Top 10 Tricks and Tips to Boost Your Java Learning

Intro

Decided to learn Java? You've made a wise decision, since according to a survey covering the most widely used programming languages in 2021, Java is among the top five worldwide. Let's check the best ways to make the Java learning journey prolific.

Make a Plan

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Though learning new things can be thrilling at the beginning, as time goes, procrastination kicks in, and many people lose sight of their original aim. That is why, before learning anything, especially programming, it is essential to create a solid plan and stick to it.

Make a note of your plans and organize your tasks according to monthly, weekly, and daily segments. Doing so will motivate you and help you keep track of your progress.

Choose the Right Resource to Learn

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Beginners often wonder whether to learn with the help of online courses or books. The answer is simple: mix both or pick the learning approach you believe is best for you .

• Courses

If you are looking for platforms to provide you with quality information of Java, you can rely on the courses offered by CodeGym, Udemy, Coursera, and many more. With reputed platforms like CodeGym, you can get a complete package of courses which include Java basics, Core Java, Multithreading, and many other concepts.

• Books

You could also invest both in books and courses to have a deeper understanding of Java. They are usually devoted to a certain topic or level of knowledge. And if you are a book person, you have the opportunity to enjoy it. But never forget, that contrary to hard copies, courses provide also practice which should sustain 80% of your learning time! Books like Head First Java, Beginning Programming with Dummies, and many more can serve as useful resources.

Start With Learning Core Java

Owing to its popularity, Java is used to develop exciting and innovative applications. This fact will pique your interest in mastering all the complex concepts that will help you achieve exceptional results.

However, before moving on to the next level, you should be acquainted with the core concepts since they are important when progressing to a higher level of Java programming.

• Syntax

When learning any new programming language including Java, first you will be introduced to multiple coding syntaxes. Codegym will provide you with extensive info on Java syntax to help minimize errors in the long run.

• OOP

OOP is a programming model which is utilized to create complex programs. Polymorphism, encapsulation, inheritance, abstraction are some of the OOP concepts a Java programmer should know.

• Collections

Collections are pretty similar to data structures. They will help you a lot in organizing and manipulating data. List, queue, trees, and maps are examples of Java collections.

• Streams

When coding you will have to process data quite often. So, Java provides features called streams to read data. It’s not of utmost necessity, but learning byte, character, and standard streams is advantageous.

• Multithreading and Synchronization

Multithreading is one of the more complicated topics that newcomers may struggle to grasp. It is a notion that allows the concurrent execution of two or more program portions, referred to as threads, to maximize CPU utilization. Though complicated at first, it is one of the key concepts in Java, and you will eventually comprehend its application.

Learn Stuff That Can Help With Java Projects

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As an aspiring Java developer, not only should you be aware of core concepts, you should also be mindful of valuable tools empowering you to create more powerful and effective codes.

Given the abundance of tools available online, here is a list of popular ones every Java developer should be familiar with.

Jenkins

Jenkins is an open-source tool that automates non-human aspects of the software development process like developing, testing, deploying, and uploading applications to local and remote repositories. It's renowned for implementing continuous integration and delivery in projects.

Docker and Kubernetes

If you seek 'popular tools for Java development,' you will hardly ever come across a list failing to factor in this software. Docker and Kubernetes are used all across the board, from small businesses to major corporations, that’s why getting to grips with them is a right idea.

Git

Git is a widely used software for keeping track of changes to any set of files. This open-source version control system is built to manage any project, regardless of its scale and size. It is another noteworthy instrument that is widely utilized by major businesses.

Selenium

Selenium is an ideal tool for swift and successful web application testing since it includes a wide range of testing capabilities. It offers open-source API and automation options for web applications in addition to testing tools and frameworks.

Java EE

After you've mastered all the fundamental concepts and become familiar with them, you can get to learning Java EE or Advanced Java which are used to create APIs for desktop and web applications like antivirus and games.

Java 16 Development Kit (JDK 16) Features

The Java Development Kit (JDK) provides the environment for developing and testing applications. It includes productive instruments and features such as concurrent thread-stack garbage collection, support for the C++ 14 language, an "elastic metaspace" capability to return unneeded class metadata memory to the OS more quickly, and other new APIs and tooling.

Find the Right Community

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Both beginners and professionals encounter uncertainties, queries, and blunders when it comes to developing applications. You may struggle to solve those issues, regardless of how outstanding your problem-solving skills are.

So, you will need someone to help you or guide you through such adversaries. Since Java is still a prevalent programming language, it has various active communities that offer programming examples, helping clear queries and also sharing the latest news.

So, here are some communities you should visit to get your doubts cleared:

• GitHub

GitHub is a code facilitating website that hosts software and web development projects and provides Git-based version control. It also allows developers to work on projects involving other people from anywhere.GitHub has a massive community dedicated to sharing and addressing Java-related issues. All you have to do is post a question and wait for a response.

• Stack Overflow

Stack Overflow is a valuable and informative site solely dedicated to programmers for posting programming-related questions and answers. Here you can find the solution for any possible Java trouble you may come across.

• Reddit

Reddit is usually referred to as a social media website like Twitter. But unlike Twitter, Reddit has various subreddits covering various programming languages, including Java. Here programmers share their queries, post answers, sample codes, and keep up with the fresh IT news.

Practice Coding Every Day

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ALT Tag: Practice Programming

Let's face reality, no matter how much time you spend binge-watching tutorials and studying topics, your knowledge will never be sufficient unless you put into practice what you've learned. Here’s how you can implement it.

Play with Code

The proper way to get familiar with programming is by playing with the code. Try out the concepts you studied. After getting results, you can experiment with alternative methods. Consider whether there is a more straightforward approach to achieve the same outcome. As a result, you will attain a broad and comprehensive perspective on programming.

Practice Almost Every Day

If you are already a tech student, you probably know that programming cannot be learned in a day. To improve, you should practice programming religiously. One convenient modern platform for this is Codegym, which suggests Java practice assessments which will work great for this purpose for a few reasons:

• There are 1200 tasks and for each completed one you earn points, which is a great motivator to keep learning regularly.
• You get a virtual mentor that will verify your solutions so you know what’s right and what needs more work.
• All tasks are fun and involve different techniques, such as game, storytelling, and visualization – essential skills for any programmer.
• The course is divided into 40 levels that help you advance bit by bit.

Try Debugging Your Code

Since it is inevitable to encounter any errors, programmers have to strengthen their problem-solving skills. Most companies prefer techies who are well-versed in dealing with issues, so aspiring Java developers should definitely practice debugging.

When in Doubt, Use Google

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Common code mistakes are usually minor syntax or verbal errors. That's why programmers usually try solving code issues independently. However, if you are not sure what to do when experiencing difficulty, you will hands-down need assistance.

Instead of fretting over the problem, try solving it by asking someone or by googling.

Since the majority of the issues you're exposed to are likely not new, you'll almost certainly find a solution.

Google has long been a valuable resource for programmers through their development curve. So, make use of the search engine and enhance your codes.

Apply Your Knowledge by Coding a Project

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After learning, applying, and practicing several concepts, you will become somewhat confident in your coding skills. Before moving to more advanced topics, try your hand at coding small projects.

Creating small-scale projects not only enhances your coding skills but also serves as a valuable addition to your resume.

Choose a project first. It can be a software tool, a web application, or even a game. Then start coding on your own. If you ever face any difficulties, do not hesitate to seek help from communities. Coding a project is a simple and small step that will assist you in developing more sophisticated software in the future.

Monitor Your Progress

At the beginning of this article, we advised you to create a plan before learning Java programming. While devising a plan is not that easy, most will give up in the midst. This is a natural result of laziness and a lack of motivation.

Every successful programmer you see today has been in similar circumstances at some point in their career. So,

• Start your daily plan with a vision.
• Remind yourself why you're learning to code in the first place.
• Make a note of your accomplishments when you've completed the tasks.
• Compare your accomplished tasks to the original plan once you've met your deadline.

Your brain will be fine tuned to achieve more if you follow the above recommendations, eventually leading you to becoming a successful Java developer.

Remember to Reward Yourself for Achievements

You can finally breathe a sigh of relief after spending days and nights honing your coding skills and meeting your deadlines. You've achieved your objectives; now it's time to progress to the next level.

But, before you continue your journey, why not pamper yourself?

Treat yourself to dinner, buy yourself a book or something you’ve always wanted. You have to be inspired to keep going and stay motivated by rewards.

Conclusion

To become a Java programmer, you must first learn core Java and its primary features. But don't forget to put what you've learned into practice, and don't be hesitant to look for examples and help. We believe the tips and tricks shared in this article will give you an idea of learning Java.