How to Start Learning Java?

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Java is one of the most popular and widely used programming languages and platforms. A platform is an environment that helps to develop and run programs written in any programming language. Java is fast, reliable, and secure. From desktop to web applications, scientific supercomputers to gaming consoles, cell phones to the Internet, Java is used in every nook and corner.

What is Java?

Java is a high-level and object-oriented programming language; it's platform-independent. Therefore, Java programs can be executed on any device that supports JVM, regardless of the type and version of the operating system, processor architecture, etc., of that device. Born by Sun Microsystems in 1995-now known as Oracle-here is a huge circle of people using Java to construct web-based applications, enterprise systems, mobile applications of course, Android apps, among many more.

Features of Java

• Java is a simple language: Java is easy to learn and its syntax is clear and concise. It is based on C++ (so it is easier for programmers who know C++). Java has removed many confusing and rarely-used features e.g. explicit pointers, operator overloading, etc. Java also takes care of memory management and it also provides an automatic garbage collector. This collects the unused objects automatically.
• Java is a platform-independent language: The programs written in Java language, after compilation, are converted into an intermediate level language called the bytecode which is a part of the Java platform irrespective of the machine on which the programs run. This makes java highly portable as its bytecodes can be run on any machine by an interpreter called the Java Virtual Machine(JVM) and thus java provides 'reusability of code'.
• Java is an object-oriented programming language: OOP makes the complete program simpler by dividing it into a number of objects. The objects can be used as a bridge to have data flow from one function to another. We can easily modify data and function's as per the requirements of the program.
• Java is a robust language: Java programs must be reliable because they are used in both consumer and mission-critical applications, ranging from Blu-ray players to navigation systems.
• Java is a multithreaded language: Java can perform many tasks at once by defining multiple threads. For example, a program that manages a Graphical User Interface (GUI) while waiting for input from a network connection uses another thread to perform and wait's instead of using the default GUI thread for both tasks. This keeps the GUI responsive.
• Java programs can create applets: Applets are programs that run in web browsers. But applets support was deprecated in Java 9 release and has been removed in Java 11 release due to waning browser support for the Java plugin.
• Java does not require any preprocessor: It does not require inclusion of header files for creating a Java application.

Therefore, Java is a very successful language and it is gaining popularity day by day.

How to Start Learning Java?

1. Understand the Basics

Learning the basics of any programming language is very important. It is the best way to begin learning something new. Don't have any anxiety, begin learning the concepts about the language. Get familiar with the environment, and slowly you will get used to it within no time. Before you jump into coding, it's helpful to understand key Java terms and concepts:

• Java Syntax: The set of rules that define a valid Java program. This includes how to declare variables, define methods, and structure your code.
• Class and Object: Java is an object-oriented language, so you should understand the concepts of classes (blueprints for objects) and objects (instances of classes).
• Variables: Used to store data. Learn about the various data types like int, double, String, and boolean.

2. Installing Java on Your System

Before you start coding in Java, you need to install the necessary tools:

• Install Java Development Kit (JDK): The JDK contains all the tools required to develop Java applications, including the Java compiler (javac) and the Java Runtime Environment (JRE).
  • Download the JDK from the official Oracle website or use OpenJDK for open-source alternatives.
  • Install the JDK by following the installation guide based on your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
• Set Up IDE (Integrated Development Environment): An IDE helps you write, compile, and debug Java programs. Popular IDEs for Java are:
  • IntelliJ IDEA (Beginner-friendly, with a free community edition)
  • Eclipse (Feature-rich, widely used)
  • NetBeans (Great for beginners)
• Verify Installation: Open a terminal or command prompt and type java -version and javac -version to check if Java is installed properly.

3. Learn Basic Java Concepts

Once you're comfortable with the basics, dive deeper into essential concepts:

• Java Variables & Data Types: Learn to work with primitive types (int, double, boolean) and non-primitive types (arrays, objects).
• Java Control Flow: Master if, else, switch, and for/while loops to control the flow of your program.
• Java Methods: Learn how to define and call methods to break down your program into reusable parts.
• Java Classes & Objects: Understand how to create classes and objects and how to use them to structure your code.
• Java Arrays & Collections: Start using arrays to store multiple values and later, explore Java collections like ArrayList and HashMap.

For more concepts you can visit: Java Tutorial

4. Patience is the key

Learning Java will be overwhelming because of the volume of material about the language but be patient, learn at your own pace, don't rush. Mastering Java is a process that takes time. And remember even the best coders would have started at some point. So it's not a big deal, just do as much as you can and keep going. Give it your time. Patience is the key to success.

5. Practice Coding

Once you have understood the basics, the best thing to do is to brush up your skills with regular practice. True knowledge comes only when you implement what you've learned, as is said 'Practice Makes a Man Perfect'. So, code more than you read. This will build your confidence. Remember Perfect Practice makes you Perfect. Here are some beginer level Java Coding Questions:

• Read Number From Standard Input
• Get Input from the User
• Multiply Two Floating-Point Numbers
• Swap Two Numbers
• Add Two Binary Strings
• Add Two Complex Numbers

You can explore more coding problems here: Java Coding Problems

7. Build Projects

One of the most viable ways to enhance your skills and add to your experience in Java is to build projects. Projects give you hands-on experience to apply theoretical knowledge, boost confidence, and provide a portfolio that will floor recruiters. Be it a college student or an aspiring developer, projects will definitely make a difference in your interviews. Here are some beginner level project that you can explore:

• User Management Application
• Online Banking Portal
• Online Ticket Booking System
• Chatbot development
• Weather Forecasting Application

You can explore more Java related projects here: Top 10 Java Projects With Source Code

8. Read about Java regularly

Continuously read about the various topics in Java and try to explore more. This will help to maintain your interest in Java. Go through this link to explore the vast world of Java: Explore Java >>Recent articles on Java >>

9. Study in a group

Group study is a better way to learn something. This way you get to know about new things about the topic as everyone presents their ideas and you can discuss and solve your coding problems on the spot. Get to know a common group of people who are willing to learn java. Get help from a tutor and read as many books about java as possible.

Setting up Java

You can download java from here. Here you will find different versions of java. Choose and download the one compatible with your operating system. For detailed instructions for setting up of Java, refer this article.

After you have set up the Java environment correctly, try running this simple program:

// A Java program to print GeeksforGeeks
public class GFG {
    public static void main(String args[])
    {
        System.out.println("GeeksforGeeks");
    }
}

GeeksforGeeks

If the environment is set up correctly and the code is correctly written, you shall see this output on your console. That is your first Java program!

Conclusion

Starting with Java requires patience and dedication, but with the right resources and consistent practice, you can master it. Focus on understanding the fundamentals, build projects to gain practical experience, and continue learning from others. Java’s robust community and rich documentation make it an excellent choice for beginners looking to develop their programming skills.