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Java Programming for Beginners

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Java Programming for Beginners

This course is part of multiple programs.

Instructors: IBM Skills Network Team +1 more

23,897 already enrolled

Included with

5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

142 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

1 week at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

96%

Most learners liked this course

5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

142 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

1 week at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

96%

Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

Build job-ready Java skills employers are looking for, supported by hands-on experience you can talk about in interviews in just one month.
Set up of the Java environment with the Java Development Kit (JDK), Java Runtime Environment (JRE), and Integrated Development Environment (IDE).
Implement data types, variables, operators, control flow statements, arrays, strings, and more.
Use robust exception-handling techniques using try-catch blocks, and differentiate among checked and runtime exceptions for application development.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Computer Programming
Category: Development Environment
Category: Java
Category: Data Structures
Category: Object Oriented Programming (OOP)
Category: File I/O
Category: Debugging

Tools you'll learn

Category: Integrated Development Environments
Category: Java Programming

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

9 assignments

Taught in English

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is available as part of

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be asked to select a specific program.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 5 modules in this course

Over 90% of Fortune 500 companies use Java (Netguru) and entry-level Java developers can earn USD100,000+ per year with outstanding opportunities for swift salary growth. This course gives you the job-ready, fundamental skills to develop Java applications employers are looking for, and enables you to add this powerful, versatile language to your resume in just 4-5 weeks!

During the course, you’ll learn to set up the Java environment and install and configure the Java Development Kit (JDK), Java Runtime Environment (JRE), and an Integrated Development Environment (IDE). You’ll explore key Java concepts, such as data types, variables, operators, and control flow statements. Plus, you’ll discover how arrays, strings, methods, and effective exception handling are used to create efficient programs. Throughout, you’ll engage in hands-on exercises and, at the end, you’ll complete a final project covering a real-world scenario that reinforces your practical understanding. If you’re keen to add Java to your resume and have job-ready experience you can talk about in interviews, enroll today and power up new career opportunities in just one month!

In this module, you’ll explore Java’s history, evolution, and enduring relevance in programming.  Next, you will learn how to install and configure Java. You will know how Java Development Kit (JDK), Java Runtime Environment (JRE), and Java Virtual Machine (JVM) fit into your coding practices. You will write, compile, and run your first Java program. You’ll learn about how Java’s garbage collection manages memory. You’ll also explore other Java features, compare commercial and open-source options, and discover its ecosystem of tools and libraries. 

What's included

6 videos2 readings2 assignments1 app item3 plugins

6 videos Total 33 minutes

Overview of Java Development by IBM Professional Certificate 4 minutes
Course Introduction 3 minutes
Introduction to Java: History and Evolution 7 minutes
The Java Ecosystem 7 minutes
The Java Virtual Machine, Development Kit, and Runtime Environment Explained 5 minutes
Using Key Java Features 6 minutes

2 readings Total 8 minutes

Course Overview 3 minutes
Summary: Introduction to Java Environment and Ecosystem 5 minutes

2 assignments Total 40 minutes

Practice Quiz: Getting Started with Java 10 minutes
Module 1 Graded Quiz: Introduction to Java Environment and Ecosystem 30 minutes

1 app item Total 20 minutes

Lab: Installing And Running Your First Java Program 20 minutes

3 plugins Total 10 minutes

Helpful Tips for Course Completion 1 minute
Reading: Comparison of Commercial and Open Source Java 4 minutes
Glossary: Introduction to Java Environment and Ecosystem 5 minutes

This module introduces you to fundamental Java programming concepts, focusing on basic syntax, data types, control structures, and string handling. You’ll practice working with data types and arrays, then experience applying arrays and functions to solve practical problems.

What's included

5 videos1 reading2 assignments3 app items1 plugin

5 videos Total 32 minutes

Structuring Java Code and Comments 9 minutes
Exploring Data Types in Java 7 minutes
Introduction to Operators in Java 6 minutes
Using Advanced Operators in Java 5 minutes
Working with Arrays 6 minutes

1 reading Total 5 minutes

Summary: Building Blocks of Java Programming 5 minutes

2 assignments Total 40 minutes

Practice Quiz: Basic Programming Constructs in Java 10 minutes
Module 2 Graded Quiz: Building Blocks of Java Programming 30 minutes

3 app items Total 50 minutes

Lab: Explore Data Types 20 minutes
Lab: Using Operators 20 minutes
Coding Cheatsheet: Building Blocks of Java Programming 10 minutes

1 plugin Total 5 minutes

Glossary: Building Blocks of Java Programming 5 minutes

In this module, you will learn how to write efficient Java code by leveraging functions, methods, and control structures. You will explore conditional statements and switch statements to direct program flow, apply string handling techniques for effective text manipulation, and explore how loops and other control structures help optimize program logic. 

What's included

5 videos1 reading2 assignments4 app items1 plugin

5 videos Total 27 minutes

Using Conditional Statements 5 minutes
Introduction to Loops in Java 6 minutes
Working with Strings in Java 5 minutes
Using Packages and Imports 6 minutes
Implementing Functions and Methods 6 minutes

1 reading Total 5 minutes

Summary: Control Structures and String Handling 5 minutes

2 assignments Total 40 minutes

Practice Quiz: Control Structures and String Handling 10 minutes
Module 3 Graded Quiz: Control Structures and String Handling 30 minutes

4 app items Total 90 minutes

Lab: Array Manipulation and For Loops 20 minutes
Lab: Working with Strings 30 minutes
Lab: Create Custom Functions and Methods 30 minutes
Coding Cheatsheet: Control Structures and String Handling 10 minutes

1 plugin Total 5 minutes

Glossary: Control Structures and String Handling 5 minutes

This module explores exception handling, a critical part of the Java Collections framework. You will learn to handle errors using try-catch blocks, implement custom exceptions, and run code regardless of exceptions using blocks. 

What's included

4 videos1 reading2 assignments2 app items1 plugin

4 videos Total 22 minutes

An Introduction to Exceptions 5 minutes
Using Finally Block 5 minutes
Using Multiple Try Catch 5 minutes
Checked and Runtime Exceptions Compared 7 minutes

1 reading Total 5 minutes

Summary: Robust Exception Handling 5 minutes

2 assignments Total 45 minutes

Practice Quiz: Handling Exceptions in Java 15 minutes
Module 4 Graded Quiz: Robust Exception Handling 30 minutes

2 app items Total 45 minutes

Lab: Exception Handling Practice 40 minutes
Coding Cheatsheet: Robust Exception Handling 5 minutes

1 plugin Total 5 minutes

Glossary: Robust Exception Handling 5 minutes

In this module, you will apply the Java skills you practiced throughout this course to a practical real-life grocery store calculator application. You'll apply your Java skills related to operators, data types, exceptions, loops, conditional statements, and arrays. You'll implement basic methods and functions with this project. You’ll assess what you learned from this final project and then complete a final course-level exam. Be sure to take advantage of the course-level glossary and other course materials when needed.

What's included

1 video3 readings1 assignment3 app items2 plugins

1 video Total 3 minutes

Course Wrap-Up 3 minutes

3 readings Total 33 minutes

Course-Level Coding Cheat Sheet PDF 30 minutes
Congrats & Next Steps 2 minutes
Thanks from the Course Team 1 minute

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Final Exam 30 minutes

3 app items Total 80 minutes

Final Project 30 minutes
Final Project Assessment 20 minutes
Course-Level Coding Cheat Sheet 30 minutes

2 plugins Total 8 minutes

Final Project Overview 3 minutes
Course Level Glossary 5 minutes

Earn a career certificate

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Instructors

Instructor ratings

(30 ratings)

IBM Skills Network Team

91 Courses 1,853,994 learners

Ramanujam Srinivasan

IBM

22 Courses 202,525 learners

Offered by

IBM

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Showing 3 of 142

Reviewed on Oct 24, 2025

Straightforward, well-organized, fast-paced. I wish IBM offered courses for more languages, such as Python and Scala.

Reviewed on May 24, 2025

It was good course but the excercise were too easy

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2025

it was really a good course and i practiced with real time problems and great work by IBM

Frequently asked questions

Java is a powerful, object-oriented programming language used for web development, mobile apps, and enterprise software. Learning Java opens doors to high-paying developer roles and is a must-have skill for anyone looking to start a career in software engineering.

Yes! Java is beginner-friendly, with a clear syntax and extensive documentation. It’s a great first programming language because it teaches core coding concepts like variables, loops, and object-oriented programming, which are valuable for any developer.

After mastering Java basics, you can build web applications, create Android apps, or even dive into backend development. Java is in high demand, making it a great choice for launching a tech career or advancing to more complex programming languages.

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.