Free course · Programming & Development
Java Starter
A free introduction to Java: setting up, writing your first class, control flow and methods, arrays and collections, and the basics of object-oriented programming.
Free · self-study · no certificate
About 6 hours
2 modules · 5 lessons
What you will be able to do
- Compile and run a Java program from a class with a main method
- Use conditions, loops and methods to structure logic
- Model a simple real-world thing as a class with fields and methods
Who it's for
- Beginners aiming at software development or Android
- Students preparing for university programming courses
Before you start
Basic computer use. A Java Development Kit (JDK) and an editor, or a free online Java environment.
Module 1 · about 120 minutes
Java Foundations
Setup, syntax, control flow, methods, arrays and collections.
- Write and run a Java program
- Use loops, methods and collections
Module 2 · about 80 minutes
Thinking in Objects
Classes and objects, then a complete problem solved in Java.
- Design a simple class
- Combine objects and collections to solve a problem
Further learning
- Dev.java — Learn Java (official tutorials) — Oracle's current tutorials, from first steps to the language, the API and the JVM.
- The Java Tutorials (Oracle) — Classic tutorial trails on the language and collections. Written for JDK 8, so prefer Dev.java for newer features.
Continue with a full program
- Java — Learn Java for enterprise applications, Android development, and backend systems, using modern Java practices.
- C++ — Learn C++ for performance-critical systems, using modern C++ practices — memory safety, STL, and clean structure.
- Python — Practical Python programming for automation, data work and back-end development — from first scripts to a deployed, tested application.
Want the full Java program?
This free course is an introduction. The full program is taught live by an instructor, with practical assignments, assessments, projects and a certificate.
See the Java program