Decoding AP Computer Science A from Udemy

Prepare for and ace the AP Computer Science exam.

Learn the basic concepts and functions of the Java programming language to create your own computer programs.

Learn more about computer science with a course with 115 lectures and over 10.5 hours of content FOR FREE.

Java Development Kit Installation
Types and Operators
Methods and Wrapper Classes
Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), Classes, and Objects
Loops and Conditionals
Inheritance and Polymorphism
Recursion and Sorting/Searching Algorithms

Content Overview Suitable for beginning programmers, through this course of 115 lectures and over 10.5 hours of content, you’ll learn all of the Java fundamentals and establish a strong understanding of the concept behind object-oriented programming (OOP). Each chapter consists of exercises, putting your new learned skills into practical use immediately.

Starting with the installation of the Java Development Kit, this course will take you through Java variable types, operators, and how to use them. By creating classes and objects, you’ll a establish a strong understanding of OOP.

With these basics mastered, the course will take you through program flow control by teaching you how to use for loops, while loops, and conditional if-else statements to add complexity and functionality to your programs.

Students completing the course will have the knowledge to create functional and useful Java programs.

Complete with working files and code samples, you’ll be able to work alongside the author as you work through each concept, and will receive a verifiable certificate of completion upon finishing the course.

What's inside

Syllabus

Getting Set Up

Introduction to APCS

Section 1 Recap

Introduction to Computers

Section 2 Overview

Computers

Types of Languages and History of Java

Object-Oriented Programming

Section 2 Recap

Introduction to Java

Section 3 Overview

Hello World Program

Hello World Program Observations

Assignment: Editing the Hello World Program

Importing Packages and Java Program Basics

Identifiers and Variables

Primitive Types and Strings

Declaring and Casting Variables

Representing in Different Bases (optional)

Input and Output

Modifying the Hello World Program

Assignment: Using Escape Sequences with the Hello World Program

Section 3 Recap

Operators

Section 4 Overview

Arithmetic Operators

Addition Program

Assignment: Creating a Multiplication Program

Relational and Equality Operators

Comparison Program

Assignment: Modifying the Comparison Program

Logical and Assignment Operators

Order of Operations

Section 4 Recap

Control Structures

Section 5 Overview

Introduction to Control Structures

If Statements

Grader Program

Assignment: Big Number Program

Assignment: Positive Negative Program

While and For Loops

Average Program

Assignment: Odd Numbers Program

Section 5 Recap

Classes and Objects

Section 6 Overview

Methods and Instance Variables

Section 6 Recap

Keywords

Section 7 Overview

The Public and Private Keywords

The Static Keyword

Section 7 Recap

Methods

Section 8 Overview

Declaring Methods

PassFail Program

Assignment: DayName Program

Assignment: BiggerOne Program

Initializing Objects Using Constructor Methods

Other Types of Methods and this Keyword

Course Program

Section 8 Recap

Object and String Classes

Section 9 Overview

The Object Class Methods

Modifying the Course Program with Object Class Methods

Assignment: Polygon Program

The String Class Methods

String Test Program

Section 9 Recap

Math and Wrapper Classes

Section 10 Overview

The Integer and Double (Wrapper) Classes

Math Class Methods

Assignment: Calculating Circle Area

Math.random()

Assignment: Rolling Dice

Section 10 Recap

Arrays

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops the skills, knowledge, and abilities required to pass the AP Computer Science Exam

Explores Java, a versatile and broadly-used programming language that has cross-platform applications for development

Develops a foundation in object-oriented programming, which is a fundamental approach to software development and design

Provides hands-on practice and exercises for reinforcement and assessment of understanding

Teaches the Java Development Kit installation, which is an essential tool for Java programming

Provides a comprehensive overview of essential Java fundamentals for beginners in the field

Reviews summary

Informative, but challenging

According to students, this course is informative and has some challenging concepts. Students report that lectures are helpful and that the assignments are engaging. Overall, this course is well-received.

Students say lectures are helpful.

Students describe the assignments as engaging.

Students find this course informative.

"Great."

"I am learning a lot."

"I still don't quite understand what an object is, but I think I nearly do."

Some students find the concepts challenging.

"I still don't quite understand what an object is"

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 Decoding AP Computer Science A with these activities:

Review Basic Programming Concepts

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Revisit foundational programming concepts to ensure a strong foundation.

Browse courses on Variables and Data Types

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Review online resources or textbooks on basic programming.
Practice writing simple programs to reinforce your understanding.
Attend a workshop or tutorial on programming fundamentals.

Revise Java Syntax and Structures

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Refresh your knowledge of Java syntax and structures to enhance comprehension.

Browse courses on Java Syntax

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Review your notes and materials from previous Java courses or tutorials.
Complete practice exercises or quizzes on Java syntax.
Participate in online forums or discussions to clarify any doubts.

Organize Course Materials

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Organize your course notes, assignments, and resources for easy access and review.

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Create a dedicated folder or notebook for course materials.
File and label notes, assignments, and handouts in a systematic way.
Create a digital or physical index for easy retrieval of materials.

Five other activities

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Practice Writing Java Code

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Reinforce your understanding of Java syntax and structures by writing code.

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Create a new Java project.
Write a simple program that prints "Hello, world!"
Experiment with different operators and data types.
Write a program that takes user input and calculates the average of multiple numbers.

Follow Online Java Tutorials

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Supplement your learning with external resources that provide clear explanations and examples.

Browse courses on Object-Oriented Programming

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Find reputable online tutorials on Java concepts you want to strengthen.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, taking notes and practicing the code.
Seek clarification from the tutorial instructor or online forums if needed.

Join a Java Study Group

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Collaborate with peers to discuss concepts, solve problems, and provide support.

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Find or start a study group with other students taking the course.
Set regular meeting times and discuss course topics.
Work together on assignments and projects.
Provide feedback and support to each other.

Participate in Java Coding Challenges

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Test your skills and gain experience by participating in coding challenges.

Browse courses on Object-Oriented Programming

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Identify relevant coding challenges or competitions online.
Practice solving problems and improve your coding abilities.
Submit your solutions and compete with other participants.
Analyze your results and learn from both successes and failures.

Create a Java Application

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Apply your knowledge to build a practical project that showcases your skills.

Browse courses on Object-Oriented Programming

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Define the scope and purpose of your application.
Design the user interface and functionality.
Write and test the Java code.
Debug and refine your application.
Deploy your application or share it with others.

Career center

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

Software Engineer

Software Engineers apply their knowledge of technology to the real world by designing, developing, testing, deploying, and maintaining computer software. They solve abstract problems through logical thinking and translate those solutions into code. This course in Decoding AP Computer Science A would be an excellent foundation for Software Engineers because the course covers Java syntax and methods, program flow control, and object-oriented design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers apply their knowledge of programming languages to create and modify computer programs. They are tasked with seamlessly putting together the building blocks of a program so that the instructions it contains run without error and in a way that is both effective and efficient. This course in Decoding AP Computer Science A would be a great starting point for Computer Programmers because it provides learners with building blocks in programming languages and methodologies such as Java syntax and methods, program flow control, and object-oriented design.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design, create, and maintain websites. They may work with clients to determine what a website will look like and how it will function. Web Developers use their knowledge of programming languages, markup, and multimedia to translate designs into functional websites. This course in Decoding AP Computer Science A would be a useful basis for Web Developers since it covers the fundamentals of programming languages such as Java syntax and methods, program flow control, and object-oriented design.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators ensure that databases are running smoothly and efficiently. They create, maintain, and backup databases. Database Administrators also work with other IT professionals to ensure that the data in the databases is secure and accessible. This course in Decoding AP Computer Science A may be useful for Database Administrators as it provides a basis in programming languages and methodologies like Java syntax and methods, program flow control, and object-oriented design, all of which are used to build and maintain databases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test software products to ensure that they meet quality standards. They identify and report any defects or bugs in the software. Quality Assurance Analysts also work with developers to fix defects and improve the quality of the software. This course in Decoding AP Computer Science A could be useful for Quality Assurance Analysts as it provides a foundation in programming languages, methodologies, and debugging. While this course specifically covers Java, the principles of testing for quality are very similar across programming languages.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

IT Support Specialist

IT Support Specialists provide technical support to computer users. They help users troubleshoot problems with hardware and software. IT Support Specialists also install and maintain computer systems. This course in Decoding AP Computer Science A could be useful for IT Support Specialists as it provides a foundation in programming languages, methodologies, and debugging. This knowledge may not be necessary for every task an IT Support Specialist performs, but it could be useful in more complex situations.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Support Specialist

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. They use this information to make recommendations and improve business decisions. This course in Decoding AP Computer Science A could be useful for Data Analysts as it provides a foundation in programming languages and methodologies. This knowledge can be useful for manipulating and analyzing data.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They develop and implement security measures to protect against threats such as malware, hackers, and phishing attacks.

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Network Administrator

Network Administrators design, implement, and maintain computer networks. They ensure that networks are running smoothly and efficiently. Network Administrators also troubleshoot problems and resolve network issues.

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Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators maintain and repair computer systems and networks. They install and configure software and hardware. Systems Administrators also troubleshoot problems and resolve system issues.

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Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts study an organization's current computer systems and procedures and design ways to improve them. They may also design and develop new computer systems.

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Software Quality Assurance Engineer

Software Quality Assurance Engineers test software products to ensure that they meet quality standards. They identify and report any defects or bugs in the software.

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Web Designer

Web Designers create and maintain websites. They work with clients to determine what a website will look like and how it will function. Web Designers use their knowledge of design principles and programming languages to create websites that are both visually appealing and functional.

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Database Developer

Database Developers design and create databases. They work with clients to determine what data will be stored in the database and how the data will be accessed. Database Developers use their knowledge of database software and programming languages to create databases that are both efficient and scalable.

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Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists conduct research in the field of computer science. They develop new theories and algorithms to improve the performance of computers. Computer Scientists also design and implement new computer systems and applications.

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