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Introduction to Programming in Java
CS101 | 3 Credits
Get an introduction to programming in Java while learning the core computer science concepts like variables, loops, branching, arrays, and functions. This course makes coding approachable and practical, so you can start building real programs.
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Note: Students can only enroll in a single CS101 course.
About Introduction to Programming in Java
What You’ll Learn
In our Introduction to Programming in Java online course, you will also learn about the core computer science concepts of variables, branching, loops, arrays/lists, and functions/methods.
- Use standard input and output, and understand common syntax errors
- Declare and initialize variables with valid identifiers
- Develop programs that branch based on user input
- Combine loops and arrays/lists, and develop programs with multiple arrays/lists
- Write a function/method, then return from a function/method and parameterize a function
- Initialize class variables with class constructor
- Create derived and abstract classes
- Write a recursive function
- Use binary search, O notation, and algorithm analysis
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Access on Desktop and Mobile
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WANT US TO CHECK?Course Details
Intro to Programming in Java teaches you object-oriented programming, covers use pointers and streams, and provides a variety of good coding practices, including iterative development, code formatting, and variable naming schemes.
ACE-Recommended
ACE Code:
OOSL-0069
Flexible Schedule
27-day Average Course Completion
Transferred 8,500 Times
$1,500,000 Saved on I.T. Tuition
Prerequisites
It is suggested, though not required, that students take Pre-Calculus or its equivalent before enrolling in Introduction to Programming in Java.
Course Text
There is no text for this course. All materials are included in the course fee.
Course Checkpoints
Introduction to Java
- Programming (general)
- Programming basics
- Comments and whitespace
- Errors and warnings
- Computers and programs (general)
- Computer tour
- Language history
- Problem solving
- Why programming
- Why whitespace matters
- Java example: Married-couple names
Variables and Expressions
- Variables and assignments (general)
- Variables (int)
- Identifiers
- Arithmetic expressions (general)
- Arithmetic expressions (int)
- Example: Health data
- Floating-point numbers (double)
- Scientific notation for floating-point literals
- Constant variables
- Using math methods
- Integer division and modulo
- Type conversions
- Binary
- Characters
- Strings
- Integer Overflow
- Numeric data types
- Random numbers
- Reading API documentation
- Debugging
- Style guidelines
- Java example: Salary calculation with variables
- Java example: Married-couple names with variables
Branches
- If-else branches (general)
- If-else
- More if-else
- Equality and relational operators
- Detecting ranges (general)
- Detecting ranges with if-else statements
- Logical operators
- Order of evaluation
- Example: Toll calculation
- Switch statements
- Boolean data type
- String comparisons
- String access operations
- Character operations
- More string operations
- Conditional expressions
- Floating-point comparison
- Short circuit evaluation
- Java example: Salary calculation with branches
- Java example: Search for name using branches
Loops
- Loops (general)
- While loops
- More while examples
- For loops
- More for loop examples
- Loops and strings
- Nested loops
- Developing programs incrementally
- Break and continue
- Variable name scope
- Enumerations
- Java example: Salary calculation with loops
- Java example: Domain name validation with loops
Arrays
- Array concept (general)
- Arrays
- Array iteration drill
- Iterating through arrays
- Multiple arrays
- Swapping two variables (General)
- Loop-modifying or copying/comparing arrays
- Debugging example: Reversing an array
- Two-dimensional arrays
- Enhanced for loop: Arrays
- Java example: Annual salary tax rate calculation with arrays
- Java example: Domain name validation with arrays
User-Defined Methods
- User-defined method basics
- Return
- Reasons for defining methods
- Methods with branches/loops
- Unit testing (methods)
- How methods work
- Methods: Common errors
- Array parameters
- Scope of variable/method definitions
- Method name overloading
- Parameter error checking
- Using Scanner in methods
- Perfect size arrays
- Oversize arrays
- Methods with oversize arrays
- Comparing perfect size and oversize arrays
- Using references in method
- Returning arrays from methods
- Common errors: Methods and arrays
- Java documentation for methods
- Java example: Salary calculation with methods
- Java example: Domain name validation with methods
Objects and Classes
- Objects: Introduction
- Using a class
- Defining a class
- Mutators, accessors, and private helpers
- Initialization and constructors
- Choosing classes to create
- Defining main() in a programmer defined class
- Unit testing (classes)
- Constructor overloading
- Objects and references
- The ‘this’ implicit parameter
- Primitive and reference types
- Wrapper class conversions
- ArrayList
- Classes and ArrayLists
- ArrayList ADT
- Java documentation for classes
- Parameters of reference types
- Static fields and methods
- Using packages
- Java example: Salary calculation with classes
- Java example: Domain name availability with classes
Memory Management
- Introduction to memory management
- A first linked list
- Memory regions: Heap/Stack
- Basic garbage collection
- Garbage collection and variable scope
- Java example: Employees list using ArrayList
Input/Output
- Output and input streams
- Output formatting
- Streams using Strings
- File Input
- File output
Inheritance
- Derived classes
- Access by members of derived classes
- Overriding member methods
- The Object class
- Polymorphism
- ArrayLists of Objects
- Abstract classes: Introduction (generic)
- Abstract classes
- Is-a versus has-a relationships
- UML
- Java example: Employees and instantiating from an abstract class
- C++ example: Employees and overriding class methods
Recursion
- Recursion: Introduction
- Recursive methods
- Recursive algorithm: Search
- Adding output statements for debugging
- Creating a recursive method
- Recursive math methods
- Recursive exploration of all possibilities
- Stack overflow
- C++ example: Recursively output permutations
Exceptions
- Exception basics
- Exceptions with methods
- Multiple handlers
- Exception handling in file input/output
- Java example: Generate number format exception
Generics
- Comparable Interface: Sorting an ArrayList
- Generic methods
- Class generics
- Java example: Map values using a generic method
Collections
- Enhanced for loop
- Map: HashMap
- Set: HashSet
- List: LinkedList
- Queue interface
- Deque interface
GUI
- Positioning GUI components using a GridBagLayout
- GUI input and ActionListeners
- GUI input with formatted text fields
- GUI input with JSpinners
- Displaying multi-line text in a JTextArea
- Using tables in GUIs
- Using sliders in GUIs
- GUI tables, fields, and buttons: A seat reservation example
JavaFX
- Introduction to graphical user interfaces with JavaFX
- Positioning GUI components using a GridPane
- Input and event handlers
- Basic graphics with JavaFX
Searching and Sorting Algorithms
- Searching and algorithms
- Binary search
- O notation
- Algorithm analysis
- Sorting: Introduction
- Selection sort
- Insertion sort
- Quicksort
- Merge sort
Assignments & Grading
Your score provides a percentage score and letter grade for each course. A passing percentage is 70% or higher.
Assignments for this course include:
- Midterm Exam
- Final Exam
This course has an open-book Final Exam. No calculators are permitted.
What You’ll Need
- A reliable computer or laptop
- Stable internet connection
- Web browser
- Basic computer skills
- Scientific or graphing calculator
- Any required course materials
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Real, human feedback to help you ace your assignments
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Professional development assistance
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Professional development assistance
Faculty Connect portal
Resume-building resources
Students who enrolled also took:
Information Technology Fundamentals
1st attempt pass rate: 98%
Avg Days to Complete: 23
3 credits
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Java & Your Career in Technology
Introduction to Programming in Java provides essential skills for building applications, managing systems, and launching a career in IT. This course gives you a strong foundation in Java, preparing you for in-demand roles like software engineer, mobile app developer, or IT systems administrator in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.
Why it matters:
- Technology drives every industry, making IT one of the most secure career fields as we rely more on digital systems.
- Tech professionals have lower unemployment rates, even during broad economic fluctuations.
How this course sets you up for success:
Software Developer, Cybersecurity Analyst, IT Manager, Network Administrator, Systems Analyst, Cloud Engineer, Database Administrator, Web Developer, Information Security Specialist, and Computer Support Specialist
How this course sets you up for success:
Gaining insight into how applications, systems, and networks work together will prepare you for a career in tech.
3 Credits
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