New Course: Java Essentials

CBT Nuggets trainer Ben Finkel has released his Java Essentials course, setting learners up to start programming with one of the most popular programming languages available. Java is a platform-independent programming language developed to ease both development time and code legibility.

Ben covers basic and advanced programming topics, including variables and scope, control flow, functions, object-oriented language features, unit testing, Kill handling, and web application serving.

We asked Ben about his new course and how learners can get more out of the CBT Nuggets Learning Experience.

Q: Why should companies train their IT professionals in Java? What value does learning Java bring to an organization?

Because Java is still the most popular programming language in the world. It combines a low learning curve with easily parsed syntax that still offers high performance, flexibility, and control to advanced developers. Java is used to develop on Android, Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, and desktops running MacOS, Windows, and Linux.

Q: There's not much in the way of Java certifications out there. So, how can programmers and developers demonstrate their expertise using Java?

Developing on Android is one of the easiest and most common ways you can show off your Java skills. Android devices are inexpensive and easy to come by (if you don't already have one) and all of the development tools are free to download.

Q: From a learner perspective, what did you keep in mind when creating this course?

That Java is meant to be used not only as a professional development language but also as a teaching tool for Object Oriented Programming (OOP) design principles. Learning Java means learning how to develop with an OOP mindset.

Q: Any out-of-the-box tips for learners to get the most out of your course?

Follow along in the Virtual Labs! They're included with your CBT Nuggets subscription and easy to use, and they ensure you have a safe playground to try out all sorts of programming wizardry.

Q: What's one real-world application someone can expect to use, thanks to this course?

After taking this course you should be comfortable maintaining and supporting an existing Java application in your enterprise or organization. You will recognize the syntax and major pieces of code and should be able to parse it line by line.

Q: What was your favorite Nugget to create?

Writing a Complete Java Program. It's one thing to learn individual pieces of Java programming, but in this Nugget, we walk through putting all of the pieces together in order to produce a functioning game that you can play against the computer and easily adjust however you would like.

Q: What's the one thing you hope learners take away from this training?

How quickly and easily you can be up and running with Java. Learning to program may appear to be daunting, but I hope this course makes it clear that isn't true.

Q: What course(s) or certification(s) should learners complete before diving into Java Essentials?

There is nothing other than basic computer skills required to get started with Java. Any training on other development languages, particularly C++ or C# is helpful, but certainly not required.

Q: What course(s) or certification(s) should learners look to jump into after they complete Java Essentials?

I am currently recording a course on developing an Android App that is meant to immediately follow this course. Learning another language, such as Python, is also a great way to reinforce the concepts learned with Java.

Q: Programmers have a lot of power, arguably almost as much power as some of the fan favorites from Game of Thrones. If Java were a GoT character, who would it be and why?

• Littlefinger without a doubt.The rigidly, honorable-to-a-fault Stark family would be C++.

• The harsh, temperamental, and dangerous original-gangster Targaryens are C.

• The suave and sophisticated Martells, lacking influence, are Python.

• The malevolent, well-funded Lannisters are C#.

• The pig-headed, lumbering Baratheons (who are no more) are COBOL.

• The clever, quick, and untrustworthy Tyrian is Javascript.

• Underneath everyone and everything that is happening, Varys is assembly.

• But Java is Littlefinger (a.k.a. Petyr). Like Petyr, Java is comfortable everywhere in any situation. Java has friends in high places and low. It seeks ultimate dominion over the programming landscape but has no problem biding its time and waiting for its moments gaining power and influence bit by bit.

Java is often counted out of the picture, assumed to be left behind as the power players make their moves, before it appears again stronger than ever and unfazed. Java is everywhere at once, in all of your devices, on all of your computers, patiently waiting for the perfect time to strike.(Did we mention that Ben is kind of a big fan of Game of Thrones?)Winter is coming, so don't wait. Start programming today with Java Essentials!

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