• A course teaches specific Java skills—like Java for Android, which focuses on app development.
• A Specialization offers a series of Java courses that build progressively—like the Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals Specialization, which covers programming, debugging, and software testing.
• A Professional Certificate help prepare you for job-ready roles, such as IBM Java Developer Certificate. ‎

Yes. You can start learning Java on Coursera for free in two ways:

• Preview the first module of many Java courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
• Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in Java, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

You’ll learn how to write Java programs, understand object-oriented programming, work with data structures, and debug and test your code. Some courses also cover topics like algorithms, GUI development, and Android app creation using Java.‎

Not at all. Many beginner-friendly Java courses are available on Coursera and are designed to help you start coding from scratch. You’ll build a strong foundation before moving on to more advanced topics.‎

Yes. Java is widely used in software development, backend systems, Android apps, and enterprise applications. Completing a Java course or certificate on Coursera can help you build in-demand skills, practice with real coding exercises, and show employers what you’ve learned.‎

Yes, Java can be used for AI and machine learning through libraries like Deeplearning4j, Weka, and MOA. It’s often chosen for building scalable, production-level applications. Courses like AI For Everyone by Andrew Ng on Coursera provide a foundation in AI concepts, while Java-specific applications can be explored through additional libraries and tools.‎

Event-driven programming in Java is a programming model where the flow of the program is determined by events like user actions, sensor output, or messages. It’s commonly used in GUI applications with frameworks like Swing or JavaFX. You can learn these concepts in courses like Object Oriented Programming in Java from UCSD and Duke University on Coursera.‎

Yes, Java is widely used for backend development due to its scalability, performance, and rich ecosystem. It supports frameworks like Spring and Jakarta EE, making it a strong choice for building web services and enterprise applications. Courses like Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals from Duke University on Coursera cover key backend concepts using Java.‎