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Introduction to Programming in Java
CS103 | 3 Credits
Get an introduction to programming in Java while learning the core computer science concepts like basic syntax, variables, and control structures including branches and loops, arrays and user-defined methods. This course makes coding approachable and practical, so you can start building real programs.
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About Introduction to Programming in Java
What You’ll Learn
In our Introduction to Programming in Java online course, you will also learn about the core computer science concepts of variables, branching, loops, arrays/lists, and functions/methods.
- Apply fundamental Java syntax and programming concepts to solve basic computational problems
- Implement conditional logic and branching structures to control program flow
- Construct iterative solutions using various loop structures to process data efficiently
- Design and manipulate arrays to store and process collections of data
- Create user-defined methods to promote code reusability and modular programming
- Develop object-oriented programs using classes, objects, and inheritance principles
- Integrate file input/output operations to read from and write to external data sources
- Analyze recursive algorithms and implement recursive solutions for appropriate problem domains
- Evaluate and implement exception handling mechanisms to create robust, error-resistant programs
- Synthesize advanced Java concepts including generics, collections, and GUI development to build comprehensive applications
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WANT US TO CHECK?Course Details
Introduction to Programming in Java teaches you object-oriented programming. It covers object-oriented programming principles through classes, objects, and inheritance, alongside essential topics like memory management and input/output operations. Advanced concepts include recursion, exception handling, generics, and collections. Students also explore graphical user interfaces using GUI frameworks and JavaFX, culminating in practical algorithms for searching and sorting. This course establishes the programming skills and problem-solving techniques necessary for continued study in computer science.
ACE-Recommended
ACE Code:
OOSL-0128
Flexible Schedule
27-day Average Course Completion
Transferred 8,500 Times
$1,500,000 Saved on I.T. Tuition
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Course Text
There is no text for this course. All materials are included in the course fee.
Course Checkpoints
Checkpoint 1: Introduction to Java
- Programming (general)
- Programming basics
- Comments and whitespace
- Errors and warnings
- Computers and programs (general)
- Integrated development environment
- Computer tour
- Language history
- Problem solving
- Why programming
- Why whitespace matters and precision matter
- Java example: Married-couple names
Checkpoint 2: Variables/Assignments
- Variables and assignments (general)
- Variables (int)
- Identifiers
- Arithmetic expressions (general)
- Arithmetic expressions (int)
- Example: Health data
- Floating-point numbers (double)
- Scientific notation for floating-point literals
- Constant variables
- Using math methods
- Integer division and modulo
- Type conversions
- Binary
- Characters
- Strings
- Integer overflow
- Numeric data types
- Random numbers
- Reading API documentation
- Debugging
- Style guidelines
- Local variable type face
- Java example: Salary calculation
- Java example: Salary calculation with variables
- Java example: Married-couple names with variables
Checkpoint 3: Branches
- If-else branches (general)
- Detecting equal values with branches
- Detecting ranges with branches (general)
- Detecting ranges with branches
- Detecting ranges using logical operators
- Detecting ranges with gaps
- Detecting multiple features with branches
- Common branching errors
- Example: Toll calculation
- Order of evaluation
- Switch statements
- Boolean data type
- String comparisons
- String access operations
- Character operations
- Finding and replacing text in a string
- Conditional expressions
- Floating-point comparison
- Short circuit evaluation
- Java example: Salary calculation and sale discount with branches
- Java example: Search for name using branches
Checkpoint 4: Loops
- Loops (general)
- While loops
- More while examples
- For loops
- More for loop examples
- Loops and strings
- Nested loops
- Developing programs incrementally
- Break and continue
- Variable name scope
- Enumerations
- Java example: Salary calculation with loops
- Java example: Domain name validation with loops
Checkpoint 5: Arrays
- Array concept (general)
- Arrays
- Array iteration drill
- Iterating through arrays
- Multiple arrays
- Swapping two variables (General)
- Loop-modifying or copying/comparing arrays
- Debugging example: Reversing an array
- Two-dimensional arrays
- Enhanced for loop: Arrays
- Java example: Annual salary tax rate calculation with arrays
- Java example: Domain name validation with arrays
Checkpoint 6: User-Defined Methods
- User-defined method basics
- Print methods
- Reasons for defining methods
- Writing mathematical methods
- Methods with branches
- Methods with loops
- Unit testing (methods)
- How methods work
- Methods: Common errors
- Array parameters
- Scope of variable/method definitions
- Method name overloading
- Parameter error checking
- Using Scanner in methods
- Perfect size arrays
- Oversize arrays
- Methods with oversize arrays
- Comparing perfect size and oversize arrays
- Using references in methods
- Returning arrays from methods
- Common errors: Methods and arrays
- Java documentation for methods
- Java example: Salary calculation with methods
- Java example: Domain name validation with methods
Checkpoint 7: Objects and Classes
- Objects: Introduction
- Using a class
- Defining a class
- Mutators, accessors, and private helpers
- Initialization and constructors
- Choosing classes to create
- Defining main() in a programmer-defined class
- Unit testing (classes)
- Constructor overloading
- Objects and references
- The ‘this’ implicit parameter
- Primitive and reference types
- Wrapper class conversions
- ArrayList
- Classes and ArrayLists
- ArrayList ADT
- Java documentation for classes
- Parameters of reference types
- Static fields and methods
- Using packages
- Java example: Salary calculation with classes
- Java example: Domain name availability with classes
Checkpoint 8: Memory Management
- Introduction to memory management
- A first linked list
- Memory regions: Heap/Stack
- Basic garbage collection
- Garbage collection and variable scope
- Java example: Employee list using ArrayLists
Checkpoint 9: Input/Output
- Output and input streams
- Output formatting
- Streams using Strings
- File input
- File output
Checkpoint 10: Inheritance
- Derived classes
- Access by members of derived classes
- Overriding member methods
- The Object class
- Polymorphism
- ArrayLists of Objects
- Abstract classes: Introduction (generic)
- Abstract classes
- Is-a versus has-a relationships
- UML
- Interfaces
- Java example: Employees and overriding class methods
- Java example: Employees and instantiating from an abstract class
Checkpoint 11: Recursion
- Recursion: Introduction
- Recursive methods
- Recursive algorithm: Search
- Adding output statements for debugging
- Creating a recursive method
- Recursive math methods
- Recursive exploration of all possibilities
- Stack overflow
- Java example: Recursively output permutations
Checkpoint 12: Exceptions
- Handling exceptions
- Throwing exceptions
- Exception with files
- Exceptions with methods
- User-defined exceptions
- Java example: Generate number format exception
Checkpoint 13: Generics
- Generic methods
- Generic methods and type bounds
- Generic classes
- Generic classes with type bounds
- Comparable Interface: Sorting an ArrayList
- Java example: Map values using a generic method
Checkpoint 14: Collections
- Enhanced for loop
- List: LinkedList
- Map: HashMap
- Set: HashSet
- Queue interface
- Deque interface
- SortedSet: TreeSet
- Queue: PriorityQueue
- Stack
Checkpoint 15: GUI
- Basic graphics
- Introduction to graphical user interfaces
- Positioning GUI components using a GridBagLayout
- GUI input and ActionListeners
- GUI input with formatted text fields
- GUI input with JSpinners
- Displaying multi-line text in a JTextArea
- Using tables in GUIs
- Using sliders in GUIs
- GUI tables, fields, and buttons: A seat reservation example
- Reading files with a GUI
Checkpoint 16: JavaFX
- Introduction to graphical user interfaces with JavaFX
- Positioning GUI components using a GridPane
- Input and event handlers
- Basic graphics with JavaFX
Checkpoint 17: Searching and Sorting Algorithms
- Searching and algorithms
- Binary search
- O notation
- Algorithm analysis
- Sorting: Introduction
- Selection sort
- Insertion sort
- Quicksort
- Merge sort
Assignments & Grading
Your score provides a percentage score and letter grade for each course. A passing percentage is 70% or higher.
Assignments for this course include:
- 17 Checkpoints
- 15 Benchmarks
What You’ll Need
- A reliable computer or laptop
- Stable internet connection
- Web browser
- Basic computer skills
- Scientific or graphing calculator
- Any required course materials
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Students who enrolled also took:
Information Technology Fundamentals
1st attempt pass rate: 98%
Avg Days to Complete: 23
3 credits
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Java & Your Career in Technology
Introduction to Programming in Java provides essential skills for building applications, managing systems, and launching a career in IT. This course gives you a strong foundation in Java, preparing you for in-demand roles like software engineer, mobile app developer, or IT systems administrator in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.
Why it matters:
- Technology drives every industry, making IT one of the most secure career fields as we rely more on digital systems.
- Tech professionals have lower unemployment rates, even during broad economic fluctuations.
How this course sets you up for success:
Software Developer, Cybersecurity Analyst, IT Manager, Network Administrator, Systems Analyst, Cloud Engineer, Database Administrator, Web Developer, Information Security Specialist, and Computer Support Specialist
How this course sets you up for success:
Gaining insight into how applications, systems, and networks work together will prepare you for a career in tech.
3 Credits
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