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11 Free Resources to Practice Your Java Skills and Code like a Pro

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July 14, 2020

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Many software developers pick Java as the first rung of their programming ladder before trying their hand on advanced programming languages like Python, C++, and Ruby. Although a simpler programming language, Java has its own importance and uses. Big shot websites like Spotify, Airbnb, and Uber have been using Java for their web development since their inception.

While many believe that Java is not as important as other languages, it certainly is not true! You will need Java skills even at advanced stages in your career. Therefore, polishing your Java coding skills is a valuable investment.

This article will reveal some free resources for brushing up your skills. These resources are discussed below:

1. CodeGym

This online programming course has been specifically designed for beginners. Even if you have zero knowledge about Java, you can sign up for this course, and it will teach you the language from scratch. The course comprises of 1200 tasks and above 500 hours of practice. There is an 80% practice material, whereas 20% of the lessons are delivered theoretically. After undertaking CodeGym, working as a junior java developer will be a piece of cake!

What is more, the course has a gamified environment that provides a fun-based learning environment. Although CodeGym is not compatible with mobile devices and it has a non-synchronized web and IDEA J editor, it is still a valuable resource for beginners.

2. Codecademy

Codecademy is another online learning resource that guides newbies about programming languages. The program provides step-by-step instructions, making the course easier to comprehend. However, some users are not happy with the disorganized lessons. Additionally, once students move to the advanced tasks, they cannot refresh or retake the previous module. It does decrease the practicality of the course, but its step-by-step lesson plan provides an easy understanding.

3. CodingBat

CodingBat presents excellent opportunities for Java developers to practice their coding skills. The program is designed to provide a clear picture to the students about the problem-solving nature of Java. The tasks focus on one piece of the code at a time so that students can learn the coding procedure easily. The Progress Graph of the program differentiates it from several other free programs. This graph highlights the errors and mistakes done in the tasks so that students can learn in a better way.

Absolute beginners should not go for this program as it has some complex tasks that can only be understood by people having at least basic knowledge of Java.

4. Coursera

Coursera has made itself a hub of online lessons related to programming languages. From basic algorithms to data science, everything is available in the form of video tutorials. The platform supports thousands of users from different countries by providing a multilingual facility. However, one should know that the basic video tutorials are free of cost, but if you want to check your knowledge via quizzes and tests, you need to pay to upgrade.

One drawback of the course is that it does not provide all the information at one time. Some material is only uploaded when the course is already in progress.

5. Java Code Geeks

Java Code Geeks is another platform for Java programmers looking to polish their coding skills. Also known as JCGs, the program invites thousands of experienced Java developers to share their experience. The guidance is provided in the form of video lessons. Thus, you can learn online and also download it in the form of pdf or ebooks, to be studied later.

The program uses a lot of pictures, diagrams, and real-world examples to illustrate the concepts more simply so that learners can find it easier to understand. Although it is useful for newbies, it is recommended that they get some basic knowledge before joining JCG for higher understanding. The tutorials are made exclusively and explain everything, but people having zero knowledge of Java will fail to understand them. Some tutorials even focus more on the advanced features and overlook the basic ones as the course is primarily designed to educate programmers who are already familiar with Java.

From object creation and concurrency to reflection and serialization, you will find everything in the tutorials. It also offers a wide range of ebooks like JPA mini-book, Android UI design, Java interview questions, JUnit testing for the unit program, Java annotations tutorials, and so on. All these books are free during the initial period.

6. Oracle

Oracle is a hub of information related to the Java programming language. This online database covers almost every topic related to the language. Oracle answers thousands of queries, and answers are present topic-wise. This popular platform has contributions of people from various countries. Besides this, this community also provides tutorials on various Java-related topics. From basic programming to Java certification, the tutorials cover everything. Some specialized tutorials are also available as web pages.

One best part about Oracle is that it provides professional certification, which is recognized internationally. Thus, after completing the training and certification course of Oracle, you can get the distinction that is sought-after by thousands of IT companies and professionals. However, there is a fee associated with professional certification. Although, much of the information is available free of cost.

7. Sololearn

Sololearn is another excellent platform; you can get 65+ lessons on different programming languages like C++, Java, and Python. The lessons cover a wide range of things, including threads, lists, arrays, files, classes, and exceptions. This online learning platform has made programming much easier for beginners. The app version of Android and iOS enables you to learn on the go with your mobile. Even if you have an internet connectivity problem, the course runs without downloading. Thus, there is no hassle of downloading each lesson and tutorial.

However, although the platform provides commendable guidance on various programming languages and Java is one of them, it does not cover all programming languages, so the audience is restricted to a few popular ones. On the other hand, it is ideal for beginners as advanced learners will not find the lessons appropriate for them. Sololearn guarantees that after the completion of the course, the participants will be able to write clear codes without taking much time. The courses will give the participants a perfect grip on object-oriented Java programming.

The platform has made learning more interactive as it allows you to learn along with your peers worldwide. There are a lot of quizzes, collection points, and levels to keep the learners more involved in the learning process.

8. Skillshare

This platform will provide you amazing videos for learning the Java language from scratch. It gives you two options, premium and free. New users usually opt for the free version to get an idea of what the website is about. Apart from Java, it provides tutorials on several other programming languages, animation, design, photography, and so on.
Skillshare ensures to provide maximum convenience to the users. It gives options to select the time classes that range from 15 minutes to 60 minutes. In addition to this, you can also select the latest videos. It further provides you an option of classes you want to take depending on the time they were uploaded. You can either choose the videos of the current week or the current month.

Skillshare is famous because of its technical training so you can easily gain some useful knowledge in a short period. Since the platform has a focus on the technological side, programmers have an edge in getting lots of tutorials.
The most significant loophole about the website is that it is not synchronized with mobile. So, if you are in the middle of the session, and you left the site, you will not be able to continue.

9. Codementor

It is an online academy of tutors where you can meet thousands of Java mentors. Signing up is free, but you have to pay the tutor’s fee. A complete profile of the mentors is given so that the users can look at their expertise. You can also view the reviews of former students to know which mentor is the best. Some popular categories of the platform include Java experts, Javascript experts, Python experts, C++ experts, and so on.

The platform will open up a request form. Here, you will select from the three categories, which are:

  • Instant help
  • Appointments
  • Long term tutor

The topmost mentor charges around $20-$30 / 15 minutes. You just need to hire the tutor as per your needs by looking at his expertise and experience. The platform itself does not charge anything from the students. Besides this, the experts also help in live debugging to improve the quality of your coding practice.

You need to register yourself on the website; otherwise, you will not get access even to the free tutorials. Live chatting and scheduling the sessions with the mentors is simple. However, you need to have credit worth of at least 20 minutes in your account as per the mentor’s rate.

10. Study tonight

Study tonight is empowering thousands of programming and coding students with its exclusive tutorials. These tutorials cover several programming languages like Ruby, Python, C++, Java, and so on. The website is widely divided into four categories, which are:

  • Tutorials
  • Tests
  • Interview questions
  • Coding

The coding section is further divided into HTML, CSS, and website development. There is a variety of tutorials, you can pick the one that suits you. Similarly, thousands of tests are available to polish your skills and see where you stand. The interview question section also covers Java interviews, HTML, DBMS, and many others. When you click on a particular category of tutorials, you will see the course structure. You can then pick the tutorials in order or as per your requirements.

You do not need to register to the website for watching the tutorials. However, if you want to use some of its features, you need to get a user name and password. The ultimate objective of this learning website is to educate the new programmers with its easy to understand tutorials. Unlike other platforms, you will find this website more interactive.

11. Codewars

Codewars redefines the way of learning coding techniques with the help of a game called “Kata.” However, you need to pass the entrance test for the site based on debugging. Many users get addicted to the site and keep on completing Katas one after another.

You can also create your own Kata within no time. With this practice of completing Katas and creating your own, you can quickly get a good idea about the basic Javascript, problem-solving, and coding. There is an effective ranking system which keeps you motivated towards learning. Each time you complete a Kata, you are assigned a rank. Advanced Katas give you a higher rank in a short time.

If you are interested in Java, you will select it in the “my languages” section. Now, you will pick up the Kata related to Java. Remember, there is a lot of variation in Katas. Some of them focus on languages, while others are based on computer science topics.

Currently, the site supports 36 different programming languages and their multiple versions. It focuses on Test Driven Development, which is similar to the real world. The katas for Java start with a sample test case using one unit. The solver now provides a solution to the sample test cases. In the meanwhile, he is allowed to edit the sample test cases. Once he gains confidence, he can click “Attempt” for his Kata.

Wrap Up

The software development industry is burgeoning with programmers. Refining your Java skills will let you stand out from the crowd, and your improved work will attract more clients and higher revenues. Whether making web applications, embedded systems, Desktop GUI applications, or even Magento web development services, Java will help you everywhere.

With E-learning made so accessible, learning and perfecting coding skills is no big deal; you have easy access to hundreds of online courses, programs, communities, forums, and websites.
DO not worry about paying expensive fees, because many of them are completely free! All you need is the motivation and the dedication to become a better programmer.

When you have passion, the sky is the limit!

Arslan Hassan is an electrical engineer with a passion for writing, designing and anything tech-related. His educational background in the technical field has given him the edge to write on many topics. He occasionally writes blog articles for Dynamologic Solutions, a software house in Pakistan.

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