Learning Java can open numerous doors in the tech industry.
Whether you are a beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, online courses offer a flexible way to master this versatile programming language. With the right course, you can gain practical experience and theoretical knowledge that will be valuable in various development projects.
Choosing the best course can be daunting with so many options available.
That’s why we compiled a list of 12 top online courses for learning Java to help you find the best match for your needs and level of expertise.
1) Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals by Coursera
You can start your Java journey with the Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals course on Coursera.
This course is designed for beginners and covers the basics of Java and software engineering.
In this course, you will learn to edit, compile, and run Java programs.
The curriculum includes how to use conditionals and loops in your code.
You’ll also gain skills in using Java API documentation, which helps in writing efficient programs.
Debugging is another important part of this course.
You will learn to debug Java programs using scientific methods.
Creating Java methods to solve specific problems is also covered.
These methods are essential for writing functional and efficient code.
By completing this course, you will not only learn the fundamentals but also practice with practical exercises.
This hands-on approach ensures you can apply what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios.
Coursera offers this course as part of a specialization.
This means you get a broader understanding of the field, including software engineering principles.
You will also have the chance to earn a certification upon completion.
This certification can be a valuable addition to your resume.
Taking this course is a good step for anyone looking to gain a strong foundation in Java programming and software engineering.
2) Java Programming Masterclass for Software Developers by Udemy
The Java Programming Masterclass for Software Developers by Udemy is one of the most popular courses for learning Java.
This course is designed to help you develop strong Java programming skills.
You will find it useful whether you are a beginner or an experienced developer.
It includes over 73 total hours of content and 398 lectures.
The course covers various topics such as best practices, design rules, and Java EE projects.
Each topic is explained clearly and thoroughly.
You will have access to numerous coding exercises to practice what you learn.
This practical approach helps you build real-world programming skills.
The course is structured to make the learning process smooth and engaging.
The instructors are experienced and aim to make each lesson practical and easy to follow.
The course is consistently updated to ensure the content remains relevant.
By enrolling, you get lifetime access to the material, including any future updates.
The course has received positive feedback from many students.
It is rated 4.4 out of 5 based on over 23,000 reviews.
This rating reflects the quality and value of the content provided.
If you wish to learn more or enroll, you can visit the Java Programming Masterclass for Software Developers by Udemy page.
3) Object-Oriented Programming in Java by Coursera
This course on Coursera covers the fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) in Java.
You will learn how to edit, compile, and run Java programs.
The course also teaches the use of conditionals and loops.
In addition, you will become familiar with writing methods and using Java API documentation.
Debugging is another important skill covered in this course.
You will learn to use the scientific method to debug Java programs.
By the end, you will have the ability to solve specific problems with Java methods.
The course is part of a specialization offered by the University of California San Diego.
It includes multiple modules that gradually build your skills.
This is designed for those with some prior programming experience.
Ideal if you already know a language like Python, C, or JavaScript.
For more information, you can visit the course page on Coursera.
Enhance your coding skills and tackle more complex problems with this structured course.
4) Java for Complete Beginners by Udemy
If you’re just starting with Java, the Java for Complete Beginners course on Udemy could be an excellent choice.
You will begin by learning the basics like variables, conditions, loops, arrays, and operators.
This foundation is essential for any programming language.
As you progress, you will dive deeper into classes, objects, and methods.
Getting hands-on with these will help solidify your understanding.
The course also covers fundamental concepts of Object-Oriented Programming, including Inheritance, Encapsulation, Polymorphism, and Composition.
These concepts are crucial for writing clean, efficient code.
Instructor John Purcell has put together 16 hours and 7 minutes of on-demand video content.
It’s a free tutorial with a user rating of 4.5 from over 100,000 students.
The course also offers subtitles in multiple languages, making it accessible to a broader audience.
This can help if English is not your first language.
The lessons are designed to be engaging and practical.
With the hands-on approach, you will write your own programs, allowing you to learn by doing.
This course provides a solid start for anyone looking to enter the world of Java programming.
It’s structured in a way that gradually builds your skills and knowledge.
5) Java Certification by Oracle
Java Certification by Oracle is a highly respected credential in the tech industry.
This certification program is designed to verify your competence in Java programming.
Oracle offers multiple levels of Java certification.
The entry-level is the Oracle Certified Associate (OCA).
This validates your understanding of Java fundamentals and basic programming skills.
After earning the OCA, you can pursue the Oracle Certified Professional (OCP).
This advanced certification focuses on more complex programming concepts and practices.
Oracle’s Java certifications are recognized globally and can enhance your career opportunities.
They demonstrate your ability to develop secure, high-performance applications using Java.
To prepare for these exams, you can use Oracle’s Java Training and Certification resources.
These include courses and learning paths tailored to each certification level.
The certifications cover core Java topics such as variables, classes, objects, loops, arrays, and decision constructs.
They also include advanced concepts like encapsulation, conditionals, and data manipulation.
You can also enroll in the Java SE Programming I MOOC.
This course is a part of Oracle’s training program and provides a structured learning path covering Java basics.
The OCP exam format consists of multiple-choice questions.
You have 120 minutes to complete the exam, and it costs $245 in the U.S.
Achieving a Java Certification by Oracle can make you stand out to employers.
It highlights your expertise in one of the world’s most used programming languages.
6) Building Scalable Java Microservices with Spring Boot by Coursera
In the Building Scalable Java Microservices with Spring Boot, you learn how to develop Java applications using Spring Boot and Spring Cloud.
This course is offered by Coursera and provides hands-on experience with Google Cloud.
You will explore how to use Spring Cloud Config for managing your application’s configuration.
Additionally, the course covers messaging with Pub/Sub and Spring Integration.
This is crucial for creating efficient and responsive microservices.
The course also includes lessons on using Cloud SQL as a managed relational database.
This component is essential for building robust and scalable Java applications.
By the end, you gain practical skills for deploying and managing microservices in cloud environments.
7) Advanced Data Structures in Java by Coursera
This course is part of the Object Oriented Java Programming: Data Structures and Beyond Specialization.
It aims to help you develop a strong foundation in data structures using Java.
When you enroll, you also gain access to the entire specialization.
This helps you build your Java skills in a structured way.
The course covers advanced concepts such as trees, graphs, and hash tables.
These are crucial for handling complex data efficiently.
You will learn from industry experts who bring real-world experience.
This ensures that the skills you acquire are up-to-date and relevant.
To enroll in the course, visit Advanced Data Structures in Java.
The course includes hands-on projects to reinforce learning through practical application.
This approach helps you understand how to implement these data structures in actual scenarios.
Completing this course can be beneficial if you are looking to advance your career in software development.
8) Java In-Depth: Become a Complete Java Engineer! by Udemy
Java In-Depth: Become a Complete Java Engineer! on Udemy offers a solid foundation in Java programming.
The course is said to be akin to a Master’s Program in Java.
You will learn Object-Oriented Programming concepts using a real-world application as a case study.
This practical approach helps you understand Java more deeply.
The course includes over 20 coding exercises and several challenging quizzes.
These exercises are designed to validate your learning and ensure you are ready for real-world applications.
New updates from May 2024 include in-depth lectures on Records (Java 16) and Switch Expressions & Arrow Labels (Java 14).
These features help write concise and safe code.
Four new coding exercises accompany these updates to provide practical experience with the new features.
Staying current with Java’s latest updates keeps your skills relevant.
You can find the course on Udemy.
This course aims to elevate your Java skills to the level of top engineers at leading companies.
9) Reactive Programming in Modern Java using Project Reactor by Udemy
If you want to write fast-performing asynchronous and non-blocking code, this Udemy course is an excellent choice.
It covers reactive programming principles using Project Reactor.
The course is hands-on, meaning you’ll learn by writing code.
This approach helps you grasp both theoretical and practical aspects of reactive programming.
You’ll start by getting familiar with the basics of Project Reactor.
Then, you’ll dive into creating responsive and resilient applications.
This is essential for modern challenges like concurrency and asynchronous data streams.
The curriculum is well-structured, and each section builds on the previous one.
This makes it easier for you to follow along and absorb the material.
By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills to build scalable and responsive applications.
This is crucial for anyone looking to advance their Java programming skills.
10) Java 8 New Features by Pluralsight
Java 8 brought many changes that improve the way you write and think about code.
The course Java 8 New Features by Pluralsight introduces these key updates.
One of the most notable additions in Java 8 is lambda expressions.
These allow you to write more concise and readable code.
The Stream API is another important feature.
It helps you process collections of objects in a functional style.
Java 8 also includes a new Date and Time API.
This new API fixes the issues of the old Date and Calendar classes.
Default methods in interfaces give you more flexibility, allowing you to add new methods to interfaces without breaking existing implementations.
With these new features, you can write more efficient and maintainable code.
11) Java Multithreading, Concurrency & Parallelism by Udemy
This course, available on Udemy, focuses on Java multithreading, concurrency, and parallelism.
It includes practical tasks and coding examples.
This helps you understand Java better.
You will learn about advanced lock-free algorithms.
These algorithms boost performance and responsiveness.
By the end, you can write responsive and performant multithreaded Java applications.
This course also covers best practices for architecting multithreaded applications.
You’ll explore how to utilize threads, synchronization, and locks.
The course is designed for those who want to advance their knowledge in Java concurrency.
The open-source code is included.
This means you can review and learn from the task solutions and examples.
If you are looking to improve your Java skills, this course is a valuable resource.
You can access more details on Java Multithreading, Concurrency & Parallelism by Udemy.
12) Java EE Made Easy by Udemy
If you want to master Java EE, consider taking Java EE Made Easy on Udemy.
This course is popular and has over 5000 students enrolled.
The course covers essential topics like patterns, architecture, and frameworks.
You will get hands-on experience building applications from scratch.
One of the strengths of this course is its practical approach.
As you learn, you’ll apply concepts directly to projects, making the information stick better.
Java EE Made Easy is designed to be user-friendly.
Whether you are a beginner or someone looking to brush up on your skills, this course is organized to cater to different levels of learners.
Taking this course can help you gain a solid foundation in Java EE, preparing you for more advanced studies or real-world applications.
By the end of the course, you should feel more confident in your ability to use Java EE in various projects.
Benefits of Learning Java Online
Learning Java online offers several advantages, including the ability to learn at your own pace and access to top-notch instructors from around the globe.
These benefits can make your journey to mastering Java more efficient and enjoyable.
Flexibility and Convenience
When you learn Java online, you enjoy the flexibility to study whenever it suits you.
This is especially useful if you have a busy schedule.
You can watch lectures, complete assignments, and take tests at your own pace.
Online courses often come with lifetime access, enabling you to revisit material anytime.
Another plus is the variety of resources.
You have access to tutorials, forums, and additional reading materials.
These elements can be revisited as often as needed, ensuring a thorough grasp of the subject.
Access to Expert Instructors
Online Java courses often feature instruction from leading experts in the field.
These instructors bring years of real-world experience.
They provide insights and tips that might be hard to find elsewhere.
Many courses include live sessions and Q&A opportunities, allowing you to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of complex topics.
You can also connect with peers and mentors through online communities and discussion boards.
This network can be invaluable for getting feedback, sharing knowledge, and finding support as you learn.
Key Concepts Covered in Java Courses
Java courses focus on essential programming principles and practical skills that students need to build, test, and deploy applications.
Key topics include object-oriented programming, libraries, and data structures and algorithms.
Object-Oriented Programming
Object-oriented programming (OOP) is central to Java.
You’ll learn to create and work with classes and objects.
Key concepts include inheritance, which allows a new class to use properties and methods of an existing class, and polymorphism, letting you use a single interface to represent different data types.
Encapsulation is also important, as it restricts access to certain components of an object, enhancing security.
Understanding OOP is crucial because it’s a foundation for writing efficient, reusable code.
Courses often include hands-on exercises to practice creating classes, implementing interfaces, and using design patterns for solving complex problems.
Mastering these techniques prepares you for advanced Java topics and real-world applications.
Java Standard Library
The Java Standard Library is a collection of classes and functions that simplify common tasks.
You’ll learn about packages such as java.util, which includes data structures like ArrayList and HashMap, and java.io for input and output operations.
These libraries save you time by providing out-of-the-box functionalities.
Courses teach you how to use these libraries effectively.
For instance, you’ll explore the java.nio package for non-blocking IO operations.
Understanding these libraries is essential for efficient coding.
You will also learn about other libraries, such as java.lang for fundamental classes like String and Math.
By mastering the Java Standard Library, you maximize code efficiency and readability.
Data Structures and Algorithms
Data structures and algorithms form the core of computer science.
In Java courses, you’ll study arrays, linked lists, stacks, and queues.
You’ll also learn about search and sort algorithms like binary search and quicksort.
Understanding these concepts is vital for solving computational problems efficiently.
Java courses often include practical exercises to implement and optimize these structures and algorithms.
For example, you might write code to perform depth-first search on graphs or build balanced trees.
These skills are valuable for developing high-performance applications.
Taking the time to grasp data structures and algorithms ensures you’re well-equipped to tackle complex programming challenges.