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Author
Aditi Nawghare
Software Engineer at Siemens

A Brief Guide on How to Learn Java Programming

Published in the Learning Java group
There is no programming language that is ‘best’ to learn — because all of them are intended for different purposes — but Java is certainly one of the most versatile choices. It doesn't matter if you're looking to branch into the programming world or to add Java to your existing programming skill set, it’s certainly a choice that’s worth pursuing. A Brief Guide on How to Learn Java Programming - 1In this article, we'll explore some of Java’s defining features and then discuss how to learn Java programming for beginners.

The In’s and Out’s of Java Programming

Before learning how to learn Java code, you should understand what Java is:
  1. It has one of the largest global communities online and it has a vast collection of high-quality documentation. This means that if you’re facing any kind of trouble while learning the language, then you’ll probably be able to find the solution online. If you want to discover how to learn Java for beginners or to solve specific problems, you’ll find no end to the resources available online.

  2. Object-oriented programming languages typically come with a vast library of objects, and Java is no exception. This means that programmers will be able to develop their programs faster. Object-oriented programming also allows you to break-down your code into smaller problems, solving the smaller problems one at a time, to reach a solution to the larger problem.

  3. Java is a programming language that’s always in-demand. As a result, learning how to program with it can open up a plethora of job opportunities and career options for you. It’s also important to remember that programming jobs that involve the use of Java usually offer higher salaries.

  4. Learning how to code Java means that you will develop a skill that will always remain its relevance. This is because the object-oriented language facilities innovation and progress; making it an excellent tool for programmers to make advances with.

How to Learn Java Coding from Scratch?

A Brief Guide on How to Learn Java Programming - 2At first, the thought of learning a new, high-level programming language may seem daunting. However, Java is quite easy to learn if, as with any subject, you study smart. If you want to know how to learn Java coding, then do read on. Before you sit down and draft a study plan, you need to be clear on what you want to get out of Java. Do you wish to learn it simply at the surface level, as an added skill? Or is your goal to become a professional developer? It also helps if you have a work environment in mind — are you looking to work for a large company, or do you intend to work from home as a freelancer? It’s important to answer these questions so that you know how to move forward. Once it is done, you’ll need to create a study plan. We’ve outlined a few tips below that will help you to create your plan.
  1. Devise a regular, defined study regime.

    As in the case of education, studying Java requires consistency. When planning out your study schedule, keep in mind that it’s not enough to simply read and absorb material; you must practice and learn how to apply it. Depending on the extent to which you want to learn the language, allot specific time during the week accordingly.

    For example, if your goal is to learn enough to become a Junior Developer then you might need to study 2 hours a day for 3 workdays, and then study more vigorously over the weekend. As you study the material, be sure to apply what you learn and practice consistently. It’s also very important to follow your study regime properly and to remain vigilant.

  2. Equip yourself properly and don’t isolate your learning.

    Now that you’ve assigned time during the week for studying the object-oriented language, it’s time to determine what material you’ll be covering. It’s not possible to find a perfect course for learning Java since it simply doesn’t exist. However, you can sift through and find good courses like CodeGym, which has a lot of opportunities for practicing your skills.

    It’s important that you don’t become isolated while you are learning — to reach this goal, you can join online communities and interact with fellow programming students. These communities will also help to expand your own knowledge. If you’d like an idea of which communities to engage with, then let’s move forward towards some online websites that you might find helpful.

  3. Start building your online portfolio.

    It’s important to establish your online portfolio. It’ll help you in while you are learning Java and later when you’re trying to open up professional opportunities for yourself. Your online portfolio will allow you to engage with the professional world and learn more about programming; the more you learn, the more you can add to your portfolio, too.

    When you're looking at how to learn Java code it's important to remember that practice makes perfect and you'll need to take your best practice material and add it to your portfolio.

Learning How to Use Java Online

A Brief Guide on How to Learn Java Programming - 3You've decided that you want to learn Java, you've planned out a study schedule, and you're ready to get started. As we mentioned earlier, the perfect course doesn't exist, but there are plenty of good ones to look into. So let's now define what a 'good' Java course is. In a promising Java course, the material should be well-communicated and the objectives should be clear and attainable. However, aside from this, a good Java course should also provide you with ample practice material. As far as learning a programming language is concerned, it's of utmost importance for students to be able to engage with the material and apply it practically. Thus, you need to be able to practice regularly to gain a firm grip on the subject. The course, CodeGym, is eighty-percent practice-based. It's designed to systematically guide users from simpler tasks to more advanced topics as they progress; there are even coding games available to make the learning process more entertaining. Another excellent resource, if you’re looking for tutorials on how to learn Java programming, is Geek for Geeks. It is perfect for brushing up on specific topics. If you identify a particular topic that you're weak in, then you can consult this resource for tutorials on it.

Communication is a Key to Learning Java

The importance of having support while studying, and now I'd like to recommend some online communities to help you achieve your programming goals. You can refer to Java-specific forums, such as CodeRanch, which allows you to engage in light discussion on a variety of topics. Engaging with fellow like-minded students can help you learn, as other students may face similar obstacles to the ones you encounter while programming with Java. Furthermore, these communities also provide you with the opportunity to interact with experts and learn about Java in more depth. CodeGym also comes with its own discussion forum, which you can use to interact with fellow students who are enrolled in the course. Other options include subreddit forum threads and magazines dedicated specifically to Java coding.

What is the Best Book to Learn Java for Beginners?

A Brief Guide on How to Learn Java Programming - 4While regular practice and engaging with others is important for learning how to use a programming language such as Java, it always helps to have a selection of books to refer to. Books go a long way in strengthening your grip on a subject and providing you with a more in-depth understanding of it. There are a variety of online books that'll help you to understand Java. You just need to search for the best book to learn Java for beginners:
  • Head First Java’. This book doesn't just teach you the essentials of Java, it also guides you on how to think like a programmer.
  • Head First Design Patterns’ that will help you to learn design patterns and principles. It is easy to skim through, what with all of the bullet points and memory maps.
  • Effective Java’. If you already have a well-versed understanding of Java, this is the book for you. This will help you hone your skills by telling what you need to know about the best programming practices.
  • Java Concurrency in Practice’. Designed for advanced programmers, this book deals with the details of concurrency and Java multithreading; focusing on the issues congruence related issues, building on the theory with a range of in-depth examples.
  • Java: A Beginner’s Guide'. Designed for programmers who need to acquire a basic understanding of Java, the latest edition of this book covers Java 8. This is important as the updated programming language has quite a few improvements. The book helps you to understand the core concepts by giving you a number of practice exercises and self-tests.
There are a number of books for you to consider; you just need to decide which one suits your needs best.

In the end...

That's all there is to it. Hopefully, you're now feeling ready to tackle Java head-on. Keep in mind that practice makes perfect and the more time you dedicate to learning Java programming, the more rewards you'll reap. Register with CodeGym today and remember to enjoy the journey ahead!
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