How Long Does It Take to Learn Java?

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Explore methods for learning Java and find out how long it might take to learn based on your goals, previous experience, and other factors.

[Featured Image] Java specialists in a workspace, interacting while reviewing Java code on a computer and discussing the topic.

Key takeaways

The amount of time you need to learn Java depends on how much you want to learn and what you already know about Java. You’ll also want to consider the resources, like time and money, available to you to invest in training programs and materials. Here are some important things to know: 

  • Java is a high-level programming language that can sometimes be one of the easier languages for a beginner programmer to learn. 

  • If you already know some Java and want to learn a specific concept or task, you may be able to find the information you need and learn your goals in an afternoon.

  • If you have no prior experience and want to learn how to build mobile applications from scratch, you will need to set aside time to study and learn over a longer period. 

Explore how to learn Java and how long it takes to do so, depending on factors like the learning program you choose, as well as your learning goals. Then, consider getting started with the Meta Android Developer Professional Certificate, where you’ll learn to create applications for Android, including how to build and manage the lifecycle of a mobile app using Android Studio.

Why learn Java? 

Java is a versatile, in-demand programming language that can be easier for beginners to learn due to its intuitive syntax and a well-established community of users to provide support, documentation, and learning resources. It’s considered a good place for beginners to start because it’s a high-level language, which means it follows a structure more closely related to human language than the cold binary of computer language. As a result, it’s more intuitive to learn because it follows patterns you’re familiar with. 

Java is also a useful language for completing many different areas of programming, including building mobile apps, machine learning, data science, game development, and the Internet of Things. 

Is learning Java difficult?

As a high-level language with wide community support, Java is considered a good programming language for starting out. While deciding whether or not a new topic is difficult to learn is a personal choice, many people recommend Java for beginners because it follows a structure that is similar to human language and you can find a lot of resources online to help you start learning. 

Factors affecting Java learning time 

Any two people studying Java will take differing amounts of time to master certain Java skills. You may learn Java faster or slower than average estimates due to factors like your unique learning style, the amount of time you have to commit to studying, your study habits, and your budget for resources that may help you learn Java in less time. 

One big factor that will make a difference in how fast you learn Java is whether you already know similar concepts or have similar skills to Java and computer programming. A few examples are:

  • Other programming languages: If you have experience with other object-oriented programming languages, you may have an advantage when it comes to learning Java. Many of the concepts of Java are similar or related to concepts in other high-level object-oriented programming languages. Experience with languages like Python, JavaScript, or C++ may make learning Java easier. 

  • Critical thinking and problem-solving: Writing code means working creatively to develop solutions and break them down into detailed lines of code. The ability to think critically and problem-solve can help you troubleshoot coding challenges and make new connections between ideas. 

  • Development concepts like version control or debugging: If you have prior experience working with version control systems or with debugging code, you may have an easier time learning Java. Version control, a method of tracking changes in your program, and debugging, a way of finding and correcting mistakes in code, are both important concepts for working with Java. 

How long does it take to learn Java? 

The amount of time it takes you to learn Java can range from a few hours to one year or more. This will depend on a lot of factors such as prior knowledge, how much Java you wish to learn, and your learning style. The program you choose for learning Java will also play a role in how much you are able to learn in a set amount of time. 

How much Java can you learn in one day? You can start learning Java skills with tutorials and projects, which can help you learn targeted, specific skills or concepts in as little as a few hours or days. 

How much Java can you learn in one week? In one week, you could finish an online course learning about Java or start a portfolio with samples of your Java projects. 

How much Java can you learn in one month? In one month, you could finish a more comprehensive online course or complete a Java Specialization. 

How much Java can you learn in six months? In about six months, you could complete a Java boot camp or earn a credential with the skills you need to start gaining experience in an entry-level Java career. 

Tips for learning Java 

You can use many different tools to help you learn Java, including self-guided tutorials, online courses, coding boot camps, and certifications. You can also employ more than one strategy as your time allows and as you learn new skills that open up different learning opportunities. For example, you could start with a beginner course to learn Java basics and then practice with self-guided resources until you can complete a Java project. Later, you can expand on those skills with intermediate courses, a Specialization, or a certification. 

Self-guided and guided Java tutorials

How long does it take? Hours or days

What can you learn? Targeted concepts and specific exercises 

Self-guided Java tutorials are resources where you can view instructions for how to work with Java. Often, you can find Java tutorials on websites with coding environments available to practice the tutorial concept immediately. The benefits of self-guided resources are that they can help you begin learning Java right away at your own pace, and you may be able to find specific tutorials to answer questions you have about Java. For example, you can explore a specific tutorial to help you learn to use Java in Visual Studio Code. You can also explore Guided Projects on Coursera. 

Online courses

How long will it take? 10 to 60 hours of study, depending on the size and scope of the program

What will you learn? You can choose from targeted classes covering specific concepts or take several courses and earn a specialization in a broader range of topics. 

Another way to learn Java is by taking online courses. You can take standalone courses covering basic or specific Java concepts, or you can explore longer course series like a Specialization to help you learn a more rounded set of concepts or prepare for a career working with Java. Two examples to consider include the Object Oriented Programming in Java Specialization and the Core Java Specialization.

Java projects

Once you start learning Java skills, you may challenge yourself by completing a Java project. You can find ideas and source code online to help you build your own projects, or you can follow Java project tutorials to help you at every step of the way. Java projects can be a fun and satisfying way to learn new skills, and you can use them to develop a portfolio of work to show potential employers. 

Boot camps

How long does it take? 12 to 28 weeks

What can you learn? A range of topics to help you prepare for an entry-level role on a development team 

A Java boot camp is an immersive learning experience, usually taking place over a few months, where you can study programming skills in a focused way. If you have the availability, a coding boot camp may help you maximize the amount of programming you can learn within a short period of time. 

Certificates and certifications

How long will it take? In some cases, you may decide how long to prepare in advance for a certification exam. In other instances, you may take a certification course, which can require 24 hours a week or more of study. 

What will you learn? Industry standards for working with Java to help you start a career with a recognized credential validating your skills 

Earning a certificate or certification in Java is another way to learn Java skills with the added benefit of validating those skills for potential employers. A few options to choose from include: 

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