Java Beginner Module Overview

The Java Beginner Module is designed to introduce new learners to the fundamentals of programming using the Java language. This module is perfect for students with little or no programming experience, as it takes a step-by-step approach to build a solid foundation in Java, one of the most popular and versatile programming languages today.

Module Objectives

By the end of this module, students will:

• Understand the basics of programming and the core concepts of the Java language.
• Set up their development environment to write, compile, and run Java programs.
• Write and debug simple Java programs.
• Gain a working knowledge of key programming constructs such as variables, operators, control flow, and functions.
• Explore object-oriented programming concepts like classes, objects, and inheritance.

Target Audience

This module is suitable for:

• Absolute beginners with no prior programming experience.
• Students or professionals looking to switch to software development.
• Anyone interested in learning Java as a foundation for careers in software engineering, web development, mobile app development, or data science.

Course Outline

1. Introduction to Java Programming
   • History and evolution of Java.
   • Overview of the Java ecosystem and its applications.
   • Introduction to the JDK, JVM, and IDEs.
2. Setting Up Your Development Environment
   • Installing and configuring IntelliJ IDEA or Eclipse.
   • Writing and running your first Java program.
3. Basic Java Syntax and Structure
   • Java program structure and syntax rules.
   • Introduction to variables, data types, and constants.
   • Writing and debugging simple “Hello World!” programs.
4. Control Flow in Java
   • Understanding conditional statements (if, else, switch).
   • Implementing loops (for, while, do-while).
5. Working with Operators and Expressions
   • Arithmetic, relational, logical, and assignment operators.
   • How to use expressions to manipulate data.
6. Functions and Methods
   • Defining and using methods in Java.
   • Understanding parameters and return values.
7. Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
   • Exploring classes, objects, and methods.
   • Encapsulation and basic inheritance concepts.
8. Introduction to Arrays and Data Structures
   • Defining and using arrays.
   • Working with dynamic data structures (ArrayList).
9. Basic Input and Output
   • Handling user input using Scanner.
   • Printing output to the console.