How to Learn Java

Want to make it as a software developer? You’re going to need Java.

No, we're not talking about a cup of hot, freshly brewed coffee, although you should definitely stock up on some of that as well. Instead, we're talking about Java, a programming language with a capital "J" that is a cornerstone of all contemporary software development.

What is the ideal method for learning Java, then? you may be asking. and how can ambitious developers quickly pick up Java? Don't worry; in this article, we'll outline all the time-tested strategies for quickly upgrading your Java skills and acquiring industry-level knowledge.

Check out Berkeley Coding Boot Camp if you're interested in studying Java and other popular full-stack programming languages.

Let's first go over the fundamentals before moving on to understanding techniques.

What is Java?

Java was initially developed in 1995 by a team of developers at Sun Microsystems, but it wasn't until Oracle acquired it and began using it on billions of devices that the language attained its current level of popularity. With its 20-year monopoly as the most widely used programming language in the world, Java is highly regarded in the development community.

Java is a general-purpose coding language, similar to Python or JavaScript. Yet Java differs from its contemporaries in a few crucial ways. In particular, it utilizes a virtualized Java machine to operate on any system and is object-oriented and statically typed.

A programming paradigm known as object-oriented places methods and properties into tidy, enclosed "objects" that can communicate with one another according to predetermined patterns of behavior.

In Java, variables are statically typed, which implies that once a specific type has been explicitly stated, it cannot be modified. For instance, it is not possible to later change the assignment of a variable from "number" to "text." The Java virtual environment can quickly and automatically detect code flaws as a result of this permanence, allowing for quick debugging.

Why Does Java Matter?

The ability for developers to "write once, execute anywhere" is Java's strongest selling feature. Code used to be machine-specific and operating system-bound in the early stages of software development. Yet, Java's code may practically execute on any computer because it offers a virtual environment that runs on top of the computational logic of the operating system.

Java was the first programming language to permit the web-based porting of enterprise-level code modules. Java is now most frequently utilized in the creation of proprietary codebases, websites, and Android applications.

To risk an understatement — Java is popular.

Java is presently in the top five most popular programming languages for professional developers, according to Stack Overflow's 2020 Developer survey, and is the second-most well-known programming language worldwide (PDF, 2.4 MB).

Java is popular not only among coders but also with employers. According to HackerRank's 2020 employer poll (PDF, 2.4 MB), Java is the third most in-demand programming language competence among employers, behind Python (51.6%) and JavaScript (56.9 percent).

So why should a novice developer devote their time to studying Java rather than, say, JavaScript or Python, given how well-liked and popular other languages are?

First of all, Java has a long history. New developers can rely on a wealth of books, online tutorials, and other tools.

Second, understanding Java makes it simpler to master JavaScript, C#, and C++ in the future because Java has had such a significant influence on the development of newer languages. The principles of coding and theoretical programming concepts are well-introduced by the object-oriented language.

After defining Java and discussing why it belongs in your professional toolkit, let's discuss the best and quickest ways to learn Java.

The Best Ways to Learn

You might be better suited to one educational framework than another depending on your preferred learning style. Before selecting one educational option from the list below, be sure to take your interests, previous commitments, and financial resources into account.

Self-Directed Courses

The fundamentals of Java are covered in a wide variety of low-cost and free online courses. These online courses are affordable, and you can take them at your own pace and from anywhere.

That's right, there will be no early morning classes, rigid deadlines, or strict professors. You can learn new material and expand on previously learned material at your own pace with self-guided courses. The majority include examinations, laboratories, and exercises to do after each course; some even grant certificates!

Self-directed Java classes will fit you if you prefer a balance of structure and freedom. Naturally, you'll need to be sufficiently committed and enthusiastic to adhere to a self-defined learning timetable; otherwise, a lack of drive may prohibit you from ever finishing your education.

Avoid using low-quality teaching resources as well. Not every online course is made equally. We advise you to select instructors based on student reviews and to only enroll in the most reputable courses.

These are a few websites where you may study and practice Java fundamentals online.

CodeGym: CodeGym is a unique online platform that values actual coding over coursework. All courses use an 80 percent real-world Java practice, and a 20 percent instruction curriculum model.
Codecademy’s Learn Java: In this course, Codecademy covers the basics of Java programming, object orientation, and best programming practices.
Udemy: Udemy is an online course directory that provides highly specific Java lessons surrounding web development, Android development, and fundamental concepts.

Boot Camp Programs

Searching for a Java course that is more comprehensive, structured, and instructor-supported? Coding boot camps are project-based, short-term courses that give students skill sets that are marketable after three to six months.

The professional tools required to take on entry-level employment in full-stack web development, data analytics, software development, and other fields are provided by these accelerated learning programs for novice or hobbyist coders.

In addition to being less expensive than a typical college program, boot camps are made to turn you into a capable developer as quickly as feasible.

Additionally, because most coding boot camps cover a wide range of programming languages and frameworks, graduates acquire a wide range of employable abilities. Peer-driven learning environments, in-class portfolio projects, and one-on-one teacher access are characteristics of excellent boot camps. Boot camps, unlike other program types, can offer a great degree of flexibility; new students may have the option of learning in-person, part-time, full-time, or online. Given all of these benefits, it shouldn't come as a surprise that coding boot camps are a preferred method of skill upgradation. A new analysis from Career Karma claims that the market for coding boot camps grew by 4.38 percent in only 2019 alone. A record 33,959 people finished such programs successfully that year.

How many people complete coding boot camps:

But, you must decide whether the cost and time commitment are worthwhile before choosing a boot camp. You'll likely be committing to a far more extensive learning experience because boot camps typically cover more than just Java and include a number of other languages.

Your goal will influence your decision. If all you want to do is learn Java and not, say, a set of essential coding skills, the time and financial investment might not be interesting to you. Yet, a boot camp may be your best bet if you want to quickly learn a variety of marketable talents.

Are you interested in learning more about what a coding boot camp entails? Look at the resources listed below.

The Ultimate Guide to Coding Boot Camps: Course Report provides a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about the boot camp experience and industry.
How I Transitioned My Career into Tech with a Coding Boot Camp: Caitlyn, a boot camp alumni, shares how she was able to transition to working as a software developer after six months of intensive training.
Berkeley Coding Boot Camp: Curious to see what a boot camp looks like? UC Berkeley Extension provides a helpful guide outlining all the core coursework of its coding program.

Books and YouTube Tutorials

Do you have trouble in regimented settings? You're in luck because there are tonnes of tutorials, books, and other materials available online for independent learners.

By combining independent study materials with consistent practice, you can put together your own Java curriculum. Surprisingly, this method of learning most closely resembles how developers who are already working grow their careers on the job market.

Developers can never truly "perfect" a language due to the constant introduction of new features, capabilities, and coding frameworks. The most effective developers learn on the job, and occasionally they don't even need to look for formal training.

In contrast to other learning options, the individual study is frequently extremely cheap or even free. The pace and direction of your learning are in your hands as the learner. You will, however, need to be incredibly driven, responsible, and disciplined. If not, you can find it difficult to finish even a single lesson, let alone a full curriculum.

Having said that, creating a curriculum from the plethora of disjointed tutorials and lessons available in books and online can be difficult. A lack of peers or instructors to discuss ideas and questions with can demotivate new students. Also, if you're learning in a bubble by yourself, it's challenging to assess how well you're doing. How do you know you're investing your time and energy in the proper endeavors?

We advise locating a learning-to-code partner. As challenges arise, programming partners make it simple to maintain a schedule and maintain motivation. We assure you that issues will arise, but with adequate planning and assistance, you can deal with them.

To understand more about education based on books and tutorials, check out the links below:

Head First Java — Kathy Sierra & Bert Bates. Sierra and Bates use psychologically tested tricks to help readers master Java through novel problem-solving.
Java: A Beginner’s Guide — Herbert Schildt. Schildt covers all the fundamental concepts of Java programming and more advanced skills such as multithreaded programming, generics, and Swing.
Learn Java 8: Full Beginner’s Tutorial — FreeCodeCamp. In just shy of ten hours, this video walks viewers through the fundamentals of Java.