Java Programming for Beginners (for non-programmers) UK Classes & Lessons (Languages: Java)

About this class

Java has enjoyed popularity since its introduction in 1995. However, Java is a complex programming language and not necessarily the ideal choice for an introduction to programming or modern programming languages. Additionally, Java comes complete with a whole class library. Knowledge and use of at least some of this class library is essential for any form of Java program.

Anyone who has looked at Java in any detail will realise that Java is more than just another programming language. The rich functionality provided by Java's class libraries mean that Java is effectively a platform-independent operating system. It is a very advanced operating system containing powerful distributed object and component capabilities. The wide range of functionality delivered with Java and the plethora of products that surround it can lead to unnecessary confusion.

For developers without experience in modern structured programming languages, such as COBOL programmers, or those who are new to programming, Java Primer provides a good foundation for the Java for non-C Programmers course. It also provides an excellent overview of the functionality available in Java and its potential uses for managers, team leaders and technical support staff.

In addition Java development environments have become more complex and feature rich as the language has matured. As such the course has been updated to include the use of modern IDEs to develop, launch and debug applications.

Who will the lesson benefit?

Programmers whose skills need refreshing or whose experience is not in modern structured programming languages.
Technical and project managers who need an overview of Java concepts and the Java language.
Non-programmers with extensive experience of software packages.

What delegates will learn

use the major concepts of a modern, block-structured, high-level language, such as control flow, function calls and modular programming
structure programs using classes and other essential object-oriented features
understand many of the capabilities of Java
write Java programs that use different language features
use an integrated Java software development environment
read and debug simple Java code

What prerequisites are required

Delegates should preferably have some programming knowledge, but must have general computing experience, possibly through the extensive use of complex software packages.

You should also be familiar with the Microsoft Windows graphical user interface.

Delegates with more than six months of programming experience in any high-level, block-structured language should take our Java for non-C Programmers course instead.

Contents of this class

Course Introduction

Course delivery
Course practicals
Course structure
Please Ask Questions

Java Overview

Platform independence
Java environment
The Java Virtual Machine
Java and the Web

Java Programs

Java program life cycle
Java development environments
Java program statements
Basic input and output
. java and . class files
Applets and applications

Numeric Data Types

Fundamental types
Declarations
Operators
Assignment
Arithmetic

Text Data Types

Strings and single character data
Unicode
String literals
String manipulation
String comparison

Control Flow

Decision and repetition concepts
Expressing logic in Java
The use of conditional statements
The use of looping statements
Structured programming

Methods

Methods and modular programming
Passing arguments to functions by value and by reference!

OO Concepts

Object behaviour
Object state
Encapsulation
Referring to objects using references
Inheritance and extending existing classes
The Object class
Substitutability and polymorphism

Overview of Java Packages

The package concept
Importing other packages
Language support package
GUI packages
Network and remote object packages

Java Systems

Larger Java programs
Application delivery mechanisms
Java advantages and disadvantages
Competitive technologies

The Way Ahead

Gaining experience after this course
Further Java information sources
Support avenues after this course