Java is the most in-demand programming language and many people want to learn how to use it. You might be wondering how long it takes to learn Java.
Factors that influence how long it takes to learn Java
Several factors influence how long it will take someone to learn Java. Your skills and experience are one factor. If you have zero background in computers or programming, it will likely take you longer to learn Java than if you are already familiar with computer science and other programming languages.
Second, your motivation for learning will influence how quickly you master Java. If you have a specific reason that you want to learn, for example, there is an app you would like to develop, you might learn Java faster. If, however, you need to learn it as part of your job, but you don’t really have an interest in it, it may take you longer to grasp it.
Third, the format in which you learn Java can make a difference in your speed of learning. If you are relying solely on video lectures and online lessons, learning may take longer. Alternatively, if you are learning with the help of a dedicated teacher or tutor who can provide individualized instruction and feedback, you are likely to learn faster.
Why learn Java?
As mentioned, many people choose to learn Java because it is a programming language in high demand. Having knowledge of Java will be a benefit when you are seeking jobs that require this skill.
Java developers tend to earn a high salary. Since many individuals are highly motivated by money, choosing a career as a Java developer can be a lucrative choice.
Maybe you have an idea for an app that you want to build and believe Java would be the best programming language for you to work with. If this is your motivation, you will learn well, since you have a concrete goal in mind.
Who can learn Java?
Java is a good choice for beginners who want to learn a programming language. Even if you don’t have any experience with other languages, you can still learn to program with Java.
More experienced programmers and developers will have a head start when it comes to learning Java. If you have already learned one or more programming languages, it will be easier for you to develop the skills in Java.
Where can I learn Java?
There are plenty of options when it comes to how you learn Java. There are online courses, bootcamps, in-person classes, and tutorials.
Let’s look at some of the options available to you.
Java Programming Fundamentals
This course is offered through edX and takes approximately 5 weeks to complete if you spend 8-10 hours per week on it. The class is self-paced so you can move at a speed that works best for you.
This course is offered for free, though if you want a certificate you need to pay a fee for that. In the first lesson, the course provides an overview of what Java is and installing tools like JDK and JRE. It also covers information on operators and control flow.
The second lesson looks at memory areas, garbage collection types, access control, interfaces, and polymorphism. Lesson three covers libraries, data structures and generics.
In the final two lessons you’ll learn about functional interfaces, exception handling, networking, and data serialization, among other topics.
The course wraps up with the completion of a mini project and a final exam.
Java Programming
The University of California San Diego offers a Specialized Certificate in Java Programming. All instruction takes place online and the program takes one year to complete. The cost of this certificate is $2,875.
This program consists of four courses. The first course, Fundamental Java Concepts, teaches basic concepts like methods, arrays, lists, inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction.
The second course, Core Java Programming, covers material including object-oriented programming techniques, abstract classes and interfaces, and exception types. You’ll also learn about recursion, multi-threading, and graphic user interfaces.
Third, you’ll study Intermediate Java Programming. This course will teach you how to understand design patterns and analyze generics and wildcards. In addition, you will use collections to organize data and employ interfaces to represent abstractions.
The final course in this certificate program is Advanced Java Programming Structures. This course will help you become a more effective Java developer and it also prepares you for the Oracle Java certification exam.
Where can I get help when learning Java?
Even if you do enroll in a course of study, you may want or need additional help while learning Java. There are a few options you can turn to for support.
Stack Overflow
There is a large community on Stack Overflow for help and support with Java. Stack Overflow is a website where programmers and developers can ask questions and receive answers. There are over 1.8 million questions tagged Java, illustrating how much information is available to use on this platform.
YouTube
There is a ton of free content available on YouTube that will help you when you are learning Java. Videos cover everything from the fundamentals to more specific instruction. There is a large community of developers and programmers that post helpful content on this platform.
In Summary
When it comes to learning Java, every individual is different. Each person varies in how quickly they grasp concepts and how much practice they require before really understanding how something works.
Programs that teach Java range in length from a few weeks to more than a year. And once you’ve completed a program, that doesn’t mean your learning is over. Becoming proficient in Java means that you are continually developing your skills and improving your work.
If you want to learn Java, the main thing is to just get started. If you spend a few hours a week working on it and practicing your skills, you’ll be an experienced programmer in no time.