So, you've decided to become a Java programmer. A reasonable question immediately arises: "Where should you start?" In this article, we'll talk about how to learn programming from scratch on CodeGym. We will explore the features of the course, how the learning process is divided into stages, and which sections of the website must be used to make your training as effective as possible.
The CodeGym course is a bit like a computer game. It's divided into four quests, each of which has a common concept. For example, Java Syntax is the first quest, where you learn the basic syntax of the language.
Each quest consists of ten levels, which must be completed sequentially. The levels are filled with lessons and tasks of varying difficulty. To advance to the next level, you need to solve most of the tasks at the current level, because by successfully completing tasks, you earn some "dark matter". You use it to unlock the subsequent lessons and tasks.
2. Programming practice right from the start
The practical experience gained in our Java tutorial (the CodeGym course) includes tasks in various formats.
They vary over time:
Some of the tasks are for reinforcing the theoretical materials from the lesson that precedes them;
Others are aimed at repeating previously covered theory from earlier levels;
Still, others are "challenge tasks", which are based on materials presented in the next one, two, or three levels. Yes, you read that correctly. This was done on purpose. Want to solve a task right now, but you don't know something? Google it! This is an extremely useful skill for a programmer. But if you want to move strictly sequentially through the material, then just set the task aside and return to it after a couple of levels once you've reached the necessary theory.
They also vary in size and difficulty:
Code entry is a task for beginners. Sometimes an aspiring programmer should just dig his or her hands in and feel the code. To do this, you simply "copy" an example;
Analyze someone else's code and find bugs. Well, you understand. We have these tasks too;
Write your own code to satisfy the list of task conditions;
Bonus tasks. These are more difficult tasks for self-study and for developing your ability to think in terms of algorithms;
Mini-projects. These tasks are divided into several sub-tasks. As you complete each of them in sequence, you end up creating relatively complex and large programs. For example, the game Sokoban or an online chat room. These tasks appear around the middle of the course;
Videos. Sometimes it's useful to switch up what you're doing. On CodeGym, we do this by watching IT videos.
There are so many tasks that you can't help but become a programmer if you complete the course to the end!
3. Instant task verification and tools to improve your code
The most important features of CodeGym, which set it apart from all other online courses, are instant automatic task verification, hints, recommendations on how to solve tasks.
With CodeGym, you don't have to wait a long time while a teacher checks your work: you click one button, and in a flash, you get the result and recommendations if something is wrong with your solution.
4. Help with tasks
Your experience learning how to program shouldn't resemble floating alone on a raft in the middle of the ocean. You need to interact with others. Above all, CodeGym has a "Help" section for this.
If you're stuck on a task from the course for a long time or can't understand a difficult topic, ask a question in a specific section. A student, programmer, or website staff member will certainly help you. What's more, when you feel ready, it will be very valuable for you to go to the "Help" section and help someone else with their studies. That means you'll have to understand someone else's code.
Upon completing the course, a student gains 300-500 hours of real programming experience! This course is also an excellent tool for those who have already studied basic programming but don't know where to start looking for work. In addition to the practice, you'll get while working through CodeGym, you'll be able to understand the important questions that you will have to answer during job interviews, as well as be able to write a competent resume.
Learning platforms: website and mobile app
You have two options for mastering the basics of Java programming with CodeGym: via Android application or in the web version. However, there is a third one: to study both on the website and in the application :) You can do this if you have an active subscription.
Stages of the course
CodeGym is the most complete Java tutorial in English. The main Java course will provide a complete picture of Java Core, and subsequent practice will help you learn how to work with more advanced technologies.
With CodeGym you’ll learn Java Core and solve 1200 tasks with instant verification.
What does the course include?
Brief lessons on theory, thick with vivid examples;
Tasks, mini-projects;
Motivational lessons (at the beginning of a level) and videos that will help you maintain your "charge" through the end of the course;
Quizzes on the covered material (beginning levels).
How does the course progress?
Level 0 is a kind of introduction to the CodeGym world, its characters and teaching methods.
You encounter tasks right from the first lessons, and you can solve them directly on the website. In the third level, there's a special lesson on installing IntelliJ IDEA, a popular development environment used by Java programmers.
By installing it and the CodeGym plugin, you can complete tasks not only on the web but also on your PC. This will be especially useful in subsequent levels of the course, when you start facing larger tasks, and from the second half of the course — mini-projects and bonus tasks.
Useful sections on CodeGym
Training course — This is the most important! Go through the whole thing and you'll become an awesome Java programmer!
Tasks — 1200 practical tasks. They can be opened separately from the course, but only the ones you have already reached will be available to solve.
Help — Access the collective wisdom and intelligence of CodeGym students and professionals. Just ask your question about theory or a task, and they will certainly help you.
Articles — Communities built around interests and cities, created to discuss CodeGym and everything related to your studies — theory, tasks, interview questions. Join interest groups, read articles written by CodeGym alumni, current students, and editorial staff, and post your own if you have something to say!
Success Stories is a special group where CodeGym students and graduates share how they managed to conquer Java and get a job.
Games is a section where the projects involve writing simple yet fascinating games, such as Snakes, 2048, a racing game with obstacles, and a shooting game set in outer space. All these projects are divided into subtasks. Completing them step by step, you'll end up with your own version of the game. The projects are divided by difficulty. There are some within the reach of students who have completed Level 5, and there are others that will require the skills and knowledge of Level 10 and higher.
Videos — Our official YouTube channel is the place to find video reports made by CodeGym students, video reviews, various useful tutorials, translations of the best foreign-language lessons on programming, and much more.
Where to chat with the CodeGym team
You can ask any question related to the course by writing to us at support@codegym.cc or by using the chat feature on the website.
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