Resources to learn Java
As a someone going back to school to change careers into the programming field, I like using online sources to learn coding, I am taking a computer science course where I have to learn Java. The professor is good but I have the attention span of a gerbil and learn from viewing different sources to develop my own understanding. Some interactive FREE resources:
1 . Codeacademy — Java
I am personally a fan of codeacademy. It was how I and people that I know started getting into programming.
2. Sololearn (http://www.sololearn.com)
I would say if I wasn’t so biased towards codeacademy, this would be number 1 for me. Why? well it is available on mobile phones & online, they have a condensed explanation, videos, & quiz for EACH topic, it provides a linked-in certificate, and you can practice against other users similar to codewars, . They provide a wide-scope of lessons on many programming languages.
I really do recommend using apps on your phone to practice on your free time. And the codewar aspect of this particular app makes it almost like a game.
3. Learn Java (http://www.learnjavaonline.org/)
this seemed fairly basic. I liked that they offered other courses in php and javascript. For me this allows for more exposure to programming. I didn’t like that it took a while for me to execute their examples via their compiler .
Also the compiler appears at the bottom of the browser blocking some of the text so I have to scroll more then I’d like to. That is a personal preference though, I prefer more streamline websites. This website is structured in a outline form with bullet points followed by an example.
4. Udacity: I don’t like this option as much as codeacademy because they had you download external programs. I don’t want extra stuff on my computer unless I will be able to use it for multiple things such as with Git.
5. Javaworld (http://www.javaworld.com/article/2076075/learn-java/core-java-learn-java-from-the-ground-up.html)
This site had a mixture of blog post & articles that outlined a course. I didn’t like that it took a while to find the “courses”. Its why I placed it towards the bottom of this list. I takes too long to find the info I want.
The link I provided gives a long but organized explanation of what Java is. I would rather watch a 2 min youtube video but thats me.
Collegiate Sources
1. Coursera (https://www.coursera.org/specializations/java-programming)
this sis a website that offers courses from ivy league institutions. If you like a more academic approach supplemented with actual professor’s video lectures you may like this. Since I am taking the course at an university I am not to keen on this. However, the lecture that I did watch were more riveting and engaging then my own professors.
2. — Zybooks: Programming in Java: Early Objects (not free- but mentioning since I’m using it)
-this is the online textbook for my course. It is interactive similar to code academy but shorter & more practice and explains things good enough. This is an excellent & legitimate source to learn Java.
-I would’t have looked into external sources other than this textbook but the professor locks the challenges during lecture and I get bored so googling I went.
***NOTE — some of the challenges aren’t explained in the text so external sources like stackoverflow are necessary.
Youtube
1. Java Overview( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPvGqX-TXP0) Derek Banas gives a 30 minute rundown of Java. for those that want a video covering the core basics of Java.
2. Java Tutorial For Beginners (Step by Step tutorial)
(https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLS1QulWo1RIbfTjQvTdj8Y6yyq4R7g-Al)
This is a 84 video tutorial for beginners. It has been viewed by over 3 million people. I think it is very comprehensive & if you like learning visually or via youtube this is a great resource.
