally, the course's emphasis on hands-on learning and runnable code examples allows learners to apply these concepts directly to network engineering projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Systems Analyst

This course may be helpful for Systems Analysts who are looking to build a foundation in Java. The course's coverage of basic Java concepts, such as printing, variables, and comments, provides a foundation for understanding more advanced Java concepts used in systems analysis. Additionally, the course's emphasis on hands-on learning and runnable code examples allows learners to apply these concepts directly to systems analysis projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Technical Writer

This course may be helpful for Technical Writers who are looking to build a foundation in Java. The course's coverage of basic Java concepts, such as printing, variables, and comments, provides a foundation for understanding more advanced Java concepts used in technical writing. Additionally, the course's emphasis on hands-on learning and runnable code examples allows learners to apply these concepts directly to technical writing projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Technical Support Specialist

This course may be helpful for Technical Support Specialists who are looking to build a foundation in Java. The course's coverage of basic Java concepts, such as printing, variables, and comments, provides a foundation for understanding more advanced Java concepts used in technical support. Additionally, the course's emphasis on hands-on learning and runnable code examples allows learners to apply these concepts directly to technical support projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Support Specialist

IT Consultant

This course may be helpful for IT Consultants who are looking to build a foundation in Java. The course's coverage of basic Java concepts, such as printing, variables, and comments, provides a foundation for understanding more advanced Java concepts used in IT consulting. Additionally, the course's emphasis on hands-on learning and runnable code examples allows learners to apply these concepts directly to IT consulting projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Consultant

Cybersecurity Analyst

This course may be helpful for Cybersecurity Analysts who are looking to build a foundation in Java. The course's coverage of basic Java concepts, such as printing, variables, and comments, provides a foundation for understanding more advanced Java concepts used in cybersecurity analysis. Additionally, the course's emphasis on hands-on learning and runnable code examples allows learners to apply these concepts directly to cybersecurity analysis projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Software Tester

This course may be helpful for Software Testers who are looking to build a foundation in Java. The course's coverage of basic Java concepts, such as printing, variables, and comments, provides a foundation for understanding more advanced Java concepts used in software testing. Additionally, the course's emphasis on hands-on learning and runnable code examples allows learners to apply these concepts directly to software testing projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Tester

Data Analyst

This course may be helpful for Data Analysts who are looking to build a foundation in Java. The course's coverage of basic Java concepts, such as printing, variables, and comments, provides a foundation for understanding more advanced Java concepts used in data analysis. Additionally, the course's emphasis on hands-on learning and runnable code examples allows learners to apply these concepts directly to data analysis projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Computer Support Specialist

This course may be helpful for Computer Support Specialists who are looking to build a foundation in Java. The course's coverage of basic Java concepts, such as printing, variables, and comments, provides a foundation for understanding more advanced Java concepts used in computer support. Additionally, the course's emphasis on hands-on learning and runnable code examples allows learners to apply these concepts directly to computer support projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Support Specialist

Technical Project Manager

This course may be helpful for Technical Project Managers who are looking to build a foundation in Java. The course's coverage of basic Java concepts, such as printing, variables, and comments, provides a foundation for understanding more advanced Java concepts used in technical project management. Additionally, the course's emphasis on hands-on learning and runnable code examples allows learners to apply these concepts directly to technical project management projects.

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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 Basics: Selection and Iteration.