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Java Programming: The Fundamentals

Premium
BeginnerCourse

Learn Java programming basics with hands-on projects. Master JDK setup, data types, control flow, and methods & build foundational Java skills in just 4 weeks.

Language

  • English

Topic

  • Java

Skills You Will Learn

  • Java Programming, Computer Programming, Data Structures, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), Programming Principles

Offered By

  • IBMSkillsNetwork

Estimated Effort

  • 11 Hours

Platform

  • SkillsNetwork

Last Update

  • August 19, 2025
About this Course
Ready to kickstart your Java development journey with the essential skills businesses need? This beginner-friendly course builds your foundational skills in Java programming, tools, and core concepts, setting you up for success in more advanced training and future job roles. 
 
You will learn:  
  • Build a strong foundation in Java programming to confidently progress toward advanced, job-ready development skills. 
  • Set up professional Java development environments using JDK, JRE, and IDEs, a key skill for workplace productivity and debugging. 
  • Apply core Java concepts like data types, control flows, arrays, and strings to write clean, efficient code used in real-world applications. 
  • Use exception handling with try-catch and identify exception types, vital for building reliable, production-grade Java applications. 
 
Course Overview 

Over 90% of Fortune 500 companies use Java, and entry-level Java developers can earn over $100,000 per year (Netguru). This beginner-friendly course helps you build foundational Java skills from scratch, and is ideal for aspiring developers, career switchers, or anyone looking to add a powerful, versatile language to their resume in just 4–5 weeks. 
 
During the course, you’ll gain essential skills for tasks like writing clean code, managing control flow, debugging, and working with integrated development environments (IDEs). You’ll learn how to set up the Java environment with JDK, JRE, and an IDE. Plus, you’ll explore core concepts like data types, variables, operators, conditionals, loops, arrays, strings, methods, and exception handling to create efficient, functional programs. 
 
Through labs and coding exercises, you’ll get hands-on experience applying what you learn in real time. Then, in a final project that simulates a real-world Java development scenario, you’ll pull all your knowledge and skills together. 
 
By the end, you’ll be able to write Java programs confidently and showcase your essential Java programming skills to employers. Enroll now and launch your Java development journey with IBM. 
 
Prerequisites 
 
This course is designed for beginners who have a background in programming and software development concepts and now want to build a strong foundation in Java. No prior experience with Java is required, but familiarity with basic coding principles and problem-solving will help you get the most out of the course. 
 
Related Professional Certificate 
 
This course is part of the IBM Java Developer Professional Certificate. If you’re looking to build job-ready skills in Java development, we recommend you enroll in the full Professional Certificate program and work through the courses in order.  Within a short period, you’ll gain hands-on experience in deploying Java applications using industry-standard practices, design patterns, and cloud-native technologies. 
 
Course Syllabus 
 
Module 0: Welcome 
  • Video: Course Introduction 
  • Reading: General Information 
  • Reading: Learning Objectives and Syllabus 
  • Reading: Grading Scheme 
  • Reading: Helpful Tips for Course Completion 
 
Module 1: Introduction to Java Environment and Ecosystem 
  • Module Introduction and Learning Objectives 
  • An Introduction to Java: Its History and Evolution 
  • Using the Java Ecosystem 
  • The Java Virtual Machine, Development Kit, and Runtime Environment Explained 
  • Installing and Running Your First Java Program 
  • Using Key Java Features 
  • Commercial and Open Source Java Compared 
  • Practice Quiz: Introduction to Java Environment and Ecosystem 
  • Module 1 Summary: Introduction to Java Environment and Ecosystem 
  • Module 1 Glossary: Introduction to Java Environment and Ecosystem 
  • Module 1 Coding Cheat Sheet: Introduction to Java Environment and Ecosystem 
  • Module 1 Graded Quiz: Introduction to Java Environment and Ecosystem 
 
Module 2: Basic Programming Constructs in Java 
  • Module Introduction and Learning Objectives 
  • Structuring Java Code and Comments 
  • Exploring Data Types in Java 
  • Explore Data Types 
  • Introduction to Operators in Java 
  • Using Advanced Operators in Java 
  • Lab: Using Operators 
  • Working with Arrays 
  • Practice Quiz: Basic Programming Constructs in Java 
  • Module 2 Summary: Basic Programming Constructs in Java 
  • Module 2 Glossary: Basic Programming Constructs in Java 
  • Module 2 Coding Cheat Sheet: Basic Programming Constructs in Java 
  • Module 2 Graded Quiz: Basic Programming Constructs in Java 
 
Module 3: Control Structures and String Handling 
  • Module Introduction and Learning Objectives 
  • Using Conditional Statements 
  • Introduction to Loops in Java 
  • Array Manipulation and For Loops 
  • Working with Strings in Java 
  • Working with Strings 
  • Using Packages and Imports 
  • Implementing Functions and Methods 
  • Create Custom Functions and Methods 
  • Practice Quiz: Control Structures and String Handling 
  • Module 3 Summary: Control Structures and String Handling 
  • Module 3 Glossary: Control Structures and String Handling 
  • Module 3 Coding Cheat Sheet: Control Structures and String Handling 
  • Module 3 Graded Quiz: Control Structures and String Handling 
 
Module 4: Robust Exception Handling 
  • Module Introduction and Learning Objectives 
  • An Introduction to Exceptions 
  • Using Finally Block 
  • Using Multiple Try Catch 
  • Exception Handling Practice 
  • Checked and Runtime Exceptions Compared 
  • Practice Quiz: Robust Exception Handling 
  • Module 4 Summary: Robust Exception Handling 
  • Module 4 Glossary: Robust Exception Handling 
  • Module 4 Coding Cheat Sheet: Robust Exception Handling 
  • Module 4 Graded Quiz: Robust Exception Handling 
 
Module 5: Final Project and Final Exam 
  • Reading: Module Introduction and Learning Objectives 
  • Final Project Overview 
  • Final Project  
  • Final Project Environment 
  • Final Exam: Java Programming: The Fundamentals 
 
Module 6: Course Wrap-Up  
  • Video: Course Wrap-Up  
  • Reading: Course Glossary  
  • Reading: Course Coding Cheat Sheet 
  • Reading: Congratulations and Next Steps 
  • Reading: Thanks from the Course Team 
  • Copyrights and Trademarks 
 
Course Rating and Feedback 
  • Course Rating and Feedback

Instructors

IBM Skills Network

IBM Skills Network Team

At IBM Skills Network, we know how crucial it is for businesses, professionals, and students to build hands-on, job-ready skills quickly to stay competitive. Our courses are designed by experts who work at the forefront of technological innovation. With years of experience in fields like AI, software development, cybersecurity, data science, business management, and more, our instructors bring real-world insights and practical, hands-on learning to every module. Whether you're upskilling yourself or your team, we will equip you with the practical experience and future focused technical and business knowledge you need to succeed in today’s ever-evolving world.

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Ramanujam Srinivasan

Chief Architect

With over 24 years of experience, I have effectively led technology and architecture teams, driving digital transformation and business growth for Fortune 500 companies. My expertise includes managing strategic consulting engagements and implementing large-scale solutions that have achieved annual contract values between $10M and $300M, particularly in turnaround scenarios. As an engineering leader, I guide cross-functional teams in deploying distributed solutions across various domains, including Cloud, AI/ML, eCommerce, Microservices, DevSecOps, legacy modernization, performance optimization, Generative AI, and Machine Learning. I prioritize building exceptional technology teams by mentoring and inspiring top technical talent, fostering a culture of rapid innovation and collaboration. I serve as a trusted advisor, nurturing long-term relationships with C-Level executives and stakeholders to drive the implementation of strategic technology initiatives. My approach combines a big-picture perspective with attention to detail, providing hands-on guidance for creating highly scalable and efficient solutions. I assist in developing minimum viable products (MVPs), evaluating products, enabling developers, and advocating for open-source technologies. As an innovation catalyst, I lead the ideation and Go-to-Market strategies for intellectual property solutions that leverage cloud services, data analytics, and AI/ML to provide strategic advantages to enterprise customers. Additionally, I have authored successful technology courses on Coursera covering topics such as Microsoft security, front-end and back-end development, DevOps, and Generative AI, positively impacting over 70,000 learners.

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