A Quick Start to Java Programming — PickAClass
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★ 3.0 (1) ⏱ 3h 📚 28 lessons 🎧 Audio version

A Quick Start to Java Programming

Learn core Java concepts and object-oriented principles to start writing your first command-line applications.

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  • 🌐 In English
    Lessons, tasks and certificate — all fully in your language.

About this course

Ready to learn one of the world's most popular programming languages but don't know where to begin? This course provides a straightforward, text-based path to understanding Java, designed for complete beginners. By reading through the clear explanations and completing the practical exercises, you will build a solid foundation in Java programming. You'll move from understanding basic syntax to grasping the essentials of object-oriented programming, empowering you to write and run your own simple applications. What you'll learn: - Understand core programming concepts like variables, data types, operators, and control flow. - Apply fundamental object-oriented principles including classes, objects, methods, and inheritance. - Practice working with arrays and basic collection types to store and manage groups of data. - Learn to handle common errors and exceptions gracefully using try-catch blocks. - Write clean, organized code by creating and using your own methods and constructors. - Get introduced to modern Java features like basic lambda expressions for more concise code. - Build simple command-line applications that solve problems and demonstrate your new skills. This course begins with setting up your development environment and understanding Java's basic syntax. From there, you will progress through key programming structures and into the core ideas of object-oriented design, reinforcing your learning with hands-on examples. This course is designed for absolute beginners. No prior programming experience is necessary to get started. Begin your journey into Java programming today.

Course contents

5 modules · 28 lessons · 3h

1 Java Fundamentals
Set up the environment and master basic syntax and data handling. 6 lessons · 37 min
  1. Setting Up Your Workspace
    Install the JDK and a text editor/IDE to run your first Java program.    7 min
  2. Java Syntax Basics
    Understand the structure of a Java file and the main method.    6 min
  3. Working with Variables
    Learn how to store data in named containers.    6 min
  4. Primitive Data Types
    Distinguish between integers, doubles, booleans, and characters.    6 min
  5. Arithmetic Operators
    Perform calculations using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.    6 min
  6. Comparison and Logic
    Use logical operators to compare values and combine conditions.    6 min
2 Control Flow and Logic
Direct the flow of a program using conditional statements and loops. 5 lessons · 30 min
  1. The If-Else Statement
    Execute code blocks based on specific conditions.    6 min
  2. Switch Expressions
    Handle multiple branching paths efficiently.    6 min
  3. The For Loop
    Repeat actions a specific number of times.    6 min
  4. While and Do-While Loops
    Repeat actions as long as a condition remains true.    6 min
  5. Loop Control: Break and Continue
    Manage loop execution flow dynamically.    6 min
3 Methods and Data Structures
Organize code into reusable methods and manage groups of data. 6 lessons · 40 min
  1. Creating Your Own Methods
    Define reusable blocks of code to perform specific tasks.    7 min
  2. Parameters and Return Values
    Pass data into methods and get results back.    7 min
  3. Introduction to Arrays
    Store multiple values of the same type in a single fixed-size structure.    6 min
  4. Iterating Over Arrays
    Use loops to process every element in an array.    6 min
  5. Introduction to ArrayList
    Use dynamic collections that can grow and shrink in size.    7 min
  6. Managing Data with Collections
    Add, remove, and search for items within an ArrayList.    7 min
4 Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
Model real-world entities using classes, objects, and inheritance. 6 lessons · 39 min
  1. Classes and Objects
    Understand the blueprint (class) versus the instance (object).    7 min
  2. Class Attributes and Fields
    Define the properties that objects will hold.    6 min
  3. Using Constructors
    Initialize objects with specific data at the moment of creation.    7 min
  4. The 'this' Keyword
    Reference the current object instance within its methods.    6 min
  5. Basics of Inheritance
    Create new classes based on existing ones to reuse code.    7 min
  6. Method Overriding
    Change the behavior of inherited methods in child classes.    6 min
5 Error Handling and Modern Features
Write robust, clean code and explore modern Java enhancements. 5 lessons · 34 min
  1. Understanding Exceptions
    Identify common runtime errors that can crash a program.    6 min
  2. Handling Errors with Try-Catch
    Gracefully manage exceptions to keep the application running.    7 min
  3. Intro to Lambda Expressions
    Write more concise code using functional style syntax.    7 min
  4. Functional Interfaces Basics
    Understand the foundation behind why lambdas work in Java.    6 min
  5. Writing Clean and Organized Code
    Apply best practices for naming and structure in CLI apps.    8 min
Final project

Personal Contact Manager CLI

Develop a command-line application that allows users to add, view, and delete contacts. The app must use a Contact class, store data in an ArrayList, and handle potential input errors.

What you'll get

  • 📜 Certificate of completion
    Add it to your LinkedIn profile
  • 💬 Personal AI tutor
    Stuck on a lesson? Ask your built-in tutor anything, any time.
  • 🎧 Audio version included
    Learn on the go — no screen needed
  • ♾️ Lifetime access
    Come back anytime, no expiry
  • 📱 Phone or computer
    Works anywhere, any device
  • 💸 14-day refund
    No questions asked
  • ⚡ Short & focused
    3h of practical content

Certificate of completion

Every course you complete on PickAClass issues a credential like this — original, with its own code, verifiable by URL, and detailed about what was actually demonstrated.

P
PickAClass
Skills profile · verifiable
Document
Certificate of Mastery
This certifies that
Name Surname
has successfully demonstrated mastery of
A Quick Start to Java Programming
Skills demonstrated
✓
Behavioral pattern analysis
Foundational
1.2 hrs
✓
Decision-architecture frameworks
Proficient
1.4 hrs
✓
A/B test design
Proficient
1.7 hrs
✓
Behavioral copywriting
Advanced
1.9 hrs
P
PickAClass — Name Surname
A Quick Start to Java Programming
Page 2 of 2
Performance detail
Coursework summary
Lessons completed 14 / 14
Practice questions 26 / 28
Assignments submitted 4 (avg 4.5 / 5)
Capstone project Reviewed — 4.6 / 5
Total practice 6.2 hrs
Performance benchmark
Cohort rank Top 12% of 1,625
Time to completion 11 days (median: 22)
Mastery score 91 / 100
Practice-question score 94%
Skill verification Verified Skill Path
Verify this credential
pickaclass.com/certificates/PCC-2026-X4F7-AP19
Issued under the academic standards of PickAClass. Skill levels reflect assessed performance against the course's competency rubric. This is an original credential of this platform.

Reviews (1)

Chernet Mekonnen ET Verified learner
★ 3 · July 16, 2026

Hmm, I'm not sure this is for absolute beginners. It assumes a bit of prior knowledge that wasn't explicitly taught. Some examples were confusing.

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Frequently asked

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Just a phone or computer with internet. No installs, no special hardware.

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Can I get a refund? +

Yes — full refund within 14 days, no questions asked.

How long will I have access? +

Forever. Once you purchase, the course is yours to revisit anytime.

Will I get a certificate? +

Yes. On completion you'll receive a certificate you can add to your LinkedIn profile.

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