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Java for Android

Dr. Jerry Roth, Dr. Julie L. Johnson, Michael Walker, and Dr. Douglas C. Schmidt

This MOOC teaches you how to program core features and classes from the Java programming language that are used in Android, which is the dominant platform for developing and deploying mobile device apps.

In particular, this MOOC covers key Java programming language features that control the flow of execution through an app (such as Java’s various looping constructs and conditional statements), enable access to structured data (such as Java's built-in arrays and common classes in the Java Collections Framework, such as ArrayList and HashMap), group related operations and data into classes and interfaces (such as Java's primitive and user-defined types, fields, methods, generic parameters, and exceptions), customize the behavior of existing classes via inheritance and polymorphism (such as subclassing and overriding virtual methods). Learners will apply these Java features in the context of core Android components (such as Activities and basic UI elements) by applying common tools (such as Android Studio) needed to develop Java programs and useful Android apps.

Learners will work on several hands-on projects throughout the MOOC, i.e., each week will require learners to write solutions to programming assignments that reinforce the material covered in the lecture videos. There will be roughly 4-6 hours of student engagement time per week, including video lectures, quizzes, and programming assignments.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: MOOC Overview

Module 1 summarizes the organization of the MOOC and the topics it covers. It also discusses the MOOC prerequisites, workload, and learning strategies needed to complete the MOOC successfully. It then presents an overview of key features in the Java language, outlining its support for object-oriented programming concepts that guide the development of Android apps.

Module 2: Introduction to Android Studio

Module 2 provides an overview of Android Studio, explaining how to install it and apply it to develop a simple app using basic Java and Android features presented in this MOOC.

Module 3: Writing a Simple Android App Using Basic Java Features

Module 3 shows how to write a simple Android app that defines variables using primitive Java data types, shows how to assign values to those variables, and output them to the Android display using Java classes and methods.

Module 4: Control Flow

Module 4 covers Java’s looping constructs (e.g., for loops, while loops, and do/while loops), as well as its conditional statements (e.g., if/else statements).

Module 5: Structured Data

Module 5 provides more detail on common data structures supported by Java, including built-in arrays, as well as core classes in the Java Collections Framework, such as ArrayList and HashMap.

Module 6: Classes and Interfaces

Module 6 covers Java classes and interfaces, focusing on data types, fields, methods, generic parameters, and exceptions.

ModuIe 7: Inheritance and Polymorphism

Module 7 examines Java's inheritance and polymorphism features (e.g., extending classes and virtual methods).

Module 8: Android Calculator App Mini-Project Assignment

Module 8 guides learners through the creation of an Android app that implements a simple calculator, which provides features for adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing numbers input by various means (e.g., via numbers and buttons on the Android user interface).

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Delves into core and fundamental concepts required for Java, making it especially good for complete beginners who aim to become junior Android developers

Offers a great foundation for learners who want to specialize in Android mobile app development

Covers in-demand topics such as data structures, algorithms, and UI elements, which are highly relevant to the Java development industry

Coordinated by instructors with substantial expertise in Java and Android development, bringing credibility and industry knowledge to the program

Provides hands-on practice through programming assignments, allowing learners to apply their knowledge and receive timely feedback

Requires learners to have prior programming experience, potentially limiting accessibility for complete beginners

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Reviews summary

Java coding course: primer

According to students, this course is largely positive and covers Java programming from the ground up. It begins with an introduction to basic Java syntax and concepts and progresses to more advanced topics like object-oriented programming, data structures, and algorithms. Learners say the course is well-structured, with clear explanations and engaging assignments. They also appreciate the instructors' responsiveness and willingness to help. However, some students note that the course can be challenging, especially for those with no prior programming experience. Overall, learners say this course is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn Java or improve their programming skills.

Assignments are engaging and help reinforce learning.

"The course is well-structured, with clear explanations and engaging assignments."

"Learners say the course is largely positive and covers Java programming from the ground up."

Course is well-structured and easy to follow.

"The course is well-structured, with clear explanations and engaging assignments."

"It begins with an introduction to basic Java syntax and concepts and progresses to more advanced topics like object-oriented programming, data structures, and algorithms."

Instructors provide clear explanations of complex concepts.

"The course is well-structured, with clear explanations and engaging assignments."

"Learners say the course is largely positive and covers Java programming from the ground up."

Instructors are responsive and helpful.

"Learners also appreciate the instructors' responsiveness and willingness to help."

"Instructors provide clear explanations of complex concepts."

Course can be challenging, especially for beginners.

"However, some students note that the course can be challenging, especially for those with no prior programming experience."

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 for Android with these activities:

Read Head First Java

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Reading Head First Java will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of Java programming concepts, complementing the material covered in the course.

View Head First Java: A Brain-Friendly Guide on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book.
Read through the chapters and take notes.
Complete the practice exercises and quizzes in the book.

Review Java Programming Fundamentals

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Reviewing Java programming fundamentals will help you strengthen your foundation in the language, which is essential for understanding the core concepts covered in this course.

Browse courses on Java Programming

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Go through online tutorials on Java syntax and data types.
Practice writing simple Java programs to reinforce your understanding.

Complete Java Coding Challenges on LeetCode

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Completing Java coding challenges on LeetCode will help you improve your problem-solving skills and enhance your understanding of Java data structures and algorithms.

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Create a LeetCode account.
Select Java coding challenges that align with the topics covered in the course.
Attempt to solve the challenges on your own.
Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement.

One other activity

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Show all four activities

Develop a Simple Android App

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Developing a simple Android app will allow you to apply the concepts you learn in the course to a hands-on project, enhancing your practical understanding of Android development.

Browse courses on Android Development

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Choose a simple app idea that aligns with your interests.
Design the user interface and create the necessary layouts.
Implement the app's functionality using Java and Android APIs.
Test your app on an Android device or emulator.
Publish your app to the Google Play Store (optional).

Career center

Learners who complete Java for Android will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Mobile Application Developer

Mobile Application Developers specialize in developing and maintaining mobile applications for a variety of platforms, including Android, iOS, and Windows Phone. This course would be a great foundation for this role, as it would teach you the core features and classes of the Java programming language that are used in Android development. You would also learn how to apply these features to develop Android apps using common tools like Android Studio.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Application Developer

Android Developer

As an Android Developer, you would be responsible for developing and maintaining mobile applications for the Android operating system. This course would be a great foundation for this role, as it would teach you the core features and classes of the Java programming language that are used in Android development. You would also learn how to apply these features to develop Android apps using common tools like Android Studio. This course may also be helpful for developing apps for other platforms, such as iOS or Windows Phone.

See salaries and explore the career path for Android Developer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers apply engineering principles to the design, development, deployment, and maintenance of software systems. They work across a wide range of industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. This course would be helpful for Software Engineers who want to learn more about the Java programming language and how to apply it to develop Android apps. The course would also be helpful for Software Engineers who want to learn more about object-oriented programming concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Web Developer

Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites and web applications. This course may be helpful for Web Developers who want to learn more about the Java programming language and how to apply it to develop Android apps. The course may also be helpful for Web Developers who want to learn more about object-oriented programming concepts.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use scientific methods, processes, algorithms and systems to extract knowledge and insights from data in various forms, both structured and unstructured. This course may be helpful for Data Scientists who want to learn more about the Java programming language and how to apply it to develop Android apps. The course may also be helpful for Data Scientists who want to learn more about object-oriented programming concepts.

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Information Technology Specialist

Information Technology Specialists design, implement, and maintain computer systems and networks. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. This course may be helpful for Information Technology Specialists who want to learn more about the Java programming language and how to apply it to develop Android apps. The course may also be helpful for Information Technology Specialists who want to learn more about object-oriented programming concepts.

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Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts design, develop, and implement computer systems and applications. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. This course may be helpful for Systems Analysts who want to learn more about the Java programming language and how to apply it to develop Android apps. The course may also be helpful for Systems Analysts who want to learn more about object-oriented programming concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software systems and applications to ensure that they meet quality standards. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. This course may be helpful for Quality Assurance Analysts who want to learn more about the Java programming language and how to apply it to develop Android apps. The course may also be helpful for Quality Assurance Analysts who want to learn more about object-oriented programming concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists research and develop new computing technologies and applications. They work in a variety of fields, including artificial intelligence, computer graphics, and software engineering. This course may be helpful for Computer Scientists who want to learn more about the Java programming language and how to apply it to develop Android apps. The course may also be helpful for Computer Scientists who want to learn more about object-oriented programming concepts.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators design, implement, and maintain databases. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. This course may be helpful for Database Administrators who want to learn more about the Java programming language and how to apply it to develop Android apps. The course may also be helpful for Database Administrators who want to learn more about object-oriented programming concepts.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. This course may be helpful for Technical Writers who want to learn more about the Java programming language and how to apply it to develop Android apps. The course may also be helpful for Technical Writers who want to learn more about object-oriented programming concepts.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. This course may be helpful for Data Analysts who want to learn more about the Java programming language and how to apply it to develop Android apps. The course may also be helpful for Data Analysts who want to learn more about object-oriented programming concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Salesforce Developer

Salesforce Developers design, develop, and implement Salesforce applications. They work with clients to understand their business needs and develop solutions that meet those needs. This course may be helpful for Salesforce Developers who want to learn more about the Java programming language and how to apply it to develop Android apps. The course may also be helpful for Salesforce Developers who want to learn more about object-oriented programming concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Salesforce Developer

Business Analyst

Business Analysts identify and analyze business needs and develop solutions to improve business processes. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. This course may be helpful for Business Analysts who want to learn more about the Java programming language and how to apply it to develop Android apps. The course may also be helpful for Business Analysts who want to learn more about object-oriented programming concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. This course may be helpful for Project Managers who want to learn more about the Java programming language and how to apply it to develop Android apps. The course may also be helpful for Project Managers who want to learn more about object-oriented programming concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Reading list

We've selected 22 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 for Android.