Java Programming for Beginners: What to Do and Where to start

Most beginners grow faint heart whenever they hear “Java programming for beginners.” They see the Java language as some boring set of technical jargons. However, fears remain a misconception. Java is nearly the best programming language you can start within your programming journey. But some learners find it difficult to learn. The reason is that they adopt the wrong methods of learning Java that make the task even more complicated. That said, approach to learning Java is everything. If you adopt the wrong method, you will be frustrated right at the beginning. But then, let’s consider…

Why Learn Java?

Java is a universal programming language. Its popularity remains one of its greatest strengths. Well, you may ask “what’s new?” What about the career opportunity it opens for you? Sure, no other programming language offers a wider range of job opportunities than Java? So, you can’t be jobless if you know how to code in Java (65,986 job openings in the US according to Glassdoor site). It is very simple to learn for beginners who desire to code like a pro. That’s not all. Java is also a cross-platform i.e. it can be used for creating different apps and programs. It’s scalable and can be used for a range of developments like Android Apps, Java Web Apps, Software tools, Server Apps at Financial Services Industry, Trading Application, Embedded, Space, Big Data technologies, High-Frequency Trading Space, Scientific Applications and so on. But wait a minute! I didn’t tell you that Java programming tutorial for beginners isn’t entirely easy? If you want to learn well and fast, and code in Java like a pro, you’ve got to work hard for it. Good enough, there’s a better way. Learning Java programming can be fun and easy if only you know and apply the right methods.

Steps to Learn Java Programming for Beginners

First thing, reading just texts is a bad way of learning Java. You’re merely catching fun. The use of learning tools and constant practice are key. These tools are specifically built to enhance your knowledge of Java and to make it easier to write code. You can learn Java programming for beginners on CodeGym. Here are some powerful tools you can use.

The Java Development Kit

Called JDK for short. This tool helps you code in Java from wherever you are. You can build, run and optimize your Java program with this kit.

The IntelliJ Idea

This is one of Java’s most widely used and powerful Integrated Development Environments (IDE). It helps you develop your program more rapidly and efficiently in a way that improves the quality of your code.

CodeGym plugin for IntelliJ IDEA

Despite the usefulness of IntelliJ, you’ll need to know how to use it. CodeGym has a plugin to teach students how to work in one of the most popular modern IDEs. How to start a new project using CodeGym’s plugin?

1. Download the plugin here.
2. Run the file, then proceed to the settings in order to get the plugins.
3. Choose the gear and select “Install plugins from disk”.
4. Open the folder with the plugin, choose the plugin and click “Ok”.
5. Start IntelliJ again and it’s done.

Java Basics

You have already chosen a tool to use in learning programming Java for beginners, right? Well, let’s talk about it in detail. Understand that starting with the basics is key. This is, a point some java programming beginners fail to note. So, they face a lot of issues. Here are the basics you should start with.

Java Syntax

It is the set of rules like keywords, operators, loops, variables, and classes that are used in Java. You need to learn them, what they mean and how they work.

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

It’s quite important you not only study this topic and practice it. Some of its subtopics are a class inheritance, the abstraction of data and encapsulation of data.

Java Collections

Java offers a set of interfaces, and classes to represent a collection. You will need to know these collections to fully understand Java.

Java exceptions

Java exceptions make bug trapping much easier. Of course, an exception is that unusual condition that occurs when a task is performed. These exceptions are placed under the code “java.lang.Exception”. This is one of the very basic things you should know as a beginner.

Input/Output streams

These are the operations that Java effects. Most beginner-programmers find this topic challenging. Knowing what the code “System.out.println()” means will help you learn the topic better.

Algorithms and puzzles

Here, you learn the sorting and searching methods. Just like other programming platforms, Java has built-in libraries that execute algorithms for searching and sorting. So, you have everything coded already. You don’t have to write codes from scratch.

Java Multithreading

It is one of the most difficult things to learn in Java programming for beginners, but one of the most useful features of the Java language allowing to process many threads (small sub-processes) at a time. We give the basics of multithreading in our Java course in a gamified form that helps easily understand what it is and how to use this feature.

Other Skills

In programming, you will face different tasks and challenges, and you never know what's waiting for you out there. Actually, it's a never-ending exciting learning story. That's why our gamified Java course contains not only the described basics, but also other topics, such as JSON, XML, Connection, Socket, RMI, REST, JUnit, Tomcat, Git, design patterns, logging, and much more.

How Do You Approach Your Learning?

By now, you know the basics and crave to begin. But how do you proceed in Java programming tutorial for beginners?

CodeGym

Perhaps a better reason CodeGym has grown to become a top pick for programmers, both learners, and pro, is that the platform focuses exclusively on the Java programming. It all about coding, coding, and coding. You start with learning and practicing simultaneously, in both in an easy gamified form — features that most of the popular platforms hardly offer. Apart from that, the courses are completely online and they are self-explanatory. They are structured in a sequence that allows you to easily follow the learning progress. On CodeGym, you can solve the problems and go through the tests in the Java programming language for any future work.

You Can Also Use Mobile Apps

Most of these Java tutorials have been encrypted into mobile applications. Instead of spending time on gaming and watching videos on your phone, seize that moment to learn. Some of the great mobile Apps you can use to learn are Kickstart Java and Java Programming Guide

What About Watching Video Tutorials?

Watching video tutorials is also a great way to learn the Java programming language. The use of visuals will not only give you a more succinct explanation of the topic but will also help you remember what you learn. You can find some great courses on Youtube, like Java Tutorial for Beginners or Intro to Java Programming.

Don’t Neglect Networking with Other Learners

A much faster way to sharpen your skills is to build a network with those who’re also learning Java programming. They can help you to find a solution to a particular problem in your learning process. The Java Programming Forum and Oracle Community are two major platforms to join. Connect with other learners, share ideas, ask questions and learn.

Tips For Writing Good Java Code As A Beginner

To write good Java codes as a beginner, you should consider the following tips.

• Understand the basics first. Don’t be in a hurry to learn everything at once. Stance with the basics and understand them clearly.
• Drop needless objects. You should build objects only when necessary as this will consume your time.
• Check the requirements before you choose between Array and ArrayList.
• Remember to allocate memory. This is very essential in Java programming especially if you switch from C, C++ to Java.
• Use Java’s standard library. It will make your learning a lot easier.
• Choose a primitive class. It has value.
• Code daily. Never stop coding. How fast you learn Java depends on how much you practice coding.

Wrap Up

It’s important you how and where to start your journey of Learning Java programming language as a beginner. Adopting the wrong method or platform will frustrate your learning. This article has explained the right way to approach the learning of Java programming for beginners. No doubt, the platform where you learn Java programming plays a key role in determining how well and fast you learn. It is a major reason you are advised to start with CodeGym.