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!
Java Programming for Beginners
Java Programming for Beginners
This course is part of Java Development from IBM Professional Certificate
Instructors: IBM Skills Network Team
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
Recommended experience
10 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
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.
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Recently updated!
March 2025
Assessments
9 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your Software Development expertise
This course is part of the Java Development from IBM Professional Certificate
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Professional Certificate.
- 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 from IBM
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 5 modules in this course
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 (JVM), 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
5 videos2 readings2 assignments1 app item3 plugins
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 practice experience applying arrays and functions to solve practical problems.
What's included
5 videos1 reading2 assignments3 app items1 plugin
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
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 items2 plugins
What's included
1 video2 readings1 assignment2 app items1 plugin
Instructors
Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Software Development
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
New to Software Development? Start here.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
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.