Introduction to Java

Course Description

Description

This course introduces students to the basic features of the Java programming language.

Students will learn about:

• Java primitive and non-primitive data types
• control flow constructs
• built-in class libraries
• Java applets
• object-oriented programming concepts such as classes, objects, method overloading and encapsulation

Typical assignments and projects include using built-in and programmer-defined classes, performing basic input and output operations, writing applets that incorporate sound and images, and solving programming problems like Morse code translation and simulation. At the end of the course, students submit a comprehensive final examination.

Students are expected to be familiar with standard computer operations (e.g., login, cut & paste, email attachments, etc.) before enrolling in the course.

Materials Needed

Students must purchase a textbook and will need a Java language compiler:

Introduction to Java Programming, Comprehensive Version, by Y. Daniel Liang [8th Edition, Prentice Hall, 2011]

ISBN 0-13-213080-7

The recommended compiler is the Java Development Kit, version 1.6, available from Sun Microsystems at no charge

Java 2 SDK

Detailed Course Information

Course Details

Getting Started

• Computing Concepts
• Java History & Architecture
• The Structure of a Java Program
• Installing the Java Development Kit (JDK)
• Compiling & Running a Java Program

Introduction to Java

• Declaring & Initializing Java Variables
• Rules for Java Variable Names
• The Scope & Lifetime of Variables
• Source Code Comments
• Doing Basic Program Output

Java Programming Basics

• Java Primitive Types
• Basic Arithmetic Operators
• Precedence & Order of Evaluation
• Defining & Using Constants
• Mixed Mode Expressions & Type Conversion

Program Decision Making

• Relational Operators & Expressions
• The if-else Construct
• The switch Construct
• The Conditional Operator

More Java Operators

• Increment and Decrement Operators
• Arithmetic Assignment Operators
• Logical Operators
• Bitwise Operators

Iteration Constructs

• The for Construct
• The while Construct
• The do-while Construct
• Comparing Java Iteration Constructs
• Nested Iteration Constructs
• Additional Iteration Topics

Introduction to Java Class Methods

• Defining Class Methods
• Scope of Method Arguments & Variables
• Passing Arguments to Class Methods
• Returning Values from Class Methods
• Type Conversion & Type Checking
• Some Built-In Java Class Methods

Arrays

• Creating & Using Arrays
• Passing Arrays as Method Arguments
• Returning Arrays from Methods
• Multi-Dimensional Arrays
• Referencing Arrays Dynamically

Working With Java Strings

• The Java String Class
• Creating & Using String Objects
• Manipulating Strings
• String Immutability & Equality
• Passing Strings To & From Methods
• The StringBuffer Class

Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming

• Object-Oriented Programming Basics
• Defining & Using Classes
• Controlling Access to Class Members
• Class Constructors
• Method Overloading
• Class Variables & Methods

Java Packages

• Introduction to Java Packages
• Accessing Java Packages
• Creating Java Packages
• Package & Class Visability

Java Applets

• Introduction to Applets
• Writing Java Applets
• Working with Graphics
• Incorporating Images & Sounds

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System Requirements

All CTYOnline courses require a properly maintained computer with Internet access and a recent version web browser (such as Explorer 6, Firefox, or Safari).

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"The instructor helped my son learn how to independently complete the course successfully. She gave helpful and timely feedback and guidance to me and my son. By the end of the course, my son was corresponding with the instructor and managing the course all on his own-- what a great skill to learn above and beyond material she helped him through, which he loved. He can't wait to take the next course."

"This is my son's 2nd course with this instructor and JHU, and our expectation was exceeded again with the instructor’s quick, timely responses, depth of knowledge and her dedication to help my son understand the material."

"My son’s instructor has a great ability to interact with kids. He was able to teach a technical subject to my son amazingly well. He kindled interest in the subject. He is very dedicated and provided good feedback."