If you are a computer science graduate or a programmer who wants to learn Java and looking for some awesome resources like books, tutorials, and online courses then you have come to the right place. In the past, I have shared some best Spring Framework Courses and best websites to learn Java and in this article, I am going to share some of the best Java courses beginners can join to learn Java.

One of the main problems with learning Java is keeping pace with the increasing number of releases. For example, Java 8 was released in 2014 which completely changed how Java is written and now within the last 6 months, we have two major Java releases in the form of Java 14 and Java 15. But the good thing is that the core of Java is still the same and all its releases are backward compatible.

If you are learning Java first time, then it’s very important to choose an online course that is up-to-date, otherwise, you will be left behind in the job market and your day-to-day programming job with outdated skills.

But, before that, let me first congratulate you on making an excellent decision of learning Java, one of the most popular mainstream programming languages in the world.

The Java Programming language is been around for more than 20+ years now and it has expanded its reach to almost every single field, from small mobile apps to large banking applications running on major Investment banks.

Java is mainly used as a server-side language to create high-performance, low latency servers to handle complex tasks. Java is really big on Investment banks which uses it to write end-to-end trading applications like front office applications for trade capture, middle office applications to handle booking and allocation, and back-office applications for sending confirmations.

Another area where Java really shines is for creating Android applications. Though Google has now declared Kotlin as the official language for Android app development, Java is still quite big and there is no sign of any slowdown in the coming years.

10 Best Java Programming Courses & Certifications for Beginners to Learn in 2024

In this article, I have chosen some of the best Java courses from Udemy and Pluralsight, which are both comprehensive and up-to-date but at the same time suitable for beginners. Btw, I also review courses and get paid if one of you buys the course from the link in this article.

Without any further ado, here are them:

1. The Complete Java Masterclass [Udemy]

This is probably the most popular Java course on Udemy with over 207,000 students enrolled in this course.

It has got more than 40K 4.6 ratings which speak a lot about its quality but the most important thing I like about this course is that instructor has frequently updated it to include changes from Java 8 and Java 9.

It’s a comprehensive course with over 72 hours of material and you will learn all major things a Java developer should know like data structure, OOP, Core Java Fundamentals, Java Collections, MultiThreading, File IO, Networking, Database, Java 8, Unit Testing and Java 9 changes.

The instructor Tim Buchalka is also a famous Java instructor in Udemy and that shows enormous social proof associated with this course. Every single concept is explained in detail and you will learn the concept one program at a time.

Here is the link to join this course: The Complete Java MasterClass

You will not only learn concepts but also tools that are free e.g. Eclipse, Maven, etc, and essential for Java development.

In short, one of the most complete courses to learn Java and is suitable for beginners as well as Java developers who are starting Java after a long time like last seen Java code before JDK 1.5.

2. Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals Specialization Certificate on Coursera

Designed for beginners, this Specialization will teach you core programming concepts and equip you to write programs to solve complex problems. In addition, you will gain the foundational skills a software engineer needs to solve real-world problems, from designing algorithms to testing and debugging your programs.

The specialization contains 4 courses covering Object Oriented Programming in Java, Data Structure, Advanced-Data Structure, and also covers the Mastering the Software Engineering Interview course.

All the courses in this specialization are free-to-audit but you would need to pay money if you need a certificate which is not a bad deal.

Here is the link to join this best Java Coursera course — Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals

And, if you find Coursera courses useful, which they are because they are created by reputed companies and universities around the world, I suggest you join the Coursera Plus, a subscription plan from Coursera which gives you unlimited access to their most popular courses, specialization, professional certificate, and guided projects. It cost around $399/year but it’s completely worth your money as you get unlimited certificates.

3. Java Programming Bootcamp: Zero to Mastery

If you are looking an hands-on course to learn Java then this course is a great one. The Java Programming Bootcamp: Zero to Mastery is a comprehensive course designed to take individuals with no prior programming experience and transform them into professional Backend Developers proficient in Java.

It caters to a wide range of individuals, including developers seeking to enhance their skill set, students wanting to build an impressive portfolio, and individuals who aspire to become Backend Developers.

This bootcamp stands out due to its emphasis on practical learning. Participants will engage in hands-on projects that simulate real-world scenarios, enabling them to apply their Java programming knowledge effectively. With over 80 exercises and 18 quizzes, students can reinforce their understanding of Java programming fundamentals and advance their skills.

Here are key things you will learn in this course:

1. Object-Oriented Programming (OOP):
   Master the core concepts of OOP including inheritance, encapsulation, and polymorphism, to create robust and maintainable Java applications.
2. Lambda Expressions and Functional Programming:
   Discover the power of lambda expressions and functional programming with Java’s Stream API to write clean, concise, and efficient code.
3. Java Memory:
   Understand Java memory concepts like heap, stack, metaspace, and garbage collection.
   + much more

The course is suitable for those who feel stuck in a cycle of beginner tutorials and desire to progress beyond the basics. It also caters to bootcamp or online tutorial graduates seeking to expand their knowledge and go further in their Java programming journey.

As Java is one of the most widely-used programming languages in the world, learning it opens up opportunities for employment in both large and small companies. The bootcamp ensures that learners gain the necessary expertise to be competitive in the job market.

One of the notable aspects of this bootcamp is the instructor’s industry experience, providing learners with valuable insights and real-world perspectives. The instructor’s expertise enhances the learning experience, offering practical guidance and knowledge based on their own professional background.

Here is the link to join this course — Java Programming Bootcamp: Zero to Mastery

Overall, the Java Programming Bootcamp: Zero to Mastery is highly recommended for anyone interested in acquiring comprehensive Java programming skills. From complete beginners to aspiring Backend Developers, this course covers everything needed to succeed, making it the only Java course required to transition from a programming novice to a hirable professional.

Btw, you would need a ZTM membership to watch this course which costs around $29 per month but also provides access to many super engaging and useful courses like this Python course and this JavaScript interview course.

If you are a constant learner like me then I suggest you go for membership than buying a single course, you will not only save money but also it makes learning easy, as you don’t need to buy courses every time you want to learn something new.

4. The Complete Java Programming Masterclass for 2024! [Karpado]

This is another amazing, comprehensive, and up-to-date course to learn Java programming in 2024. Created by Karthikeya T, an IT professional and Java expert with more than 15 years of experience this course will teach you everything you need to learn Java and become a successful Java Developer in 2024.

This course is best for beginners but also great for people with a little bit of Java experience as Karthikeya explains concepts in depth which will not only teach you how to use a particular tool or class in Java but also when and why to use only that particular class.

The course is also very interactive and filled with quizzes, exercises, and assignments to reinforce what you have learned. This is actually the best approach to learn because unless you apply the knowledge you learned on building a project or solving a problem you will forget it soon. This course is specially designed to avoid learning and forgetting patterns.

This is also a premium course and costs around $99 but I have negotiated a really great discount for you guys and you can now get this course for just $3 for a limited time (only available with the below link).

Here is the link to get this course for just $3 — The Complete Java Programming Masterclass for 2024

Btw, the course also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee so no harm trying and if you can’t get value for your money you can always ask for a refund, but I know you will love this course.

5. Java Programming for Complete Beginners — Java 17 [Udemy]

This is a relatively new course to learn Java in Udemy and that’s why it’s also the most up-to-date. It uses tools like JShell which is introduced in Java 9 to teach you how to program in Java. No doubt, it’s a great tool and really makes trying stuff in Java pretty easy.

The course structure is also very good and follows a step-by-step teaching method. I like the instructor’s approach and teaching style, Having gone through some of his Spring courses in the past.

The course is also very comprehensive and covers all important Java concepts like Java basics, Object-Oriented Programming, Java Collections, Generics, Multithreading and Concurrency, Functional Programming Networking, File handling, and Exception handling.

Once you have gone through a course you would be very comfortable reading and writing the Java programs and should also feel confident to take any Java interview, if you are learning Java to get a job.

Here is the link to join this course — Java Programming for Complete Beginners

In short, an excellent and most up-to-date Java course as of now and the best thing is it’s free at the time of writing.

In Udemy, the instructor keeps their course for free some time to achieve their promotional target, after that it’s converted into a paid course. So, join it now before it becomes a paid course.

Once you are enrolled in the course you will have free lifetime access to all its chapters and associated materials.

6. Object-Oriented Programming in Java Specialization [Coursera]

This Coursera Specialization is for aspiring software developers with some programming experience in at least one other programming language (like Python, C, JavaScript, etc.) who want to be able to solve more complex problems through objected-oriented design with Java.

In addition to learning Java, you will gain experience with two Java development environments (BlueJ and Eclipse), learn how to program with graphical user interfaces, and learn how to design programs capable of managing large amounts of data.

This Java certification is offered by Duke University. Talking about social proof, more than 36% of people have started a new career after completing this specialization, and more than 18% got a pay increase or promotion, which is amazing. I highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn Object-Oriented Programming in Java.

Here is the link to join — Object-Oriented Programming in Java Specialization

7. Java In-Depth: Become a Complete Java Engineer!

This is another awesome Java course on Udemy which you can use to learn Java from scratch. It’s a fantastic course and lived with the tile “In-Depth”.

The Instructor has a very good knowledge of Java and his explanation is awesome, which makes learning more interesting.

Like a previous Java course, this is also a very detailed and comprehensive course and covers the majority of Java topics a beginner wants to learn e.g. variables, methods, classes, collections, data structures, threads, networking, etc.

On the Downside of the course, it’s mainly a slide-based course with some code examples here and there. A few more code examples, preferably with new tools like JShell will really help.

Here is the link to join this course: Java In-Depth: Become a Complete Java Engineer!

8. The Complete Java Development Bootcamp [Udemy]

This is one of the best Udemy courses to learn Java Fundamentals, Object-Oriented Programming and Web Development — With 70 Workbooks, Challenges & 3 Capstone Projects

Like the previous two courses, this course also covers all essential Java topics like Variables, methods, control statements, loops, arrays and Strings, object-oriented programming, file handling, database, multithreading, collections, etc.

This course has been designed to take you from zero to a professional Java developer. The course is split into three modules:

• Module 1: Java Fundamentals
• Module 2: Object-Oriented Programming
• Module 3: Web Development

Each module includes workbooks, challenges, and a capstone project. So, you’ll get plenty of opportunities to practice.

Here is the link to join this course — The Complete Java Development Bootcamp

9. Java Fundamentals: The Java Language [Pluralsight course]

This is a great Java course for beginners on Pluralsight. You will learn the basics of Java, Class, Object, Data Types, Threads, Files, Error handling, and other core Java concepts.

The instructor Jim Wilson is an experienced software engineer with more than 30 years of experience under his belt.

In short, a good course to learn Java from a beginner's point of view. It provides complete coverage of Java Programming language and servers as found for all Java-based development jobs e.g. server-side development and client-side development including Android apps.

Learn more: Java Fundamentals: The Java Language

Btw, you need a Pluralsight membership to access this course. A monthly subscription cost around $29 per month but also give access to more than 500+ course which is worth money.

Sometimes, Pluralsight also runs promotions where you can get the annual membership is just $199 and that’s how I got last year during December, but, nevertheless, Pluralsight membership is essential if you would like to keep your skill up-to-date.

10. Java Professional Program by Karpado

This Java Professional Program is great to become a professional Java developer. It’s probably the fastest way to Become a Highly Paid Full Stack Java Developer!

If you want to learn Java in-depth then you can check out this course. They are currently offering all of their Beginner to Advanced Java Courses for All Levels! for $1 for 30-days. You can take advantage of that to become a full-stack Java developer in 2024

Here is the link to sign up for this course — Java Professional Program

11. Java Programming: Solving Problems with Software

This is an awesome course on Coursera for learning to code in Java and improving your programming and problem-solving skills. You will learn to design algorithms as well as develop and debug programs.

Using custom open-source classes, you will write programs that access and transform images, websites, and other types of data. At the end of the course, you will build a program that determines the popularity of different baby names in the US over time by analyzing comma-separated value (CSV) files.

There is financial aid is also available for this course and you will get a certificate if you complete this course.

12. Java Specialists Superpack 2024

This is probably the most advanced resource for any professional Java developer out there or someone who is determined to become a Java expert.

Created by Java champion Dr Heinz M. Kabutz this bundle contains all of his in-depth courses on Java Concurrency, Design Patterns, Threading, Continuous delivery, Java basics, Bits, and Bytes like:

1. Java Concurrency in Practice Bundle
2. Java Design Patterns — The Timeless Way of Coding

Besides saving a lot of money instead of buying individual courses, you also future-proof your investment. Any additional training that we produce until the end of 2024 will be added to this Superpack for free.

Here is the link to sign up for this course — Java Specialists Superpack 2024

13. CodeGym (learn Java by building Games)

If you like to learn Java by building games and doing interactive programming exercises then you will love Codegym. I recently found this website when one of my reader pointed it and I was amazed with the learning material.

The best thing about CodeGym is that they give you a lot of practice and they also follow 80/20 rule where you will be reading or learning 20% of your time and 80% of time practicing what you learned.

This method works because in real life you will be using top 20% of your skill 80% of time, this true with Java as well, while Java API is very vast with hundreds of classes and third-party libraries, you will be using only 20% of Java most of the time like core Java, Collections and Multithreading.

In other words, CodeGym is like an online course but with 1200 tasks and many games which clearly makes it as one of the best places to learn Java coding.

You can learn more about it here — CodeGym

They have both free and paid options while their free option is good enough to learn Java online, if you can afford, you should definitely try Codegym premium, their paid version, they are also offering 50% discount now.

And, if you want to learn more about it, you can also see my review of CodeGym platform for learning Java.

That’s all about some of the best courses to learn Java in 2024. There are a lot of opportunities for Java developers and once you know Java you will be in high demand.

You can join investment banks which does a lot of Java development, or you can become a mobile application developer by writing games and apps for the Android platform.

You just chose your domain, there will be no shortage of opportunities to give Java’s popularity and penetration into the software development world.

And, if you like to watch videos, here is the video of the best Java courses which you can watch on the Javarevisited YouTube channel

Thanks for reading this article so far. If you like these best Java online courses, then please share them with your friend and colleagues. If you have any questions or feedback, then please drop a note.

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Closing Notes

You might be thinking that there is so much stuff to learn, so many courses to join, but you don’t need to worry.

There is a good chance that you may already know most of the stuff, and there are also a lot of useful free resources which you can use, I have also linked them here and there along with the best resources, which are certainly not free, but worth of money.

I am a particular fan of Udemy courses, not just because I will get paid when you buy one of these courses but because they are very affordable and provide a lot of value in a very small amount, but you are free to choose the course you want.

At the end of the day, you should have enough knowledge and experience about the things mentioned here.

Good luck with your Java journey! It’s certainly not going to be easy, but by following this roadmap and guide, you are one step closer to becoming the Java Developer, you always wanted to be

If you like this article then please consider following me on medium (javinpaul). if you’d like to be notified of every new post don’t forget to follow javarevisited on Twitter!

P. S. — If you are looking for some free resources to start with then you can also check out this list of 10 FREE Java Courses for Beginners, which contains some of the amazing online courses to learn Java from a beginner's perspective.

P. S. S. — If you prefer books over online courses for learning then you should check this list of 11 Java Books for Aspiring devs.

And, if you haven’t seen it yet, you can also go through this 2024 Java developer RoadMap to learn everything a Professional Java developer should learn including tools, libraries, and frameworks.

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