Learn Java Programming

The Definitive Guide

Java is a popular general-purpose programming language and computing
platform. It is fast, reliable, and secure. According to Oracle, the company that
owns Java, Java runs on 3 billion devices worldwide.

Considering the number of Java developers, devices running Java, and

companies adapting it, it's safe to say that Java will be around for many years to
come.

This guide will provide everything you need to know about Java programming
language before you learn it. More specifically, you will learn about features of
Java programming, its applications, reasons to learn it, and how you can learn it
the right way.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 Java Tutorial
 What is Java Programming?
 Java Terminologies
 Run Java On Your Computer
 Your First Java Program
 Recommended Java Books

What is Java Programming Language?

Before getting started on Java programming, lets get familiarized with the
language first.
Why Java was Created? A Brief History

Features of Java Programming Language

1. Java is platform independent

Java was built with the philosophy of "write once, run anywhere"
(WORA). The Java code (pure Java code and libraries) you write on
one platform (operating system) will run on other platforms with no
modification.

To run Java, an abstract machine called Java Virtual Machine

(JVM) is used. The JVM executes the Java bytecode. Then, the
CPU executes the JVM. Since all JVMs works exactly the same, the
same code works on other operating systems as well, making Java
platform-independent.

2. An object-oriented Language

There are different styles of programming. Object-oriented approach

is one of the popular programming styles. In object-oriented
programming, a complex problem is divided into smaller sets by
creating objects. This makes your code reusable, has design
benefits, and makes code easier to maintain.

Many programming languages including Java, Python, and C++ has

object-oriented features. If you are serious about programming, you
should definitely learn object-oriented style of programming.

3. Java is fast

The earlier versions of Java were criticized for being slow. However,
things are completely different now. The new JVMs are significantly
faster. And, the CPU that executes JVM are also getting more and
more powerful.

Now, Java is one of the fastest programming languages. Well

optimized Java code is nearly as fast as lower level languages like
C/C++, and much faster than Python, PHP etc.

4. Java is secure

The Java platform provides various features for security of Java

applications. Some of the high-level features that Java handles are:

- provides secure platform for developing and running applications

- automatic memory management, reduces memory corruption and
 vulnerabilities
- provides secure communication by protecting the integrity and
privacy of data transmitted

5. Large Standard Library

One of the reasons why Java is widely used is because of the

availability of huge standard library. The Java environment has
hundreds of classes and methods under different packages to help
software developers like us. For example,

java.lang - for advanced features of strings, arrays etc.

java.util - for data structures, regular expressions, date and time
functions etc.
java.io - for file i/o, exception handling etc.

Applications of Java

Java Terminologies You Need to Know

Before You Start

Learning a new programming language can be challenging. You will hear a lot of
new terms which can be overwhelming for a newbie. So, we have decided to
explain a few terms that you are likely to hear in the world of Java programming
language.

Note, this is not the complete list of Java Glossary. Instead, it's the list of terms
you should know before you start learning Java programming.

Java - Java is a set of technologies (programming language and computing

platform) for creating and running software. However, Java is often used to refer
Java programming language for simplicity.
Java programming language - A powerful, general-purpose, platform-
independent, object-oriented programming language.

Java 8 - Java 8 is the latest major release for Java. Our Java tutorial will include
all major features of Java 8.

Java EE, Java ME and Java SE - Java EE, Java ME and Java SE stands for
Java Platform Enterprise Edition, Micro Edition, and standard edition respectively.
Java EE is targeted for applications which run on servers. Java ME is targeted for
resource limited devices like: embedded devices. And, Java SE is the basic Java
environment used for creating standard programs.
If you are a java programming newbie, we recommend you to start with J2SE.

JVM - JVM (Java Virtual Machine) is an abstract machine that enables your
computer to run a Java program.

JRE - JRE (Java Runtime Environment) contains JVM, supporting libraries, and
other components to run a Java program. However, it doesn't contain any
compiler and debugger.

JDK - JDK (Java Development Kit) contains JRE and tools such as compilers
and debuggers for developing Java applications.

Run Java on your OS

Run Java on Mac OS X

Run Java in on Linux

Run Java on Windows (XP, 7, 8 and 10)

To run Java Programming in Windows, you'll need to install two things: JAVA SE
Development Kit (JDK) and IDE to create your Java Projects.

Follow this step by step guide to get started.

Install Java
1. Go to the Downloads page of Java Standard Edition Development
Kit.

2. Under Java SE Development Kit section, click Accept License

agreement at the top of the table. Then, click the download link for
Windows (x64) if you have a 64-bit system, or Windows (x86) if you
have a 32-bit system.

3. After download, open the setup file and follow the instructions. Click
Next. Select all features by selecting "This feature will be installed
on local hard drive" and copy the installation location (highlighted
 by yellow) in a Notepad. And, click next again.

4. During the installation, you'll be prompted to install JRE. Click Next

and you're done. Click the Finish button to complete the installation.

5. Now, you need to edit the PATH variable. Go to Control Panel >
System and Security > System. Click on Advanced system
settings on the left to get System Properties window.
6. Click on Environment Variables. Then, on the lower System
variables section, find Path and click Edit to the following window.

7. Copy the whole text and paste it in Notepad. This will make it easier
for you to edit and check. Check if the text already
contains C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath;. If yes, you can
go to the next step. If no, copy the earlier copied installation
location in the front and append bin; to the end like: C:\Program
Files (x86)\Java\jdk1.8.0_112\bin;. For you, the JDK
version jdk1.8.0_112 might be different. Copy the text again and
paste it in the earlier PATH edit window.

8. Click Ok to save the changes.

 9. To check if Java was properly installed, open Command Prompt by
typing cmd in Windows search or using Run window (Windows Key
+ R), and type java -version to get similar output as below. If you
do, congratulations you've successfully installed Java. If not, check
the Oracle's Download Help

Install IntelliJ IDEA

1. Go to IntelliJ IDEA Downloads page.

2. Download the Community Edition of IntelliJ IDEA which is free. Click

the Download button.

3. After download, open the setup file and follow the instructions (Next
> Next). Then, create Desktop shortcut for 64-bit launcher, and add
associations for .java(Select the ones you want). Click Next again
 and Install.

4. Now, open IntelliJ IDEA from your Desktop shortcut.

5. Select Do not import settings and click Ok. Then, accept the
Jetbrains Privacy Policy by clicking Accept button.

6. IntelliJ IDEA will now allow you to customize its interface. You can
skip all and set defaults, or choose your custom changes. If you're
unsure, just click Skip All and Set Defaults.

7. You'll now be greeted with a Welcome page. Select Create New

Project.

8. In the next window, select Java on the left window and click New at
the top to select JDK. Here, select the installation location of the
 JDK we copied during the Java installation.

9. IntelliJ IDEA now recognizes the JDK installed. Don't check any of
the options below and click Next.

10. Now, write the name of your project: HelloWorld (or anything you
want) and click Finish. If it says the directory doesn't exist, just click
Ok. (If you don't see a sidebar on the left of the window, Go to View
> Tool Windows > Project).

11. Now, to add a new Java class, select src folder on the left > right
click > New > Java Class. Write the name of your class. Make sure
 you don't have spaces in the class name.

12. Write your Java code and save it.

13. To run the program, go to Run > Run... Then, click on HelloWorld
(or your project) which will build the executable file and run it.
 Your First Java Program

Often, a program called Hello World is used to introduce a new programming

language to beginners. It is a simple program that outputs Hello, World!. In this
section, you will learn to write the same program in Java using Eclipse.

1. Open IntelliJ IDEA.

2. Go to File > New > Project... > Java (on the left navigation)

3. Give the Project Name. We will call it Hello World for now and
click Finish

4. Now, you need to create a new Java class.

5. Select HelloWorld's src folder in the left sidebar. When it is

selected, go to File > New> Java Class and give Name to the class
and click Ok. We will call it HelloWorld.

6. Copy the following code in HelloWorld.java file and save it.

(Shortcut: Ctrl +S, or Cmd +S for Mac)

7. public class HelloWorld {

8.
9. public static void main(String[] args) {
10. // prints "Hello, World!"
11. System.out.println("Hello, World!");
12. }

13. Finally, hit run button. If everything goes right, you will see Hello,
World! output on the screen.

To learn in detail on how this program works, visit Java Hello World program.
 How to Learn Java?

Learn Java from Programiz

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and once the tutorial is complete, you will be the first one to know.

Our tutorials are designed for beginners who do not have any prior knowledge of
Java. Each tutorial is written in depth with examples and detailed explanation.

Official Java Documentation

Oracle, the company that owns Java, provides quality Java Tutorials. The Java
tutorial describes the features in Java SE 8, and is continuously updated to keep
up with changes to the Java Platform.

Note: Official Java Documentation may not be the easiest of the tutorials to
follow.

Recommended Java Books

If you are serious about learning programming, you should get yourself a good
book.

Granted, reading a 1000 page book takes a lot of time and patience. However,
following a good Java book will help you learn Java programming, the way it
should be learned.

Java: The Complete Reference, Ninth Edition

This is a good book for someone who is learning Java (or any other programming
language) for the first time. It's updated for the latest major release of Java (Java
8).
The book covers everything you need to know about Java programming,
including its syntax, keywords, and fundamental programming principles along
with Java API library, applets and much more.

Get this book

Thinking in Java (4th Edition)

If you are switching to Java from another programming language, this book is for
you. If you are a beginner in programming, you can use this book along with
another book.

One of the best Java books every Java programmer should get. That being said,
this book doesn't cover features of Java 8.
Get this book

Java 8 Pocket Guide: Instant Help for Java Programmers

As suggested by the name, it's a Java book to get quick answers. It covers all
fundamental concepts of Java (including Java 8) in brief .

Don't want to search pages and pages to look for a small information? Get this
book.
Get this book

Final Words and Pro Tips

You cannot go wrong with learning Java. It's the language of opportunities and
possibilities.

You must be eager to learn Java by now. However, here are some tips, and best
practices to follow before you learn Java.

 Don't read Java tutorials and examples like a novel. The only way to
get better in programming is by writing a lot of code.
 Learn Java language the right way. If you are switching from another
programming language (let's say C#), don't write C# style code in
Java. Also, check this article on How to write good Java code?
 Join Java communities. Once you get the hang of writing simple Java
programs, join Java communities and forums. Then, try to solve other
 programmer's Java problems. It's a good way to expand your Java
knowledge. Also, you can get help when you are stuck.

I hope this article has encouraged you to learn Java, and helped you to get
started. There is no reason to wait now. Let's explore the world of Java
programming language.

Java Tutorial
INTRODUCTION

 Java Hello World

 Java JVM, JRE and JDK
 Java Data Types
 Java Operators
 Java Input and Output
 Java Expressions & Blocks
 Java Comment

FLOW CONTROL

 Java if...else
 Java switch Statement
 Java for Loop
 Java for-each Loop
 Java while Loop
 Java break Statement
 Java continue Statement

JAVA OOP NEXT

 Classes & Objects

 Java Methods
 Java Constructor
 Java Recursion
 Java this Keyword
 Java Access Modifiers
 Java garbage collection

OTHER TUTORIALS

 Coming Soon!

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