Java is one of the leading programming languages used by big companies like Airbnb, Uber, and Spotify, and popular among developers from around the world. A lot of people started learning to program from Java as it is basic and helps with further studying.
In this article, I will tell you some secrets that will improve your Java skills and make your learning process more productive.
The practice is a sure recipe for success. With the wide range of free resources, you can brush up your coding skills in Java to perfection. There hundreds or even thousands of frameworks, online libraries, and forums, where you can learn about the tools that help developers solve problems.
Why should you practice Java a little bit more often than usual?
Java is always in demand. It takes leading positions in popular programming languages charts. Java developers are highly appreciated on the job market and have more opportunities — got to stay on top of the competition.
Constant practice leads to professionalism. There is no better way to learn how to code than actually coding.
Java helps to solve problems. Today, coding is not about knowing some programming language but about applying it to solve real-world problems.
Coding is a workout for your brain. Programming requires proficiency and concentration that eventually will lead to improvement not only of your professionalism but also cognitive skills.
There’s always something new to learn. You can start practicing Java at any age or skill level. All that you need for that is a computer and desire to work! Practice, practice, and practice again will bring fruitful results in visible future.
Top 11 free resources that help to improve your Java skills
If you don’t know where to start here are 11 best online resources which will help you to master Java language.
1. CodeGym
CodeGym is an online Java programming course. The platform is based mostly on developing practical skills.
Pros
* Practice: 20% theory, 80% practice, more than 1200 useful tasks, and over 500 hours of pure practice. Completing practical exercises helps understand and remember the working principle of various commands.
* Learn Java from scratch. Even if you are an absolute beginner, with CodeGym you can do your very first steps in Java. And when you are done with the whole course, you will be ready to work as a junior Java developer.
* СodeGym is a whole Internet community that unites an impressive number of like-minded people who willingly will offer their help to their less-experienced fellow.
* Thanks to its virtual mentor, CodeGym can check your task in an eye blink. Additionally, there are dozens of completed tasks with explanations which you can use as examples.
* With the CodeGym plugin, you can accomplish tasks via IntelliJ IDEA IDE.
* The gamified environment helps to learn things easier and stay motivated.
Cons
* Theoretical base of the course is not enough to complete all the tasks
* Is not fully adapted for mobile devices.
* In some cases, IDEA J editor and the web editor don’t synchronize while completing the exercise.
2. Codecademy
It is an online program for complete beginners who have a desire to learn Java or other programming languages.
Pros
* It is a decent introductory course to Java and programming.
* It gives information in small portions step-by-step which makes the learning process less challenging.
Cons
* Its lessons are out of the context and students cannot see how the theory will work in a real project.
* Students move from one task to another without refreshing and consolidating previous knowledge.
3. CodingBat
CodingBat is a website where Java developers can polish up their coding skills. There are many practical exercises that will give you a bright picture of how Java solves real problems.
Pros
* Each task is aimed at a certain segment of code so that students can focus on one code feature.
* The Progress Graph on the website shows the number of resolved problems and your errors during the task so you can see which parts you should pay attention to.
Cons
* The tasks offered by CodingBat might be too difficult for absolute beginners.
* The website design looks somewhat primitive and obsolete.
4. Coursera
Coursera is one of the most popular educational online platforms where you can find a lot of video lessons and tests related to programming.
Pros
* There are over a thousand courses on different topics for free, including Java and other programming languages.
* Plenty of useful videos about programming (including algorithms, data science, computer security).
* Multilingual support.
Cons
* Some courses upload materials only when the course is running and you don’t have access to all the information at once.
* Even though video tutorials are free, if you want to do quizzes, Coursera requires some upgrades.
5. Java Code Geeks
Java Code Geeks or JCGs is an educational online program created for developers who want to improve their skills in Java or just share their experience.
Pros
* You can find not only explanations and tutorials on how to solve a problem but plenty of pictures, diagrams and even parts of a real code that you can use as an example.
* JCGs is an online community where you can communicate with peers, offer better solutions, and improve tutorials provided by the website.
Cons
* Tutorials pay more attention to details neglecting basic features.
* The tutorials are more useful to developers with some experience.
6. Oracle
Oracle Database is an online resource for data collection. Its main purpose to store and retrieve related information.
Pros
* It is a useful resource of information where you quickly look for an answer to your question as all the data sorted by topics.
* Oracle community unifies people from different countries so you can easily find help with learning Java.
Cons
* There is ghost information that you would need to get rid of manually.
7. Sololearn
It is a free online platform with 65 free lessons in such programming languages as Java, Python, and C++. Each of them covers different topic like arrays, classes, exceptions, lists, threads, and files.
Pros
* It is an online service so you don’t have to download anything to your computer. It also works when you are disconnected from the Internet.
* Easy enough for the beginners.
* There are iOS and Android app versions for those who like to fit in some learning when there’s some spare time to kill.
Cons
* Covers only a few most popular languages.
* Not enough information for more advanced learners.
8. Skillshare
It is an educational website that offers more than 28,000 classes on various topics.
Pros
* It helps improve your technical skills in a short time.
* It is primarily focused on technologies so you will find a wide range of lessons on programming.
Cons
* You cannot contact customer service by phone.
* The sessions can’t be synchronized with a mobile device, so you can’t continue after you left the website.
9. Codementor
Codementor is a website where you can get answers to complex problems and improve your skills by chatting with experts.
Pros
* You can discuss your questions one-on-one with a more experienced programmer if you have at least 30 minutes worth of credits set up in your account before beginning.
Cons
* You cannot watch free tutorial videos without registration on the website.
10. Studytonight
Studytonight is a website aimed at making the educational process easier and more interesting. They offer simple tutorials for programming languages useful for students from all over the world.
Pros
* An online learning platform that helps students with different subjects.
* All information is given in simple terms which simplify learning.
* User-friendly modern interface.
Cons
* The website speed is quite low.
11. Codewars
Codewars is a website where you can train your coding skills in game form and collect points for completed tasks (ranks and honors).
Pros
* Solve real problems competing with other users.
* Practice your coding skills by solving algorithmic challenges.
* Compare your results with other users in more than 12 languages.
* Use it for free.
Cons
* You need to have some experience in coding.
* The number of challenge topics is limited.
Wrap Up
There are dozens of programming languages used today and Java is one of the top technologies among them, used for multiple purposes and types of projects. Thanks to online resources (platforms, communities, games, etc.) you can learn to program all by yourself without spending a penny. All that you need is a desire to study, some patience, and an Internet connection.
If you want to become a professional developer who knows a reliable, easy and problem-oriented programming language, practice Java. You won’t regret.