Java 8+ Essential Training: Syntax and Structure

Course details

Get started with Java, the popular object-oriented programming language. In this course—the first installment in the Java Essential Training series—start exploring this essential language, and learn about basic Java syntax and the Java platform's fundamental architecture. Instructor David Gassner goes over the history of the language, providing coverage of its principles, components, and syntax. David explains how to install Java on Windows and macOS, and how to create a project in IntelliJ IDEA. He also demonstrates how to work with primitive variables, create and parse String values, and manage program flow—including how to create reusable code.

Learning objectives
Reviewing the principles and components of Java
Choosing a development environment
Testing simple Java code in JShell
Creating a project in IntelliJ IDEA
Working with primitive variables
Working with Boolean and character values
Working with String values
Managing program flow
Creating reusable code with methods

Concepts

0. Introduction

01 - Welcome
02 - What you should know
03 - How to use the exercise files
04 - Which version of Java do you want to learn

1. What Is Java

05 - The history of Java
06 - Principles and components of Java
07 - Java syntax and compilation
08 - Memory management and garbage collection
09 - Choosing a development environment

2. Get Started

10 - Install Java on Windows
11 - Add Java to the system PATH on Windows
12 - Install Java on OS X
13 - Test simple Java code in JShell
14 - Install and configure IntelliJ IDEA
15 - Create a project in IntelliJ IDEA
16 - Pass arguments to a console application
17 - Take a tour of IntelliJ IDEA
18 - Use the Java API documentation

3. Work with Variables

19 - Work with primitive variables
20 - Declare and modify primitive values
21 - Store currency values with BigDecimal
22 - Convert values between numeric types
23 - Math operators and the Math class
24 - Work with boolean values
25 - Work with character values
26 - More about Java operators

4. Work with String Values

27 - Declare and initialize String objects
28 - Create and concatenate String values
29 - Convert primitive values to strings
30 - Build a String from multiple values
31 - Compare String values with methods
32 - Format numeric values as strings
33 - Parse String values
34 - Challenge - A simple calculator
35 - Solution - A simple calculator

5. Manage Program Flow

36 - Evaluate conditions with if-else
37 - Evaluate conditions with switch-case
38 - Create looping code blocks
39 - Create reusable code with methods
40 - Create overloaded methods
41 - Pass arguments by reference vs. value
42 - Challenge - A more complex calculator
43 - Solution - A more complex calculator

Conclusion

44 - Next steps