Which Java Training Format Is Right for Me?

Java is both an object-oriented programming language and a software platform. Developers value Java because it is portable across platforms and adaptable to a wide range of contexts. You may want to learn Java if you are interested in becoming a Software Developer, Web Developer, Mobile App Developer, Data Scientist, Game Designer, User Experience Designer, or Laboratory Scientist. When comparing types of Java training, there are many factors to consider. Everyone learns differently, and choosing the right training is critical to your experience.

Keep reading to learn more about the different formats of Java training, how they compare, and how to determine which is best for you. 

What is Java?

Java is both an object-oriented programming language and a software platform in itself. Its creators designed it as a “write once, run anywhere” tool. It is portable, scalable, and adaptable. An app created in Java can function across multiple platforms and over distributed networks. This flexibility makes the Java language widely useful and Java coders highly desirable to employers. Professions that use Java include Web Developer, Mobile App Developer, User Experience Designer, Data Scientist, Game Designer, and Laboratory Scientist.

Java’s modular nature allows developers to take existing pieces of code that are useful to them and then combine those modules in a new context for a new purpose. Also, programs in Java do not need to be compiled because the virtual Java Runtime Environment tool interprets the code and translates it for the computer you are using. Java’s portable and adaptable nature allows it to serve a wide range of use cases. For this reason, it has become the chosen tool of key players in the technology space: for example, the Android operating system is based on Java code. In addition to being critical for mobile app development, Java is also a crucial skill for Web Developers. It is also used for data science, game design, user experience design, and scientific applications. Many employers are eager to hire Java coders because the language is highly flexible, with many possible use cases and adaptations to new contexts.

Read more about what Java is and why you should learn it. 

What Can You Do with Java?

Knowing Java means you can code across multiple operating systems and hardware architectures without modifying your programs for a new environment. Because it is an object-oriented programming language, Java allows you to create modular units of code that you can reuse in any Java program, even across platforms and environments. You can quickly adapt code created for one use case to apply in another, as Java is highly flexible and adaptable for novel contexts. So as exciting new technologies arise, your knowledge of Java will remain relevant and desirable to employers.

Using Java also speeds up the development cycle. This is due to its unique interpretation process, which allows developers to sidestep much of the routine testing and debugging necessary when coding in other programming languages. You can use the Java Runtime Environment to keep your applications robust with its automatic memory management. The JRE also supports robust graphic interfaces through multithreading. Another advantage is that its built-in virus and tamper protection keeps your code secure.

With Java, you can build mobile applications for the Android platform and, in some cases, for iOs. If you’re into big data, you can use Java to analyze large datasets with open-source tools like Hadoop and Spark. Java’s “write once, run anywhere” functionality makes it perfect for writing cloud-based applications and powering data collection within them. Though machine learning is typically associated with Python, libraries such as Deep Learning for Java and MLib make it easy to take advantage of Java’s speed and security by providing a stable environment for deep learning or machine learning processes. Another great application for Java is programming smart household devices. Java is also useful for game design, both mobile and desktop. 

Training Formats for Java

Formats for Java training include in-person or live online courses, free tutorials, or on-demand materials. In-person and live online courses have the advantage of direct interaction with an expert instructor and classmates learning alongside you. For those who find camaraderie and collaboration motivating, in-person instruction is a strong option. However, live online training avoids the need for a commute, and some students find it easier to focus in their own homes.

Free video tutorials can provide a good introduction as students follow along with the coder in the video. On-demand courses typically require payment, but they are also more in-depth than free video tutorials tend to be. This format allows the student to work at their own pace and on a schedule that fits their life. 

In-Person Java Training

Taking classes in person is the most traditional method of learning any skill. It can be useful to be in the same room as a knowledgeable instructor and fellow learners who can help you along. Class schedules and deadlines can also motivate you to study consistently. Studying in-person lets you avoid potential technical difficulties that can emerge when trying to access classes online. On the other hand, you will need to get to class, which takes more time than logging into an online course from home. Also, some students may find the social aspect of in-person learning more distracting than productive.

Noble Desktop offers a beginner-friendly Java Bootcamp that begins with the fundamentals of Java before moving to advanced topics like recursion and arrays. This is a good option for local students and those who can manage a weekend commute from nearby areas like Philadelphia or New Jersey. If you’re not near NYC, you can search for other in-person Java classes in many metropolitan areas, including Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Seattle.

Live Online Java Training

Virtual training is increasingly popular today. Live online instruction gives a student the advantage of working directly with an instructor without commuting. You can still ask questions and get feedback in real time. Some students may also find it easier to concentrate when doing online learning from home. However, others may feel the lack of social interaction that comes with in-person learning. Online learning can also come with logistical difficulties, as technical problems may hinder the student’s consistent access. However, depending on your schedule, it may be worth dealing with some possible technical issues if it means saving time. Another consideration is that you will have to use your own computer to pursue online learning. However, this creates fewer issues when learning a programming language than if you were studying a skill like graphic design that required running a large, complex application.

If this option is right for you, you can take a live online Java bootcamp through Noble Desktop from anywhere. The program holds classes on a weekend basis, meaning many students can learn while maintaining their current schedules. You can also search for other live online Java courses from providers like ONLC Training Centers, Code Fellows, and NextGen Bootcamp.

Free Online Courses & Tutorials

If you’re not ready to take on an entire course yet, you can still discover the world of Java through the many free online resources available. Udemy offers a free introductory course for absolute beginners. They also have free tutorials on specialized topics, like integrating Java with MySQL, that you might want to check out later in your Java studies. The free Introduction to Java course on Coursera will take you through the operators and syntax you’ll need to write simple Java code. Udacity and freeCodeCamp each offer several free Java courses, including beginner programs. Free courses are a good option for students to learn the basics of Java, but if you want to delve deeper, you’ll likely benefit from making a financial investment in your studies.

Read about more free Java videos and online tutorials. 

On-Demand Classes

Some students prefer a self-paced, asynchronous course that fits better into their busy lives. If that’s you, take a look at these options for on-demand Java courses. They include classes at varying skill levels that cover various topics related to Java. The lessons are typically in video format, with some requiring a subscription to a particular school’s platform.

Comparison of Java Training Formats

In-person, live online, and on-demand Java training all have their advantages. Real-time classes, such as in-person and live online, are more engaging because they are interactive. Working directly with an instructor allows you to ask questions as they arise, receive feedback on your work, and get guidance when building projects for your portfolio. Interacting with peers is another benefit of real-time training. A live class also imposes deadlines and a structure that can help you organize your time as you pursue your studies.

Those who thrive on social interaction will particularly benefit from in-person training and the networking opportunities it offers. With in-person training, you can avoid potential logistical complications from technical difficulties. Schools also often provide up-to-date equipment for students to use in their learning.

Live online training provides access for those who do not live near a major metropolitan area or cannot devote time to a commute. It can also be advantageous for those who focus best at home, perhaps finding social interaction distracting. However, others might miss the stimulation of in-person group learning. Learning online also means you’ll need to provide your own equipment, and technical difficulties may sometimes interrupt the process.

On-demand learning is generally the most affordable option, making it a good way to learn the basics. It can also be a better fit for those with a busy schedule. However, those who choose a self-paced course do not get the benefit of clarification, feedback, and guidance from a live instructor. Also, on-demand materials are sometimes outdated, especially after a Java update is released, which happens about every six months.

Is it Possible to Teach Yourself Java?

It’s certainly possible to familiarize yourself with some of Java’s fundamental concepts using videos and online tutorials. You don’t need a teacher to learn what object-oriented programming is or to investigate what the Java Runtime Environment does. So you can start your learning journey on your own, using self-paced and on-demand resources.

However, it can be challenging to sort through the many available instructional materials and decide what will actually be useful, especially because sometimes these resources need to be updated. And even if you can get a handle on the basics with self-paced materials, you’ll need a little more help to grasp the complexities of Java. If the stakes are high because you’re learning Java for professional purposes, you’ll certainly want an instructor who is an expert in the material. They can give you the clarification, feedback, and guidance you need to master Java coding. 

How to Decide the Best Way to Learn Java

You may wonder how to choose the right way to study Java that will fit your situation and needs. The most important thing to consider is what you aim to use the skill for. You’ll also want to consider your level of experience, what you are willing to invest in this learning process, and whether you prefer an in-person, live online, or on-demand Java course.

If you’re a beginner who’s not looking to spend any money yet, you can use free introductory classes to get a high-level overview of the field. Udemy and Coursera both offer free introductory Java courses. While this method can be suitable for beginners, free classes typically do not offer the opportunity to work directly with an instructor, which can be vital when starting out in a field.

Beginner or not, if you want to develop a solid working knowledge of Java, a bootcamp may be right for you. The in-depth study a Java bootcamp offers can help you close this gap in your skills, which could help you advance in your current role or find a new one. Noble Desktop’s Java bootcamp prepares students for the Java SE 11 Programmer 1 Exam, an important credential for job seekers. In Noble’s small classes, students work closely with expert instructors who can answer their questions, offer clarification, and give feedback directly.

There are several options for high school or college students who want to learn Java, including taking courses with Noble through its partner school, NextGen Bootcamp. Beginners can attend NextGen’s summer Java program in-person or live online. NextGen’s expert instructors work directly with students in this project-based training environment.

Learn Java with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers several options for studying Java. Its small class sizes and expert instructors make for an ideal learning environment. And if you want to enhance your knowledge further, you can always retake the class—for free. With both in-person and live online options available, you can learn Java in whichever way best fits your needs.

Noble’s Java bootcamp is a great way to learn Java quickly and well. You can do the bootcamp either in-person or live online. This program teaches practical Java skills and the computer science principles that form the foundation of Java’s effectiveness. The course covers object-oriented programming, recursion, and data structures. You’ll also discover the secrets of the interpretation process that streamlines the creation of a new program in Java. By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to pass the Java SE 11 Programmer 1 Exam, helping you qualify for entry-level coding positions. In addition to the bootcamp, some of Noble’s other coding classes also include instruction in Java.

High school and college students can take summer Java classes through NextGen Bootcamp, Noble’s partner school. For those who can attend an in-person program in New York City, NextGen offers a Java programming summer camp. This 50-hour course culminates in each student creating a final project in Java, which they can include in their portfolio when applying for computer science programs. The camp also gives students a head start preparing for their AP Computer Science exam. Students who can’t make it to NYC have another option: NextGen’s live online summer Java program. Though different in the delivery method, this course offers the same content, final project, and exam preparation as the in-person course.