Free Java Course – Zero to Professional Developer
Transform from complete beginner to confident Java developer with our structured, interactive curriculum. This comprehensive free java course guides you through 50+ hours of content, 30+ hands-on labs, and everything you need to build real applications.
Start your programming journey with this completely free Java course that takes you from absolute beginner to building real applications. This free Java course is structured to match the depth and quality of paid bootcamps and university CS programs, covering everything from basic syntax to advanced object-oriented programming concepts.
What makes this free Java course different from others:
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100% Free Forever - No hidden costs, no paywalls, no premium upsells. This free Java course gives you complete access to all 50+ hours of content, 30+ interactive coding labs, and 100+ lessons at absolutely no charge.
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Interactive Learning from Day One - Unlike passive video courses, this free Java course includes hands-on coding exercises in every module. You'll write actual Java code using IntelliJ IDEA, the same professional IDE used by developers worldwide.
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Oracle Certification Aligned - This free Java course covers all objectives for Oracle's 1Z0-811 (Java Foundations) and 1Z0-808 (Java SE 8 Programmer I) certification exams, giving you skills employers recognize.
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Modern Java 21 + Legacy Features - Learn the latest Java 21 features while understanding Java 8+ improvements. This free Java course prepares you for both modern projects and maintaining existing codebases.
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University-Quality Curriculum - Comparable to university courses, but with better Oracle certification preparation and permanent free access.
This free Java course is perfect for:
- Complete beginners who want to learn programming the right way with a structured, comprehensive free Java course
- Self-taught developers seeking organized content instead of scattered YouTube tutorials
- Career switchers preparing for junior Java developer positions
- Students who need certification prep or want to supplement their computer science coursework
- Anyone who wants to learn Java without spending hundreds on bootcamps
Duration: ~3 hours
Learning Objective: Set up your Java development environment and understand the fundamentals of Java programming. Learn
to configure IntelliJ IDEA, install JDK 21, and establish GitHub connectivity for professional development workflows.
| Unit | Lesson | What You'll Learn |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Welcome to The Complete Core Java Course - From Basics to Advanced! | Course overview, complete learning path, and what to expect from each module |
| 2 | Setting Up SSH for GitHub | Configure SSH keys for secure GitHub access and version control setup |
| 3 | Installing Amazon Corretto 21 on macOS | Install and configure JDK 21 on Mac systems for Java development |
| 4 | Installing Amazon Corretto 21 on Windows 10 or Later | Install and configure JDK 21 on Windows systems with environment variables |
Duration: ~3 hours
Learning Objective: Master fundamental Java syntax, understand data types, and learn proper variable naming conventions.
This module covers the building blocks of Java programming including type casting and basic program structure.
| Unit | Lesson | What You'll Learn |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Your First Program in IntelliJ IDEA | Write and run your first Hello World program in IntelliJ IDEA |
| 2 | Java Syntax and Structure | Understand Java program structure, basic syntax, and coding conventions |
| 3 | Variables and Data Types | Work with primitive data types, variables, and memory allocation |
| 4 | Rules for Variables Names | Follow Java naming conventions, best practices, and identifier rules |
| 5 | Type Casting | Convert between different data types safely using implicit and explicit casting |
| 6 | Lab Exercise - 1 | Practice Java basics with hands-on exercises and coding challenges |
Duration: ~3 hours
Learning Objective: Learn to use arithmetic, unary, bitwise, and bit shift operators to perform calculations and
manipulate data. Understand operator precedence and how to build complex expressions in Java.
| Unit | Lesson | What You'll Learn |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arithmetic Operators and Expressions | Perform calculations using arithmetic operators and build complex expressions |
| 2 | Lab Exercise - 1 | Practice arithmetic operations, expressions, and operator precedence |
| 3 | Unary Operators | Use increment, decrement, negation operators, and understand post vs pre operations |
| 4 | Bitwise and Bit Shift Operators | Manipulate data at the binary level with bitwise operations and shifts |
Duration: ~2 hours
Learning Objective: Master control flow structures including conditional statements (if/else, switch), loops (for,
while, do-while), and learn to control program execution with break and continue statements. Build complex nested loops
and understand logical operators.
| Unit | Lesson | What You'll Learn |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Relational Operators | Compare values using relational operators for decision making |
| 2 | Conditional Statements | Control program flow with if/else statements and nested conditions |
| 3 | Lab Exercise - 1 | Practice conditional logic, decision making, and branching statements |
| 4 | Logical Operators AND, OR, NOT, and XOR | Combine conditions with logical operators for complex boolean expressions |
| 5 | Lab Exercise - 2 | Build complex conditional statements with multiple logical operators |
| 6 | Understanding for loop | Iterate with for loops for repetitive tasks and array traversal |
| 7 | Understanding while and do-while | Use while and do-while loops effectively for conditional iteration |
| 8 | Lab Exercise - 3 | Practice loop patterns, iterations, and choosing the right loop type |
| 9 | Nested Loops | Create complex patterns with nested loops and multi-dimensional processing |
| 10 | Switch Statements, Break, and Continue | Control loop execution, multi-way branching, and flow control statements |
Duration: ~5 hours
Learning Objective: Master Java's String class and string manipulation techniques. Learn string comparison methods (==
vs equals()), explore comprehensive string methods, work with printf formatting, and use regular expressions for pattern
matching.
| Unit | Lesson | What You'll Learn |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Printing in Java | Display output using print, println methods, and console output techniques |
| 2 | Formatting Output with printf and format | Format text output with printf, formatters, and format specifiers |
| 3 | Lab Exercise - 1 | Practice formatting and printing output with various format options |
| 4 | Understanding Strings in Java | Work with String objects, immutability, and string memory management |
| 5 | Lab Exercise - 2 | Practice string creation, manipulation, and working with string pool |
| 6 | The == operator and the equals method | Compare strings correctly using equals method vs == operator |
| 7 | Lab Exercise - 3 | Practice string comparison techniques and avoid common comparison mistakes |
| 8 | Exploring String Methods | Use built-in String methods for manipulation, searching, and extraction |
| 9 | Lab Exercise - 4 | Apply String methods in real scenarios and text processing tasks |
| 10 | Regular Expressions | Match patterns with regular expressions and validate string input |
| 11 | Lab Exercise - 5 | Practice regex pattern matching, text validation, and string parsing |
Duration: ~5 hours
Learning Objective: Learn to work with one-dimensional and two-dimensional arrays in Java. Master array creation,
initialization, traversal, and advanced array methods including sorting, searching, and manipulation techniques.
| Unit | Lesson | What You'll Learn |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | One-Dimensional Arrays | Create and manipulate single-dimension arrays with initialization and access |
| 2 | Lab Exercise - 1 | Practice array operations, traversal, and common array algorithms |
| 3 | Two-Dimensional Arrays | Work with matrices, 2D arrays, and nested array structures |
| 4 | Lab Exercise - 2 | Practice multidimensional array manipulation and matrix operations |
| 5 | Advanced Array Methods | Sort, search, copy arrays efficiently using built-in Java methods |
| 6 | Lab Exercise - 3 | Apply advanced array techniques, sorting algorithms, and searching methods |
Duration: ~3 hours
Learning Objective: Master method creation, invocation, and design in Java. Learn about method parameters, return types,
method overloading, pass-by-value mechanics, handling multiple inputs, and working with command-line arguments.
| Unit | Lesson | What You'll Learn |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Writing Methods | Create reusable methods with parameters, return types, and proper structure |
| 2 | Lab Exercise - 1 | Practice method creation, invocation, and organizing code into functions |
| 3 | Handling Multiple Inputs | Work with varargs, multiple parameters, and flexible method signatures |
| 4 | Lab Exercise - 2 | Practice methods with multiple parameters and different argument types |
| 5 | Understanding Pass by Value and Pass by Reference | Learn how Java passes arguments to methods and memory implications |
| 6 | Method Overloading | Create multiple methods with same name but different parameters |
| 7 | Lab Exercise - 3 | Practice method overloading techniques and polymorphic method design |
| 8 | Command Line Arguments | Accept input from command line and parse program arguments |
| 9 | Lab Exercise - 4 | Build programs with command line input and argument processing |
Duration: ~10 hours
Learning Objective: Master the four pillars of OOP: encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction. Learn to
design and implement classes, work with constructors, understand access modifiers, implement interfaces, handle multiple
inheritance, and apply design patterns like Singleton. This is the most comprehensive module in the course.
| Unit | Lesson | What You'll Learn |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Principles of Object-Oriented Programming | Understand OOP concepts, benefits, and the four pillars of OOP |
| 2 | Building Blocks of Object-Oriented Programming | Learn classes, objects, OOP fundamentals, and object relationships |
| 3 | Creating Classes in Java | Design and implement custom classes with attributes and behaviors |
| 4 | Lab Exercise - 1 | Practice creating classes, objects, and modeling real-world entities |
| 5 | The Art of Object Creation in Java | Instantiate objects using constructors and initialization techniques |
| 6 | Understanding Inheritance | Extend classes, reuse code, and create class hierarchies |
| 7 | Lab Exercise - 2 | Practice inheritance, class hierarchies, and parent-child relationships |
| 8 | Encapsulation and Access Control | Protect data with access modifiers, getters, and setters |
| 9 | Constructors in Inheritance | Use super() to initialize parent classes and constructor chaining |
| 10 | Lab Exercise - 3 | Practice constructors with inheritance and proper initialization order |
| 11 | Parameterized Constructors | Create flexible constructors with parameters and constructor overloading |
| 12 | Abstract Classes | Define abstract classes, abstract methods, and template patterns |
| 13 | Lab Exercise - 4 | Practice abstraction with abstract classes and enforcing contracts |
| 14 | Interfaces | Implement interfaces for polymorphism and multiple inheritance |
| 15 | Lab Exercise - 5 | Practice interface implementation and achieving loose coupling |
| 16 | Multiple Inheritance and Rules | Implement multiple interfaces correctly and resolve conflicts |
| 17 | Understanding Static Members | Use static variables, methods, and class-level members |
| 18 | The Final Keyword | Prevent modification with final keyword for constants and immutability |
| 19 | Singleton Design Pattern | Implement Singleton design pattern for single instance management |
| 20 | Lab Exercise - 6 | Build complete OOP applications with all four pillars implemented |
Duration: ~5 hours
Learning Objective: Learn to write robust, error-resistant Java programs using exception handling. Understand the
difference between checked and unchecked exceptions, master try-catch blocks, and implement proper error handling
strategies.
| Unit | Lesson | What You'll Learn |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understanding Exceptions in Java | Learn exception types, hierarchy, and error handling fundamentals |
| 2 | The Try and Catch Block | Handle exceptions with try-catch blocks and finally clauses |
| 3 | Checked and Unchecked Exceptions | Distinguish between exception types and when to use each |
| 4 | Lab Exercise - 1 | Practice exception handling strategies and writing robust code |
Duration: ~4 hours
Learning Objective: Master Java I/O operations for reading and writing files. Learn to work with FileInputStream,
FileReader, byte streams, CharArrayReader, and BufferedReader for efficient file handling. Understand the differences
between byte streams and character streams.
| Unit | Lesson | What You'll Learn |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | File Handling in Java | Understand Java I/O fundamentals and file system operations |
| 2 | Lab Exercise - 1 | Practice basic file operations, reading and writing files |
| 3 | FileInputStream and FileReader | Read files using input streams and character streams |
| 4 | Lab Exercise - 2 | Practice reading from files with different input stream types |
| 5 | Byte Streams and CharArrayReader | Work with byte and character streams for different data types |
| 6 | Lab Exercise - 3 | Practice stream manipulation and choosing the right stream type |
| 7 | Enhancing IO Performance with Buffered Streams and BufferedReader | Improve file I/O performance with buffers and efficient reading |
| 8 | Lab Exercise - 4 | Build efficient file processing programs with buffered streams |
Duration: ~4 hours
Learning Objective: Master the Java Collections Framework including List, Set, and Collection interfaces. Learn to work
with ArrayList, understand Iterator pattern, and choose the right collection type for different scenarios.
| Unit | Lesson | What You'll Learn |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understanding Java Collections Framework | Learn Collections Framework architecture and core interfaces |
| 2 | Understanding the Collection Framework Hierarchy | Navigate collection interfaces, classes, and implementation relationships |
| 3 | Exploring Java's Collection Interface | Use Collection interface methods for adding, removing, and querying |
| 4 | Deep Dive into Java's List and Set Interfaces | Compare List and Set implementations and when to use each |
| 5 | Mastering ArrayList and Iterator in Java | Work with ArrayList, iterate collections, and use Iterator pattern |
Duration: ~4 hours
Learning Objective: Master Java's date and time handling using both legacy (util.Date, Calendar, TimeZone) and modern (
Java 8+ Date and Time API) approaches. Learn to work with LocalDate, LocalTime, LocalDateTime, ZonedDateTime, and format
dates using DateTimeFormatter.
| Unit | Lesson | What You'll Learn |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Java Date Handling: Working with the util.Date Class | Use legacy Date class for timestamps and basic date operations |
| 2 | Navigating Java's Calendar and TimeZone Classes | Work with Calendar, time zones, and date arithmetic operations |
| 3 | Java 8 Date and Time API | Use modern LocalDate, LocalTime APIs for better date handling |
| 4 | Java Date and Time API: Advanced Features | Master ZonedDateTime, Duration, Period, and time calculations |
| 5 | Formatting Date and Time using DateTimeFormatter | Format dates with custom patterns and locale-specific formatting |
Yes. Zero hidden charges. You get lifetime access to all 50+ hours of content, 30+ hands-on lab exercises, 100+ lessons, and course materials at no cost. Unlike Coursera that charges for certificates or limits access, everything here is completely free.
Coursera lets you "audit" courses but locks graded assignments behind paywalls, charges $49-$79 for certificates, and expires your access after a period. Here you get permanent lifetime access to everything. All lab exercises, materials, professional IDE setup, and Oracle certification alignment included. You save $200-$500 compared to paid platforms.
Completely. Every module includes hands-on coding exercises where you write actual Java programs. You'll use IntelliJ IDEA to code, test, and debug from day one. The 30+ labs provide step-by-step guidance while challenging you to apply concepts immediately. This isn't passive learning.
Absolutely. The course starts from zero programming knowledge. Module 1 walks you through installing Java and setting up your development environment. Module 2 covers fundamental concepts like variables and data types. Each lesson builds progressively on previous knowledge with labs at every skill level. Career switchers appreciate the structured, comprehensive approach that mirrors university CS programs without the tuition cost.
The course contains 50+ hours of content. Most students finish in 8-10 weeks studying 5-10 hours per week. You can go faster with intensive study (4-6 weeks at 15-20 hours weekly) or slower with casual evening sessions (3-4 months). Lifetime access means no pressure to rush.
You'll learn all core Java skills needed for entry-level positions: object-oriented programming, data structures fundamentals, exception handling, file I/O, and professional tools like Git and IntelliJ IDEA. After completing the course, build 2-3 portfolio projects, contribute to open-source Java projects on GitHub, and practice coding problems on LeetCode or HackerRank. The course gives you the foundation. Portfolio projects show employers you can apply it.
The curriculum aligns with two Oracle certification exams: Java Foundations (1Z0-811) for beginners and Java SE 8 Programmer I (1Z0-808) which is industry-recognized. All exam objectives are covered. Oracle certification exams themselves cost $245-$295 to take separately. This course prepares you thoroughly for both.
Yes. Bootcamps charge $10,000-$15,000 for similar content. This course covers the same core Java curriculum and professional tools with 50+ hours of structured content comparable to 8-12 week bootcamp modules. Bootcamps offer career services, live instructor support, and cohort networking that this course doesn't provide. But if you're self-motivated, you can absolutely learn Java fundamentals here.
The course uses IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition, which is free and the most popular Java IDE among professional developers. It includes intelligent code completion, debugging tools, and refactoring capabilities. Setup is covered in Module 1. You can also use Eclipse or VS Code, but IntelliJ IDEA is recommended.
Java remains one of the top 3 most in-demand programming languages. It powers Android apps on 3+ billion devices, runs enterprise applications at Fortune 500 companies, and is used by Google, Amazon, Netflix, and LinkedIn. Average Java developer salary is $95,000-$120,000 in the US. Java has been dominant for 25+ years and continues growing.
You'll have the foundational knowledge employers expect: core Java syntax, OOP principles, exception handling, file I/O, Collections Framework basics, and professional development setup. To be competitive for jobs, also learn Spring Framework and Spring Boot for web applications, SQL and databases, RESTful API development, and unit testing with JUnit. Think of this course as semester one of your Java education. You'll be job-ready after building 2-3 real projects and learning a framework like Spring Boot.
This is a text-based course. You read lessons, write code, and run programs in your IDE. YouTube offers scattered video tutorials with no clear learning path, inconsistent tool recommendations, and often outdated content using Java 6-8. This course provides logical progression through 12 modules, 30+ integrated labs, Oracle certification alignment, regular updates with Java 21, and professional IDE setup guidance. Use YouTube for supplemental video explanations if you want, but follow this course as your primary learning path.
The course contains 50+ hours of content and labs. Realistic time investment is 50 hours for lectures and guided labs, plus 50-100 hours for practice exercises, debugging, and experimentation. Expect 100-150 hours total to complete thoroughly. Learning Java is a marathon. The course gives you the roadmap. Your practice determines how quickly you master it.
Perfect for high school students exploring programming before college, preparing for AP Computer Science A exam, or building projects for college applications. The course requires no prior knowledge and teaches professional practices from the start. Many concepts overlap with AP CS curriculum.
Yes. You'll be able to read and understand existing Java codebases, fix bugs in Java projects, add small features to open-source projects, and submit pull requests on GitHub. Start with "good first issue" tags. The course teaches Git integration in Module 1, preparing you for collaborative development.
The course uses Java 21 (LTS) but covers features introduced across versions: Java 8 (Lambda expressions, Stream API, Date/Time API in Module 12), Java 11 (var keyword, String methods), and Java 17 and 21 (modern syntax and best practices). You'll understand both legacy codebases using Java 8+ and modern development.
Three steps: Click the Module 1 link below, follow the setup lessons to install JDK 21 and IntelliJ IDEA (takes about 30 minutes), and start coding with "Your First Program in IntelliJ IDEA" in Module 2, Lesson 1. No registration, no payment, no waiting.
Each lesson includes detailed explanations. Labs show step-by-step instructions with expected outputs. For specific Java questions, search Stack Overflow using "[java] your question". The Reddit r/BeginningJava community provides help. Course comments let other students share solutions. The structure anticipates common mistakes and explains concepts multiple ways.
Last Updated: January 20, 2026