Introduction to Java Training Course

This repository contains all materials for a 5-hour Introduction to Java training course designed for enterprise environments with restricted access.

Course Structure

Prerequisites

• Java 17 JDK installed
• Visual Studio Code with Extension Pack for Java
• Basic computer literacy

Course Outline

1. Java Basics (90 minutes)

   • Values, Variables, and Simple Methods
   • String Handling and Math Functions
   • Flow Control (if, for, while)

2. Introduction to OO (60 minutes)

   • Classes, Objects, and References
   • Wrapper Types and Arrays

3. JVM and Tooling (60 minutes)

   • VS Code for Java development
   • Java compilation and JVM
   • Command-line tools

4. Java Types and Collections (90 minutes)

   • Inheritance and Interfaces
   • Collections Framework

Repository Contents

/exercises/

Student exercise files with TODO sections to complete:

• basics/ - Simple functions and string operations
• oop/ - Classes and inheritance exercises
• collections/ - Working with Java collections

/solutions/

Complete solutions for all exercises (instructor reference)

/demos/

Live coding demonstration files:

• StringDemo.java - String operations
• ArrayDemo.java - Working with arrays
• ClassesObjectsDemo.java - OOP concepts
• CollectionsDemo.java - Collections framework
• FizzBuzz.java - Classic programming exercise
• JShellCommands.txt - JShell demo commands

Documentation

• SETUP.md - Environment setup instructions for students
• VSCODE_PLAIN_JAVA.md - Guide for non-Maven/Gradle projects in VS Code
• TESTING_APPROACH.md - Testing without external dependencies
• slides.md - Slidev presentation slides (optimized for screen fit)
• CLAUDE.md - Claude Code integration and project context

For Instructors

Running the Course

1. Send SETUP.md to client IT department ahead of time
2. Use slides.md with Slidev for presentations
   • Slides optimized for various screen sizes with two-column layouts
   • Includes Carbon icons for better visual presentation
3. Live code using files in /demos/
4. Students work on /exercises/ files
5. Reference /solutions/ as needed

Slide Presentation Setup

• Install Slidev globally: npm install -g @slidev/cli
• Install Carbon icons globally: npm install -g @carbon/icons
• Run presentation: slidev slides.md
• Recent improvements: All tables and long content use two-column layouts for better screen fit

VS Code Project Setup

1. Create new folder for your project
2. Open folder in VS Code
3. Create src/ folder for source files
4. VS Code will automatically compile to bin/
5. Ensure Extension Pack for Java is installed

Testing Approach

The course uses simple main method tests instead of JUnit to:

• Avoid external dependencies
• Reduce complexity for beginners
• Work in restricted environments
• Focus on Java fundamentals

Tips for Banking/Enterprise Environments

• All code runs with standard Java 17, no external dependencies
• No internet access required during course
• No build tools needed (Maven/Gradle)
• All materials are self-contained

Quick Start for Students

1. Open VS Code
2. Create a new folder named "JavaTraining"
3. Open the folder in VS Code (File → Open Folder)
4. Create a src/ subfolder and copy exercise files there
5. Start with Exercise1_SimpleFunctions.java
6. Run files with F5 (debug) or Ctrl+F5 (run without debug)

Distribution

Two ZIP files are created by the CREATE_ZIP.sh script:

• java-training-student-materials.zip - Contains exercises, demos, and setup docs (no solutions)
• java-training-instructor-materials.zip - Contains everything including solutions and slides

Contact

Kenneth Kousen
Kousen IT, Inc.

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: kousenit.com
• GitHub: github.com/kousen
• Bluesky: @kousenit.com

Recent Updates

• Optimized all slides for better screen fit with two-column layouts
• Added Carbon icons support for enhanced visual presentation
• Improved table layouts and content organization
• Enhanced practice resources with HackerRank, Codewars, and LeetCode descriptions
• Updated social media links and contact information