Browse the Java courses below—popular starting points on Coursera.
These beginner-level courses introduce Java fundamentals with no prior experience required:
The Java Programming Fundamentals course by IBM spans 4 weeks, focusing on:
It uses tools such as Python, Excel, Power BI, Linux, and Java.
In contrast, the IBM Java Developer Professional Certificate lasts 4-5 months and emphasizes:
It includes additional tools like SQL, Git, GitHub, Docker, Java, JavaScript, and Kubernetes.
Both courses are beginner-friendly and cover core Java concepts but differ in depth and specialized areas. Choose based on whether you prefer:
Start by identifying whether you want to build a foundation in Java programming, prepare for a software development career, or focus on applications like Android development or backend systems.
Yes. You can start learning Java on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in Java, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
You’ll learn how to write Java programs, understand object-oriented programming, work with data structures, and debug and test your code. Some courses also cover topics like algorithms, GUI development, and Android app creation using Java.
Not at all. Many beginner-friendly Java courses are available on Coursera and are designed to help you start coding from scratch. You’ll build a strong foundation before moving on to more advanced topics.
Yes. Java is widely used in software development, backend systems, Android apps, and enterprise applications. Completing a Java course or certificate on Coursera can help you build in-demand skills, practice with real coding exercises, and show employers what you’ve learned.
Yes, Java can be used for AI and machine learning through libraries like Deeplearning4j, Weka, and MOA. It’s often chosen for building scalable, production-level applications. Courses like AI For Everyone by Andrew Ng on Coursera provide a foundation in AI concepts, while Java-specific applications can be explored through additional libraries and tools.
Event-driven programming in Java is a programming model where the flow of the program is determined by events like user actions, sensor output, or messages. It’s commonly used in GUI applications with frameworks like Swing or JavaFX. You can learn these concepts in courses like Object Oriented Programming in Java from UCSD and Duke University on Coursera.
Yes, Java is widely used for backend development due to its scalability, performance, and rich ecosystem. It supports frameworks like Spring and Jakarta EE, making it a strong choice for building web services and enterprise applications. Courses like Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals from Duke University on Coursera cover key backend concepts using Java.