The rules and syntax of Java are based on the C and C++ languages and, while there are now numerous programming languages on the market, Java has remained the most popular language for application software development for more than thirty years.
More than just a programming language, Java is also part software platform. Highly utilized for machine learning and data science applications, Java is the basis of the Android operating system. The easy-to-use design, cross-platform capabilities, and security are what make Java such a favorite in the field of programming.
The # Best Java Classes
- Skillspire—Learn Java & Cloud Computing with AWS (Online)
- Certstaffix—Java Programming Course (Online)
- Pluralsight—Java Fundamentals: The Java Language (Online)
- Hands On Technology Transfer—TDD and Refactoring Legacy Code Using Java (In-Person)
- ONLC—Introduction for Non-Programmers Course (Online)
- The Knowledge Academy—Java Programming Training (In-Person and Online)
- UCI Division of Continuing Education—Java Programming (Online)
- Oracle University—Java SE 11 Developer (Online)
- Zero to Mastery—Java Programming Bootcamp (Online)
- Coursera—Java Programming Bootcamp (Online)
#1: Skillspire: Learn Java & Cloud Computing with AWS (Online)
This intensive 20-week course is designed to teach the ins and outs of programming, building scalable applications, and managing databases and files using AWS RDS and S3. Focused on hands-on programming exercises, quizzes, and a final project exam, you'll also learn serverless computing with AWS Lambda and continuous integration/deployment (CI/CD) pipeline with AWS CodePipeline and CodeDeploy. Designed for anyone interested in programming, this course provides a comprehensive understanding of Java and Cloud Computing with AWS and Springboot and helps get you ready for a career as a software engineer.
Key Information
This course costs $6,499 which can be paid in total upfront or through four or six-month installment plans with a $1,000 down payment. Scholarships are available and you can be assessed for eligibility after registering. The time commitment for each student can vary but, on average, it takes anywhere between 1-15 hours of coursework for each of the 20 weeks of class. No experience is needed to attend this course.
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Included in the tuition, students will receive career preparation like resume and interview skills to help them take their careers to the next level. You will receive a certificate of completion after you pass the final exam that can be added to your LinkedIn or portfolio website.
#2: Certstaffix—Java Programming Course (Online)
Recently updated to include Java SE 17, this course teaches the main terms and concepts that are essential to programming in Java while you learn what the language elements do and how you can effectively apply them in practice. Including an introduction to the key packages in the Java class library illustrated with full working examples, you’ll master building a robust application to give you a better understanding of how to apply Java in practical projects.
Key Information
This course costs $2,850 and must be paid in full at the time of registering. Completed in just five days, this course requires no previous programming experience but it is helpful to have an aptitude for problem-solving.
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Tuition for this course includes access to Cerstaffix’s software lab, a free retake within six months, and live hands-on learning where you can ask questions and receive instant feedback from an expert instructor. Upon completion, you’ll get both a certificate and a digital badge that can be added to your social profiles or LinkedIn account.
Below are a few reviews of Certstaffix:
- “Carefully crafted course. Covers relevant material. Deep but not too deep. Has meaningful exercises. The instructor is more of a coach who helps you go through the material. All and all very good impression. Will probably come back for more!"
- “Instructor was clear and organized in his presentation. Very good course, glad the labs were made available for download. I will revisit them for additional practice."
- "I never used remote training before, and was pleasantly surprised that it worked really well."
#3: Pluralsight—Java Fundamentals: The Java Language (On-Demand)
This course provides you with the strong language basics required for any Java-based development project. Broken up into 14 lessons, you’ll get a quick intro to the programming language and then learn to set up your own app. You’ll also learn about variables, data types, and math operators; conditional logic, looping, and arrays; how to represent complex types with classes; and the fundamentals of class initializers and constructors. The remaining lessons cover a variety of essential topics, ensuring that you are adequately prepared to develop with Java when you’ve completed the class.
Key Information
Pluralsight offers a 10-day free trial for all their courses but, after that, there is a $45 per month subscription fee. Consisting of just under eight hours of coursework, you can complete this course in as little as a day. This course is designed for beginners so no previous experience is needed.
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By signing up for this course, you’re eligible for the ten-day free trial of their premium subscription. This includes additional benefits like an expanded library of over 7,000 courses and a hands-on library where you can complete projects and interactive courses based on real-world scenarios to practice and apply your knowledge.
Below are a few reviews of Pluralsight:
- “Pluralsight is one of the best learning platforms I've ever used to develop & enhance my skills including technical, communication, teamwork..."
- “Pluralsight is an outstanding platform that provides the user with a variety of courses with the latest to oldest technologies and the platform keeps updating itself in order to provide the most relevant information.”
#4: Hands On Technology Transfer, Inc.—TDD and Refactoring Legacy Code Using Java (In-Person)
Master the Java programming language by learning Test Driven Development (TDD) using JUnit. You’ll build unit tests using mocks, fakes, stubs, and drivers, and address issues working with databases and other systems. You’ll also craft tests and code designed to meet and exceed requirements and get familiar with the issues involved in refactoring legacy code, safely cutting into an already deployed system. Through intensive labs using Java, you’ll get hands-on practice that’s crucial to developing competence and confidence as a programmer.
Key Information
This course costs $2,295 if in-person and $1495 for on-demand online classes. Payment isn’t required at the time of registration but it is due before the start date of the class. Computers are provided for in-person classes, and all classes include a student guide, hands-on lab manual, and USB flash drive for examples and lab work.
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All courses at Hands On Technology Transfer are available face-to-face, remote-live, on-demand, or on-site at your facility, so you can choose which learning environment is best for you. Visit their website to learn more about their more than 100 physical locations and further class details.
Students can retake any portion of a live class that has been completed, within 12 months at no extra cost. Once completed, you’ll receive a certificate that can be added to your resume or portfolio.
#5: ONLC Training Centers—Introduction for Non-Programmers Course (Online)
Designed for those completely new to programming, this introductory course teaches the fundamental skills needed to start your Java programming journey and properly prepare you for additional training. You’ll start by comparing Java to other programming languages and then learn how to write sample applications. This class will also cover topics like Java Syntax, control code, and data types while you get familiar with fundamental object-oriented principles such as class creation, inheritance, and interfaces, too. You’ll end the course learning about GUI (graphical user interface) development and database connectivity.
Key Information
This course costs $1595 and all of ONLC’s instructor-led courses come with a money-back guarantee. Held live online, this course can either be done from the comfort of your own home or one of ONLC’s many training centers. You can complete this course in one day and there are multiple days and times available to fit your schedule. While there are no prerequisites for this class, it is recommended that students possess basic computer navigation skills.
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ONLC’s unique class structure offers the best of both in-person and online classes. If you benefit from the accountability and focus of an in-person classroom, you can attend your course at the nearest ONLC training center. You’ll receive hands-on training from an instructor in real-time, but can still choose to learn from the comfort of your own home if you aren’t near one of ONLC’s locations.
#5: ONLC Training Centers—Java Programming Level 1: Introduction for Programmers Course (Online)
Designed for students who already have programming experience, this course will teach you everything you need to know to get started using Java. Taught using Java 12, this course will cover how to work with and manipulate strings, perform math operations, work with Java operators and loops, and gain a deeper understanding of Object Oriented Programming concepts. You’ll also learn to utilize the Java collections framework, the best practices for dealing with exceptions, how to package Java code, and how to work with external data storage systems.
Key Information
This course costs $1,195 and all of ONLC’s instructor-led courses come with a money-back guarantee. Held live online, this course can either be done from the comfort of your own home or one of ONLC’s many training centers. You can complete this course in one day and there are multiple days and times available to fit your schedule. Because this class is designed for existing programmers, it is recommended that students possess programming experience and basic computer navigation skills.
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ONLC’s unique class structure offers the best of both in-person and online classes. If you benefit from the accountability and focus of an in-person classroom, you can attend your course at the nearest ONLC training center. You’ll receive hands-on training from an instructor in real-time, but can still choose to learn from the comfort of your own home if you aren’t near one of ONLC’s locations.
#6: The Knowledge Academy—Java Programming Training (In-Person and Online)
If you’re looking for an in-person class, check out this three-day Java course with The Knowledge Academy. You’ll learn all the Java fundamentals, study data types and operators, get familiar with program control operators, and try your hand at classes, objects, and methods. You’ll also learn about packages and interfaces, how to use I/O, and explore concepts like multithreaded programming, enumerations, autoboxing, static import, and annotations. Towards the end of the course, you’ll also be introduced to Swing and JavaFX.
Key Information
The in-person version of this course is $6,995 while the online instructor-led course starts at $2,995. The Knowledge Academy offers 250 daily discount codes to help and support their clients who may not be able to pay the full tuition. There are no formal prerequisites to attend this training. However, some basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, and a foundational programming language can be beneficial.
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The Knowledge Academy offers its courses in three ways for individual learners: you can attend an in-person class, choose instructor-led (live) online training, or opt for a self-paced (on-demand) online class. In-person classes are held in various locations throughout the country so it’s important to check their schedule and, if there isn’t an in-person class planned near you, you can reach out on their website for more information.
In-person classes always include free Wi-Fi, IT support, and all necessary video equipment. Instructor-led online courses allow you to see your teacher’s screen, access recordings, and transcripts, and utilize features like a virtual whiteboard and shared documents. Self-paced courses can be started as soon as you register and all online classes result in a digital certificate of completion.
#7: UCI Division of Continuing Education—Java Programming (Online)
If you’re looking to level up your existing Java skills, this intensive course may be for you. You’ll learn to write applications using Java for stand-alone or client/server systems, develop Java applets for the Internet, and master analysis and design procedures for software development in Java. You’ll also use the Unified Modeling Language (UML) as a notation for software design and develop graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for Java applications.
Key Information
This in-depth course costs $4,053 and there is a $125 non-refundable application and candidacy fee due when you apply. Designed for people who already have introductory Java programming experience (or experience using another object-oriented language such as C++ or C#), it is required that you have basic Java skills and/or have taken Introduction to Programming using Java (1.00 Unit). It’s also recommended that you have at least a bachelor’s degree in a technical field before starting this program, but if you don’t, you can begin the program by taking I&C SCI X460.20 Introduction to Programming using Java, which will prepare you for I&C SCI X460.10 Java Programming I.
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This certificate program provides students and alumni with newly enhanced career services that include one-on-one coaching, technology tools, webinars and workshops, networking events, mentorship/internship opportunities, and a rich collection of free online career resources.
You’ll also be awarded a certificate upon the successful completion of four required courses and three elective units (totaling 15 units), each with a letter grade of “C” or better. All requirements must be completed within five years after enrollment. To receive the Certified Digital Certificate after completing all the program requirements, you must submit the Request for Certificate to initiate the certificate audit process.
#8: Oracle University—Java SE 11 Developer (Online)
A step above the associate program, this training focuses on Java SE 8 and Java SE 11, the long-term support releases, and the most widely used versions of Java SE. You’ll also learn to program using Java EE 7, the platform for enterprise Java applications, and use the module system to design applications with explicit dependencies and encapsulation at the JAR level.
Additionally, you’ll test code snippets and APIs using JShell, use Java Persistence and Java Transaction APIs, create a flexible component model using EJB and CDI technology, provide Timer, Concurrency and Batch services, and create SOAP and REST web services.
You’ll use Servlets, Java Server Pages, and JavaServer Faces to develop web-based interfaces.
Implement best practices for writing Java code and leveraging product enhancements soon after each product release.
Key Information
This course consists of over 30 hours of in-depth coursework including hands-on labs and role-based learning. You can also take the corresponding exam preparation course to make sure you’re ready to take the Oracle certificate exam.
Oracle has several levels of subscription. The Technology Learning Subscription costs $4,995 per year and grants you access to Oracle’s full catalog of courses that are mapped to job roles and constantly updated content that aligns with each product release. You can also attend live sessions with product experts, measure your progress, and get Oracle certified.
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Several certification exams are included with your subscription. Below is a list of the included tests:
- Java SE 17 Developer 1Z0-829
- Java SE 11 Developer 1Z0-819
- Upgrade OCP Java 6, 7 & 8 to Java SE 11 Developer | 1Z0-817
- Java SE 8 Programmer I 1Z0-808
- Java SE 8 Programmer II 1Z0-809
- Java EE 7 Application Developer | 1Z0-900
- Oracle WebLogic Server 12c: Administration I - 1Z0-133
- Oracle WebLogic Server 12c: Advanced Administrator II - 1Z0-134
- Oracle SOA Suite 12c Essentials | 1Z0-434
- Oracle Business Process Management Suite 12c Essentials | 1Z0-435
#9: Zero to Mastery—Java Programming Bootcamp (Online)
Designed to get you up and running, this bootcamp offers an in-depth introduction to Java SE syntax and concepts like object-oriented programming, exception handling, file I/O, and functional programming. You’ll practice your skills with over 80 exercises and 18 quizzes. From variables and arrays to primitives, control flows, modifiers, and tex variables, this course provides you with the foundational skills needed to pursue a career in Java programming.
Key Information
Zero to Mastery is a subscription-based learning platform, so there are a few membership options available. You can choose a lifetime membership for $999 that gets you full access to all current and future trainings and workshops. Or you can choose either a yearly membership for $279 or pay $39 for a monthly subscription. Whichever you choose, you’ll get 30 days to receive a full refund if you change your mind about the course.
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This course includes access to the ZTM community and unlimited access to all courses, workshops, career paths, and resources. You’ll receive a certificate of completion at the end of this course to add to your resume and professional portfolio.
Each membership option comes with several additional perks like access to the private Discord with 400,000+ members and a private LinkedIn group, live monthly career advice sessions with mentors, and full access to all future courses, content, and features.
Below are a few reviews of this course:
- “All because of [the] courses, I’ve been able to learn to code, blow away interviewers, get my first job as a web developer, become a React instructor, and just got a new job as an intermediate developer with double the salary in only seven months!"
- “I'm a proud lifetime member of ZTM. It has literally changed the trajectory of my life. The projects I was able to build from what I learned in ZTM courses are what got me my job.
#10: Coursera—Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals Specialization (On-Demand)
In partnership with Duke University, Coursera offers this rigorous and rewarding class where you’ll learn core programming concepts that will equip you with the skills needed to write programs that solve complex problems. Composed of five courses, this program focuses on projects that will help you create a portfolio of work to showcase your new programming skills. The training culminates with a capstone project where you will create a recommender engine similar to those used by Netflix or Amazon. Additional projects will include building an interactive webpage that applies filters to images, an analysis of CSV data files, an encryption program, and a predictive text generator.
Key Information
You can complete this course in approximately six months if you’re committed to ten hours of coursework per week. Coursera is a membership-based site, so you can access this training (and many more) for $39.99 per month. Ideal for beginners, no previous programming experience is needed. Select programs offer financial aid or scholarships if you can’t afford the enrollment fee.
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You’ll receive a certificate from Duke University upon completion of this course that can be added to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or personal portfolio website. All of the projects you created throughout the class can also be added to your personal portfolio and used during your job search.
Below are a few reviews of this course:
- "To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
- "I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I choose a Java class?
With so many classes on the market, it can be hard to decide which one is the right fit. When looking into potential courses, it’s helpful to keep a few key factors in mind, Firstly, look over the course syllabi to make sure that you choose a course that teaches the skills you want to learn. It can also be helpful to read reviews from other students. This can help you learn more about the course’s level of difficulty, the strengths and weaknesses of the instructor, and further details about the curriculum. Reviews can also let you know if certain things about the program just don’t work or if the learning platforms are clunky, lag, or prone to glitches.
Also, never underestimate the “about” section of the company’s website. You can often learn more about their teaching methodology and practices and can typically find a list of FAQs that may answer questions regarding methods of payment and potential assistance or scholarships that are available.
Is it better to attend a Java class in person or online?
Choosing between online and in-person will depend entirely upon your personal preferences, schedule, and any limitations you may have (like not living near in-person offerings). The most important factor to consider is how you prefer to learn. Do you thrive in a collaborative environment where you can engage in discussions and hands-on activities with your peers and instructor? Or, do you prefer a more intimate learning environment free from the distractions of others? (You could also just prefer to learn from the comfort of your own home, snuggled up in your pajamas.) Knowing how you learn and stay motivated will help ensure you choose the right class style for you.
Your schedule will also play a crucial role in choosing your training. If you have a schedule that varies or often work evenings, then an in-person class most likely won’t work for you. Online classes, especially on-demand ones, offer substantially more flexibility. You can typically find live online classes with a wider range of scheduled times and can attend an on-demand class whenever you choose.
If you don’t live near a major city, there might be limited (or no) in-person classes for you. Online classes can be done wherever there’s wifi. So, if you live in a rural area or travel frequently, online offers bring the classroom to you. It’s important to note that these classes do lack face-to-face interactions and real-time collaboration, but the trade-off is often worth it.
What will I need for a Java class?
There are a few things each student will need to have to learn Java. The first thing you’ll need is to install the Java Development Kit (JDK) installed on your computer. (This software allows you to develop and run Java programs.) The JDK is available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux and you can download the JDK from the Oracle Corporation website.
You will also need an integrated development environment (IDE) to write, edit, and debug your Java code. Some popular (and free to download) IDEs for Java are Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA, and NetBeans.
Finally, you must have a good understanding of the basics of programming, such as data types, variables, and control structures. If you are new to programming, it may be helpful to start with a beginner's tutorial or course before diving into Java.
(There are also a few standard necessities that you’ll want to have like your own computer, reliable internet, and helpful items like headphones, a journal, and a pen for notes.)
Can I learn Java online for free?
The internet is a great source of free Java tutorials. From blogs to YouTube videos, there are nearly endless free tips and tricks available. There is also the possibility of using free training trials to test out a learning program before committing to a paid course. These free training materials are great for dipping your toes into Java programming and can help you further explore if learning Java is what you really want.
If you’re hoping to learn up-to-date skills with Java or do a deep dive into this in-demand programming language, then a more structured class or course could be the better choice. Experienced instructors, a high-quality curriculum, and a more traditional learning environment will help you to become an expert Java programmer in record time. Whether you enroll in an on-demand or live online course, both options offer a breadth of knowledge that you won’t be able to access through free resources.
Is it better to learn Java in a live or self-paced class?
Live and self-paced courses each offer their own benefits and disadvantages and the right option for you will depend on a lot of varying factors. Live classes provide face-to-face time with a highly skilled instructor. You’ll be able to ask questions, troubleshoot any issues, and receive feedback in real-time. You can also interact with other students through breakout sessions, and have an additional level of accountability since you must attend class at scheduled times.
Having scheduled classes often means that live online courses have more limited offerings. And, if you happen to work varying or difficult hours, you might not be able to attend a live class. Self-paced classes, also referred to as on-demand, offer substantially more flexibility for students. You can attend from wherever and whenever you choose, thanks to no set class times. You’ll work your way through the curriculum (usually a combination of videos, projects, readings, and quizzes) at your own pace and can take as much time on especially difficult lessons as you need.
While on-demand classes still have highly-trained instructors, you aren’t able to interact with them while you’re studying and will have to submit any questions to be answered at a later time when the instructor is available. These classes are ideal for self-motivated students since you won’t have the added layer of accountability that scheduled class times provide.
While these fundamental differences between live and on-demand classes exist, both options allow you to study from wherever you choose and make quality and in-depth training courses available to more people. So, which option is better for you?