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The best resources to learn Java - free and paid
Want to make Android apps? Become a professional developer? Finding the best resources to learn Java online is one of the smartest ways to start.
Java is one of the most useful programming languages for any new developer to learn. Not only is it highly in-demand among employers and larger organizations, but it’s also one of just two official programming languages used for Android development.
Unfortunately, Java is also one of the harder programming languages to pick up. Especially if it’s your first one! Java does a few things that makes it one of the tricker langauges; encouraging an unintuitive object-oriented structure, featuring many rigid syntax requirements, and generally being home to numerous quirks.
Also read: The best free and paid Android app development courses
Don’t let that put you off! Learning Java is a masterclass in programming in itself, and many of those issues end up being useful organizational “features” down the line. The best resources to learn Java are designed to walk even the most green-horned learner through these challenges, and to help turn this mammoth task into a fun, easy project.
With that in mind, you’ll find the best resources to learn Java listed below!
The best resources to learn Java online for free
Android Authority
Android Authority is much more than a website about phones! This site covers every aspect of technology, which includes coding tutorials! Here, you’ll find a wide range of excellent Java tutorials to get you started, as well as specific lessons. Stay tuned too, because lots more is on the way. So you’re already on one of the best resources to learn Java… who knew!
LearnJavaOnline.org
The clue is very much in the name! LearnJavaOnline.org is the selection of tutorials put together by Oracle: the company that owns Java. That means you can rest assured it will be accurate and up-to-date.
The sequences of courses is also rather comprehensive and well structured. These tutorials cover all of the basics and offer an excellent foundation. That said, the lessons are rather dry and text-heavy, so you may find this a somewhat dense introduction to the language. As the official option, this is definitely one of the best resources to learn Java online for free.
YouTube
Never underestimate what you can learn from YouTube. The juggernaut video-upload site has endless tutorials focussing on Java, ranging from general overviews to highly specific tips and tricks. For those looking for a quick introduction, “Learn Java in 14 Minutes” from Alex Lee is an excellent option that touches on the basics.
For something a little more intensive “Java in 9 hours” from freeCodeCamp.org is ever-so-slightly more comprehensive. There’s something for everyone, though of course, the quality varies from one creator to the next!
TutorialsPoint.com
TutorialsPoint is a site that’s filled with comprehensive tutorials, including an in-depth guide to Java. The course is a little bare-bones in terms of presentation, but once again walks you through all of the basics that you might need to know.
Codecademy
Codecademy has a paid “Pro” membership option, but offers a lot of hands-on tutorials completely free. That includes a four hour Java tutorial that should help you learn the basics.
The best-paid resources to learn Java
The Complete Java Bundle
The Complete Java Bundle is a comprehensive, 58-hour, 360-lesson Java course aimed at beginners. This course covers everything from the most basic fundamentals, all the way up to expert tips and techniques. While some of the individual classes are getting a little long-in-the-tooth, the concepts you’ll learn here are timeless and it’s still a fantastic starting point for new learners.
The course represents a truly “complete” education in Java and costs just $39 for Android Authority readers. That’s a saving of 96% on the usual $989 price tag, so don’t miss this opportunity!
The 2020 Java Bootcamp Bundle
The 2020 Java Bootcamp Bundle is a modern and up-to-date selection of Java courses, covering all the major topics you need to know. You’ll learn basic structure and syntax, Java objects, flow control, arrays, and more. By the end, you’ll have a firm grasp on the language and feel confident to begin working on your projects.
Once again, Android Authority readers can get a huge 96% discount if they act now, netting the entire bundle for just $35.99.
All-Level Java Programming Bundle
For just $19 (for Android Authority readers), this all-level Java programming bundle represents not only one of the best resources to learn Java, but also one of the most affordable. The bundle is designed to appeal to both beginners and advanced-level programmers and can, therefore, provide a complete education, all in one place.
Skillshare
Skillshare is a fantastic resource for learning anything. This is a platform where teachers can upload their lessons for users to watch. Those teachers create the videos themselves for the community, meaning that there is a mixed bag of quality. But what’s also true, is that there is some very good stuff here. And as you’ll only pay a fixed yearly fee for membership, it’s actually very good value!
Many of these classes even contain extra materials and community discussion to help you take your learning further.
Books
While the web is packed with many of the best resources for learning Java, you shouldn’t forget about the old-fashioned option: books!
Learning Java from books is a brilliant strategy, as it gives you a reference you can refer to while coding and lets your eyes take a break from staring at screens! I learned the basics of Java from the now-outdated Beginning Programming With Java for Dummies but there are many modern equivalents to sink your teeth into. Depending on your preferred learning style, you might just find that a book is the best resource to learn Java for you!
My advice is not to attempt to read an entire book on Java and then expect to “know” Java. Instead, read the first few chapters to try and understand the basics, then start building something simple. You’ll find you need to refer back to the book as you forget syntax and statements, or as you try and do things you haven’t learned yet. This is the best way to learn, as it structures the process and gives you an end goal to strive toward.
You can learn more top tips for learning to code here.
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