Java Programming Notes - Beginner to Pro Level
Week 1: Introduction to Java & Setup
What is Java?
Java is a high-level, object-oriented, and platform-independent programming language. It was developed by Sun
Microsystems in 1995 and is now owned by Oracle. Java applications are compiled into bytecode which runs on the
Java Virtual Machine (JVM), making them portable across platforms.
Why Use Java?
- Platform independence (Write Once, Run Anywhere)
- Robust memory management
- Rich standard libraries
- Widely used in industry (banking, Android apps, etc.)
Java Development Tools
- JDK: Java Development Kit (includes compiler and tools)
- JRE: Java Runtime Environment (includes JVM and libraries)
- JVM: Executes Java bytecode
How Java Code Runs
1. Write code in .java file
2. Compile using 'javac' to create .class file (bytecode)
3. JVM interprets bytecode and runs the program
Example:
public class HelloWorld {
public static void main(String[] args) {
System.out.println("Hello, World!");
}
}
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting semicolons
- Mismatched class/file name
- Wrong method signature for main()
Mini Exercise
Create a file HelloWorld.java. Write a program that prints your name. Compile and run it using terminal or IDE.
Week 2: Variables, Data Types, and Operators
Definition
Variables are containers for storing data values. Java is statically typed, so you must declare the variable type.
Java Programming Notes - Beginner to Pro Level
Data Types
Primitive types include:
- int: whole numbers
- double: decimals
- char: single characters
- boolean: true/false
- byte, short, long, float for specific use cases
Variable Declaration
Syntax:
int age = 25;
String name = "Alice";
Operators
- Arithmetic: +, -, *, /, %
- Relational: ==, !=, >, <, >=, <=
- Logical: &&, ||, !
Common Mistakes
- Using uninitialized variables
- Type mismatch (e.g., int with string)
Mini Exercise
Declare variables for your name, age, and grade. Print them using System.out.println. Try using arithmetic operators.