Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals

Advice for a CS graduate on selecting a good learning path

Hey everyone, I am a CS graduate from india. I finished the degree almost three years ago and have been unemployed since then.

I have done introductory courses in python,web development and java but i am confused on what language to focus more on to get a job.

https://www.coursera.org/specializations/java-programming

My issue:

Got advice that java is slowly becoming outdated

So i tried learning python but there werent many entry level jobs

So my question is will doing this course help me in getting a career?

What are some projects that i can do after this course that will make me employable?

Thanks in advance

I'm a dev with 6 years of professional experience. My problem when I was learning programming was there were too many choices to pick from. Do you learn Java, C#, JS... etc etc? And within those languages, there's choices of frameworks as well.

So I will make some decisions for you that will make you both employable and set you up for the future: you should learn how to make web applications in Java. Don't overthink it, just do that. It will in no way limit you, and prepare you for the most jobs out there.

Here's a set of courses that you should work though. Just do these four courses and you'll be well on your way:
https://www.coursera.org/specializations/java-programming

Coursera is pretty high quality and you don't actually have to pay for them. Paying is sort of optional.

Good luck.

Java/software development course of similar quaility

I've been meaning to study software development this summer and i found this java course online https://www.coursera.org/specializations/java-programming

It looks great but i don't have that sort of money(still a dependent) so are there any online courses <$20 that might be similar in quality or at least close

The relative value of an additional MOOC

Hi Folks,

So I'm about half way through Duke's MOOC on Coursera (specifically the full specialization)

https://www.coursera.org/specializations/java-programming

I've also done the first two weeks of CS50 but I put that on hold until I was finished with Duke...turns out both at once was a bad idea alongside a full-time job. (who would've thought?!).

So my intention is to finish CS50 once I'm done with the Duke course, I've watched enough of the CS50 lectures that I'm happy that it covers enough different ground that it's valuable.

What I'm wondering is, I've seen a lot of mention here of the linked MOOC in the sidebar from the University of Helsinki. I was wondering if anyone might be able to give me some insight into whether or not they think it will be worth the time after finishing up with Duke and CS50. It might be that I can run through it fairly quickly (I believe it's self paced) but then might there be a better use of my time.

Particularly interested to hear if there is anyone here that has done both.

Thanks.

Opinions on these Coursera courses. Java or Python.

Due to health reasons I wasn't able to attend college this semester, so I have plenty of free time.

I'm currently majoring in Finance which I like but my true love has always been computers. I didn't go for a career in computer-related stuff because both universities that I could attend don't offer a "focused" program, so I had to go with my second interest.

These 2 courses are starting next week and I'd like some input on them

One is for Python

https://www.coursera.org/specializations/python

and the other is for Java

https://www.coursera.org/specializations/java-programming

I know the basics of Python but I've read that it's not that common in companies. Since I'm majoring in Finance, which would you think would "complement" it better?

Yes, I've read the FAQ, just want a more personalized input.

The trick to learning programming is a rapid feedback loop. Making things do stuff is satisfying. Knowing that your current approach is not working let's you get back to a working state.

I would recommend taking a free class on Coursera, this Java one look good. I haven't taken that class but I have taken other classes on Coursera they are college level classes. Looks like they recommend the javascript class first. Good thing with Coursera it's free.

&#x200B;

Programming has been a real satisfying part of my life, I can't tell you how awesome it is to write something and have random people, I would never meet otherwise, tell me it's saved them time or effort.

Differences in prices from 2 different machines on the same network

I have just found an inconsistency between the pricing of the https://www.coursera.org/specializations/java-programming on my machine (£191 for 6 months) and my colleagues machine (£159 for 12 months).

I have contacted the helpdesk who say my price (obviously the higher one) is the correct price.

Is there a reason why the two prices would be different? Does this mean I could have been using my colleagues account and getting sweet lower prices all this time?

How do I enroll without paying?

So I want to join this program - https://www.coursera.org/specializations/java-programming but I don't exactly have $300 to spend on it and I don't really need the certificate. I was under the impression coursera was free? How do I enroll without paying?

Yes there is.

Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals Specialization on Coursera

https://www.coursera.org/specializations/java-programming?

Have you tried looking at any online Java courses? Duke University offers a Java course on Coursera that you can access for free, you have to pay extra to get a certificate. You can learn at your own pace and instructors are available to help you.

Hey dude, shoot me a DM - I'm happy to help learning anytime. Keep in mind though I can't teach you how to code - it requires a lot of practice. What I can do is explain some problems or ideas in simple language to make it easier to understand.

Take a look at Coursera, they seem to have a free course on Java fundamentals - https://www.coursera.org/specializations/java-programming (:

I came across the following course on coursera https://www.coursera.org/specializations/java-programming Now while it does appeal to me, I would like for ya'all to guide me as well :)

Honesty I wouldn't say I am passionate about it but I have always been interested in learning how these things work. I was always findings ways to do something with my computer like when I was like 15 me and my friend jailbroke an ipad and I would spend hours learning how to fix a problem with my phone or someone's else. I haven't done that in quite a while because I was occupied in studying for medicine but I think I still have some curiosity about it. I have no idea about languages or coding tho but I am thinking of doing this course,it was recommended to me by my friend(one I jailbroke my ipad with).

As for maths, I never found it much interesting. I dropped maths in my A levels because I couldn't handle four subjects(regretting that now). I can do it sure, I got a A in O levels and my initial results at college were decent but I am not that interested in the subject itself

P.s. I needed to ask you something so I didn't have maths in my A levels and as far as I know you need the subject for admission in any CS university. I am thinking of giving it this june/july, any tips? Or do you think any other uni that doesn't require maths?

How to access this course in the specialisation (Link provided)

Just wondering if there's a way around this for the: Java Programming: A DIY Version of Netflix and Amazon Recommendation Engines

https://www.coursera.org/specializations/java-programming

Thanks ☺

also, added bonus if a course has finished (https://www.coursera.org/course/magicmiddleages) is it possible to access it's lectures or no?

Thanks once again, your help is dearly appreciated

My recommendation is similar to others, which is to get a head start in programming. The program from Duke on coursera is a great introduction to Java:

https://www.coursera.org/specializations/java-programming

The other course I’d recommend is Rice’s intro programming sequence. It’s python so you won’t gain a language advantage for the AU program, but it’s a really solid program. Specifically it teaches you great coding practices and then moves on to cover topics you’ll encounter in algorithms and data structures. Admittedly, I’m a bit biased since it’s my alma mater and I took a few classes with the professors who I know to be pretty great.

https://www.coursera.org/learn/interactive-python-1

No it's not my first degree (other degree is unrelated though). If you were to enroll in the program you'd have to fulfill any general education requirements that don't transfer from your AA. I don't put that it is an online degree on my LinkedIn (like the user below said, it holds the same weight as an on-campus program). I only mention that it's an online program when asked how I'd be able to work 40 hr/week while attending classes.

I'm not sure how much experience you have with programming, but if it's minimal I'd suggest trying something like this out first: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/java-programming. It's a pretty low risk ($54/mo) way of seeing if Comp Sci. is something you'd actually be interested in learning. I completed that and a specialization (at pace faster than recommended by Coursera) that logically followed it before starting the Auburn University program. This gave me the confidence that taking out student loans would be worth it and gave me a good foundation for the classes in the program.

Try to follow one of the many free courses online for beginners. The best choice for you would depend in the programming language your company uses. If you don't know where to start, try one of these free from Coursera:

Java

Python

Fellow GED-getter-turned-retail-employee-turned-software-engineer here. The bottom line is "it's possible, and it's tough."

The process for me was/has been:

1. GED
2. Community college for a semester
3. Transfer to slightly better 4-year college for a few years not as CS major
4. Drop out and work retail for a while to pay off loans
5. Transfer to state university with good engineering/CS program as CS major
6. Work my butt off for four *more* years (because I lost a ton of credits when transferring and now had to do all of the CS stuff I hadn't yet done) at state school doing research, teaching, doing interview practice, etc. on top of my course load
7. Get a few jobs offers, take Amazon internship
8. Job offer from FANG (closer to 30 than 20, at this point)
9. Promotion at FANG

It was a grueling process that was fun at times, stressful almost the whole time, and downright miserable much of the time. Sure, I have coworkers who are a level (more more) above me and younger than I am. Sure, starting this job 5 years earlier would've resulted in more lifetime earnings. However, I'm in a job that I really enjoy and isn't too stressful, I make killer money, I have great job security, and maybe of more value than anything else, **all of that crazy hard work paid off.**

I know you say you're not targeting a Silicon Valley company, my point was simply that you can make happen what you put your mind to, whatever that goal might be, it just really sucks along the way and you have to stay committed and determined.

While most of the responses in this thread range from unhelpful to downright insulting, there are some good points. I'll reiterate them.

\> do you even like coding?

This is important to know. What makes you want to be a dev? There are CS jobs that don't involve writing a lot (or any) code, but they're usually the sort of jobs that you get after you've written code for a while.

\> What are you doing today to become a developer? ... Good developers always find ways to improve their skills by learning and relearning various CS areas. ... Being successful in CS is about determination and self learning.

Yeah, it's a slog. See above. You have to stay on it/work at it all the time.

\> I do suggest some formal training though. As being self taught usually leaves out... [a lot].

To answer your question in your OP, I would say yeah, if you can swing it go for a degree program. Despite what the "CS is for everyone and you learn it in your bedroom/bootcamps = $150k in your pocket in 90 days" adverts/crowd will tell you, there's a lot that you'll in a four-year degree program that you simply can't learn in 90 days (and a lot that you don't need to learn as well, of course).

\> Why don't you sit down, pick a language and try to master it?

Please don't do this. There are very few people, professional software engineers included, who are "masters" of any language. This is a direction without a realistic destination. Instead, I would recommend checking out a reputable online starter program [like this](https://www.coursera.org/specializations/java-programming) to give it a shot and see if you enjoy it and track with the content. Just like every field, not everyone has the aptitude for it, so it's a good idea to make sure you're suited to it before you jump in head first.

Sorry for the wall of text. Hopefully my point made it across, which is simply that it's definitely possible but it requires a lot of hard work, determination, and most likely time.

Becoming good in Java when you already know programming

Hi everyone,

I am fairly knowledgeable in programming and OOP, I worked with C a long time ago, VBA, Matlab and mostly Python (by far my favourite language)

I recently found myself in need to work with Java 8/11.

I can write some basic code (enums, classes) in Java but I feel like I am far from being an expert (interfaces, hashmaps, Lombok, many things are still unclear/unknown to me) and I am far from being able to write production code or handle a Java project, unless there is a template I could copy.

After reading many threads here, I am debating doing one of the following:

• the famous MOOC Fi There is even a new version (2019) that is unfortunately only in Finnish (I could use an online translator)

• CS106A from Professor Mehran Sahami

• Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals Specialization

As for my preferred learning style, I really like a lot of practice with minimal theory, and I'd use IntelliJ.

Any recommendation/opinion would be highly appreciated.

P.S.: I know some of you recommend the 70h Udemy course, but it's lengthy and the 1-star reviews don't paint a good picture of it.

Personally I recommend the OU absolutely. So far my classes have been to a high standard, tutors have been friendly, and the OU is flexible.

But M269? Given Cypher's very negative review, the amount of likes his comment got, and the fact that I've seen numerous other people hating on the module... I am strongly considering avoiding it.

Mister Dee, are you considering doing a full degree? Or just that single module?

The other stage 2 modules look good. There's a java programming one, web development, and more.

A degree helps a lot with employment, but I know some incredibly skilled coders with 0 qualifications.

Similarly I know some guys with computing degrees who probably can't code hello world without 2 hours and google.

The OU is fantastic and may be for you, but I'd also like to recommend edX & Coursera!

There are thousands of courses offered online by many different universities via edX & Coursera.

I think edX courses are free to do, but cost money for the certificate.

Coursera courses cost to do, but the certificate is included in that cost, and if you're poor like me then apply for financial aid to get it for free.

These edX & Coursera courses are not the length, complexity, or value of an OU degree. But you will learn a LOT and gain new skills by doing them, which is most important, and having the courses listed on your CV might convince employers to give you a chance.

CS50 is available online. It's a first year CS course at Harvard and you can do it online! It's free to do, and $90 for the certificate. It has fantastic reviews, and is a great introduction to CS.

https://www.edx.org/course/cs50s-introduction-computer-science-harvardx-cs50x

W3C (The organisation who control the internet or whatever), offer a Professional Certificate in front end web development which would take you to a competent level in that. Again I think it's FREE to do, just the certificates which cost money.

https://www.edx.org/professional-certificate/w3cx-front-end-web-developer

Want to learn Java? Then Duke University offer a specialisation in Java Programming.

https://www.coursera.org/specializations/java-programming

There are thousands of courses covering all sorts of topics!

The OU actually has a similar website called OpenLearn. Check it out. It's free short courses. I think they are much more basic than the edX/Coursera ones though.

OU is fantastic, but there are other options too. Personally I'm doing OU and then doing other online courses on the side.

I wish you all the best!

Hey, I don't mind posting the direct link for courses as well.

https://www.udemy.com/the-complete-javascript-course

https://www.coursera.org/specializations/java-programming

Evo, redom : Osnove : https://online.stanford.edu/courses/soe-ycscs101-sp-computer-science-101 Pa programski jezik- java jer si jako zaposljiv

https://www.coursera.org/specializations/java-programming?utm_source=gg&utm_medium=sem&utm_campaign=09-JavaProgramming-SWEngg-ROW&utm_content=B2C&campaignid=6496487414&adgroupid=78768899660&device=m&keyword=java%20language&matchtype=b&network=g&devicemodel=&adpostion=&creativeid=381890037274&hide_mobile_promo&gclid=Cj0KCQiAoY-PBhCNARIsABcz770_iZbnVqQeQQ9VWWS8QGJDq-V_Sa4VEBZJ_6MqWL1mkiIt6eyktJ4aAscHEALw_wcB#courses

Pa malo naučiš sql-a: https://www.coursera.org/learn/intro-sql

I onda konkretni framework: https://mylearn.vmware.com/mgrReg/courses.cfm?ui=www_edu&a=one&id_subject=94108

Nakon toga stancas projekte, eventualno rjesvas probleme na leetcode I uporno se prijavljujes na natječaje.

Trenutno je zbog pdva pomama za programerima, pa iskoristi trenutak

Well if I were you I wouldn't be worrying about not knowing anything just yet. Your future professors will treat you as a complete beginner and you can start from there, but if you really want to learn something now, here are some good and free sources:

1. Coursera: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/java-programming
2. Mike Dane: https://www.mikedane.com/programming-languages/java/

Honestly you've been exposed to the material so you should be fine.

That being said, there are some courses on Coursera.
https://www.coursera.org/specializations/object-oriented-programming
https://www.coursera.org/learn/object-oriented-java
https://www.coursera.org/specializations/java-programming

Btw, I recommend this playlist for learning about Object-Oriented Design.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfbPmcuPNi5oBuTATzK249zI9dL7jMVXQ

Hi, I will develop a road map for you.

1. Computational Thinking with Beginning C Programming Specialization (Coursera)
2. Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals Specialization
3. Advanced-Data Structures in Java
4. Game Design and Development Specialization
5. Algorithms Specialization by Stanford

Now you have a good solid programming base, you can go in any field such as game development, machine learning and AI, web programming, cyber security, etc.

You are probably wasting a lot of time and effort. There is a way to learn this.

Go to Coursera and take these courses in order

https://www.coursera.org/specializations/java-programming

Then take these

https://www.coursera.org/specializations/data-structures-algorithms

Then go through these.

Mandatory things to learn here:

https://teachyourselfcs.com/#databases

https://teachyourselfcs.com/#networking

https://teachyourselfcs.com/#distributed-systems

https://teachyourselfcs.com/#architecture

https://teachyourselfcs.com/#languages

Therr are other ways to learn and guided syllabi. This is one. But doing things different ways because you didn't understand the way you are being taught from course materials (as opposed to improving on it) is not a good approach.