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Java Programming for Beginners
BackEnd Development

Java Programming for Beginners

Learning Java from Scratch

Daniil Lypenets

by Daniil Lypenets

Full Stack Developer

Oct, 2023
9 min read

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Have you ever noticed that Java is a widely recognized name in programming? People seem to talk about it quite often, even though it's a fairly old programming language. Why not discuss Pascal or C, which are also quite old programming languages? There are newer and more popular languages like Python, Node.js, or Golang. But for some reason, many still prefer Java. In this article, let me tell you why this cup of coffee is so popular among programmers.

With the main advantages of Java and where this programming language is used, you can get a detailed overview in this article.

Now, let's discuss the challenges that arise when learning Java, how to start learning it, and explore the basic syntax of this programming language. We'll also see where Java is highly valued and why so many people still prefer this particular programming language.

Why Do So Many People Prefer Learning Java?

A true programmer understands the importance of programming language stability and a large community that consistently supports newcomers and helps them learn the fundamentals. And Java provides all of this. It's one of the fundamental programming languages that has been around for quite a while.

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Many popular projects and applications are written in this programming language, which leads to the main advantage of being a Java programmer: a large number of job opportunities.

Additionally, Java is a rather complex programming language that encompasses many concepts for writing programs. Therefore, by learning Java, you will easily grasp other programming languages, as you will have already navigated the challenging path of Java learning, making any other challenges seem much simpler to you.

But there's always a catch, so let's talk about the main difficulties of Java.

Difficulties of Java as a Programming Language

What a Beginner in Java Can Encounter

While Java does have its challenges, it's important to remember that with the right approach and resources, anyone can overcome them and find success in learning this versatile programming language.

One of Java's notable advantages is its platform independence, thanks to the JVM. However, this flexibility can sometimes result in a slightly slower execution compared to more modern programming languages like C++. But fear not, because the benefits of this cross-platform compatibility often outweigh the minor speed differences. Java's robustness and widespread use make it a valuable language to learn.

Another consideration is memory usage, as Java applications can be memory-intensive. However, with proper coding practices and memory management techniques, you can optimize your Java applications to run efficiently without consuming excessive resources.

The initial learning curve of Java can indeed be a bit steep, especially for beginners. It introduces concepts like Object-Oriented Programming from the start, which can seem complex at first. However, don't let this deter you. At Codefinity, we offer a Java Basics course designed to make learning Java accessible, even for those who are completely new to programming. This course breaks down the information into manageable pieces, making it easier to grasp and build a solid foundation.

So, if you're enthusiastic about learning Java and are ready to embrace the challenge, our Java Basics course on the Codefinity platform is the perfect starting point. With the right guidance and resources, you can embark on a rewarding journey to become a skilled Java developer. Let's dive into the core syntax and commands of Java and explore how you can start your Java learning journey right now!

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Basic Syntax and Fundamental Commands

Very Basic Syntax

As soon as you start learning Java, you encounter this intimidating line:

This is called a method inside a class, and this method represents the entry point of the program, where the program's actions will begin execution. To learn what methods are, and how to create and use them, you can find out in our Java Extended course. But for now, this is an advanced topic, so we should skip it.

The first thing all beginners learn is how to output information to the screen. Perhaps you are familiar with this command in other programming languages: print(), console.log(), cout <<. But Java won the competition for the most words, and in this programming language, it looks like this:

Yes, this is the very first program: Hello World. Here, it's immediately evident that the code looks quite complex. We must write everything inside the method body; otherwise, the compiler simply won't understand what it needs to do.

Additionally, Java is a statically typed programming language, which means that when declaring variables, we can't simply write var and the variable name. We need to specify the variable type, for example:

There are many types of variables in Java, including primitive data types, wrappers, and your own custom data types. Describing this in an article would take hundreds of pages.

So, if you're not afraid of challenges and have decided to start learning Java, our Java Essentials track is designed for you. There, you will start from the basics and progress to creating your own classes using Java's Object-Oriented Programming features. You'll be able to build your own small programs, and these words and syntax won't be intimidating to you anymore.

Furthermore, courses on our platform are constantly expanding, covering everything from beginner to advanced topics in various programming languages.

Begin your journey in TECH with Codefinity!

FAQs

Q: Why is Java still popular among programmers despite being an older programming language?
A: Java's stability, large community support, and numerous job opportunities make it a popular choice among programmers. Learning Java also provides a strong foundation for understanding other programming languages.

Q: What are the difficulties of using Java for programming?
A: Java's difficulties include slower execution speed compared to modern languages, high memory consumption, and a somewhat complex learning curve, especially for beginners.

Q: How can I start learning Java effectively?
A: To start learning Java effectively, consider taking structured courses that cover the basics and progress to more advanced topics. Many online platforms offer Java courses designed for beginners.

Q: What is the significance of the line "public static void main(String[] args)" in Java programs?
A: This line represents the entry point of a Java program, where its execution begins. It's a method inside a class that needs to be defined to run Java applications.

Q: Is Java a dynamically typed or statically typed language, and how does this affect coding?
A: Java is a statically typed language, which means variable types must be explicitly declared. This helps catch errors at compile time but may require more verbose code compared to dynamically typed languages.

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