Java · Beginner level

Beginner level · Module 1 of 5 · 10 guided hours

Java Setup and First Programs

Install the tools, understand how Java code becomes a running program, and write programs that store and print values.

Learning objectives

  • Install a JDK and IntelliJ IDEA and create a project
  • Explain the roles of the compiler, bytecode and the JVM
  • Declare variables of the primitive types and String, and print formatted output

Topics

  • JDK, JRE and JVM
  • javac and java
  • IntelliJ IDEA projects
  • main method
  • primitive types and String
  • operators and printf

Lessons

  1. Lesson 1 How Java Runs: JDK, Compiler and JVM

    Install the Java Development Kit and see how source code is compiled to bytecode and run by the Java Virtual Machine.

    JDKjavacbytecodeJVM

  2. Lesson 2 Working in IntelliJ IDEA

    Create projects, run and debug programs, and use the IDE's code assistance instead of fighting it.

    project and modulerun configurationcode completionbreakpoint

  3. Lesson 3 Variables, Types and Formatted Output

    Store numbers, text and true/false values in typed variables, calculate with operators and print readable results.

    static typingint vs doubleinteger divisionprintf

Practical activity

Write a program that converts a list of prices from USD to SSP using a rate stored in a variable, and prints a neat two-column table.

Expected outcomes

  • A working Java toolchain on the learner's computer
  • Small programs that calculate and print correctly formatted results

Assessment

Short practical: write, compile and run a program that calculates a transport budget from given values; marked on correctness and output format.

Free taster lesson Java Fundamentals & Setup Read a free self-study lesson on this topic in the Free Course Library.

Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.