Introduction to Java programming

Master the fundamentals of Java with a practitioner-led course designed to bridge the gap between basic syntax & professional-grade engineering.

View Course Syllabus

This Introduction to Java Programming course provides a practical foundation in one of the world’s most widely used programming languages.

Participants learn the core principles covered in this Java programming course, including variables, control flow, data structures, and object-oriented programming. Through guided exercises and real coding examples, developers learn how to write, compile, and run Java applications while building a clear understanding of how the Java platform works.

Designed for developers, analysts, and technical professionals who are new to Java, the course provides a structured path into modern software development.

Unlike off-the-shelf e-learning, our courses draw on more than 30 years of engineering experience at Mallon Associates, delivering expert-led instruction used by major technology and financial institutions.

By the end of the course, participants will have the confidence to understand Java code, build applications, and continue developing their skills in professional environments.

Course Details

Course Dates: 10th, 17th, 25th April, 1st, 8th and 15th May 2026

Course Duration: Six 4-hour sessions (equivalent to a 3-day course)

Delivery Method: Virtual, instructor-led training delivered via Zoom

Level: Beginner to early-intermediate 

Java Programming Course Outline

Introduction to Java
  • Overview of the Java platform and ecosystem
  • Setting up the Java development environment
  • Writing and running your first Java program
  • Understanding the Java compilation and execution process
  • Primitive data types in Java
  • Declaring and using variables
  • Arithmetic, comparison, and logical operators
  • Working with expressions and type conversion
  • Conditional statements (if, else, switch)
  • Looping structures (for, while, do-while)
  • Nested control structures
  • Writing efficient and readable program logic
  • Introduction to object-oriented design
  • Understanding classes and objects in Java
  • Creating and using class methods
  • Instance variables and object behaviour
  • Inheritance in Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
  • Extending classes and code reuse in Java
  • Method overriding and polymorphism basics
  • Understanding the Object class hierarchy
  • Using Enum types to represent a fixed set of constants
  • Adding data and methods to Enum types
  • Using records to define immutable data classes
  • Working with record helper methods
  • Organising Java code using packages
  • Managing project structure and access modifiers
  • Compiling and packaging Java applications (JARs)
  • Using Gradle to automate and manage the build process
  • Understanding interfaces in Java
  • Defining and implementing interfaces
  • Differences between interfaces and abstract classes
  • Designing flexible and reusable code structures
  • Declaring and using arrays in Java
  • Working with multi-dimensional arrays
  • Iterating through array elements
  • Common array operations and memory management
  • Introduction to Java Collections and parameterised types
  • Data Structures: Lists, Sets, Queues and Maps
  • Iterating over, comparing, ordering and manipulating Collections
  • Introduction to the Streams API
  • Using Streams for processing Collections
  • Terminal operations such as Collect
  • Creating operation pipelines and applying them to a Stream
  • Understanding exception handling in Java
  • Using try, catch, and finally blocks
  • Creating and throwing custom exceptions
  • Writing robust and reliable Java code

Who This Java Programming Course Is For

This Java programming course is designed for:

  • Developers who want to learn Java programming fundamentals

  • Technical professionals transitioning into software development

  • Analysts and engineers working with Java-based systems

  • Teams looking for structured Java programming training

No prior experience with Java is required, but familiarity with basic programming concepts is expected.

Recommended Prerequisites

This course does not assume prior knowledge of Java Programming.  Some basic programming experience in any language (e.g., Python, JavaScript, Go, Scala, C#, C++, etc.) is expected.

For those who are already familiar with Java, you may consider our Java In Depth course as an alternative.

How This Java Programming Course Is Taught

The course combines six, four-hour instructor-led teaching sessions with practical coding exercises. 

Participants write and run Java programs throughout the training, allowing them to immediately apply the concepts covered and develop confidence working with the language.

What You Will Learn in This Java Programming Course

During this Introduction to Java Programming course, participants will develop a clear understanding of how Java programs are structured and executed.

Key topics include:

  • Java syntax and core programming concepts

  • Variables, data types, and operators

  • Control flow using loops and conditional statements

  • Methods and program structure

  • Introduction to object-oriented programming in Java

  • Writing and running Java applications

  • Debugging and understanding program behaviour

By the end of the course, participants will be able to confidently read, understand, and write Java programs.

Java Programming Fundamentals Covered in the Course

This Java programming training focuses on the foundational building blocks used in real development environments.

Participants will explore:

Java Syntax and Program Structure

Understanding the structure of a Java program, including classes, methods, and execution flow.

Variables and Data Types

Working with primitive data types, variables, and operators to store and manipulate data.

Control Flow

Using conditional statements and loops to control the behaviour of programs.

Methods and Modular Code

Writing reusable methods and organising code effectively.

Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming

Understanding key OOP principles including classes, objects, encapsulation, and abstraction.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this Java programming course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the fundamentals of Java programming

  • Write and execute Java applications

  • Use variables, operators, and control flow structures effectively

  • Apply object-oriented programming concepts

  • Structure Java programs using best practices

  • Build a strong foundation for further Java development training

Why Learn Java Programming?

Java remains one of the most widely used programming languages in enterprise software development. It powers everything from financial systems and enterprise applications to large-scale backend platforms.

Learning Java provides a strong foundation for careers in:

  • enterprise software development

  • backend application development

  • financial and banking systems

  • large-scale distributed platforms

This Java programming course provides the essential skills needed to begin working with Java in professional environments.

Java is maintained by Oracle Corporation and continues to be one of the most widely adopted languages in enterprise software development. The official Java documentation is available on the Oracle website.

About Mallon Associates Training

For more than 30 years, Mallon Associates has delivered specialist technical training to global technology organisations and financial institutions. 

Mallon Associates provides specialist technical training for developers and engineering teams. Our courses are designed and delivered by practitioners who combine deep technical knowledge with real-world industry experience.

Our goal is not only to teach programming concepts, but to ensure participants develop the understanding needed to apply those skills effectively in real development environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Java programming course suitable for beginners?

Yes. This course is designed as an introduction to Java programming, making it suitable for participants with little or no previous Java experience.

Participants will learn Java fundamentals, including syntax, variables, loops, methods, and introductory object-oriented programming concepts.

No prior Java experience is required. However, basic familiarity with programming concepts from use of another language such as JavaScript, Python, etc. is expected.

The course is delivered over six weeks – with a weekly four-hour session. The total training time is equivalent to 3 days, spread out to give participants time to practice and apply what they have learnt between each session, and to fit around existing work and commitments.

Start Learning Java Programming

Build a strong foundation in modern software development with our Introduction to Java programming course.

Whether you’re developing new technical skills or training a development team, this course provides the knowledge needed to begin working confidently with Java.

Ready to get started?

Book your place using the Book button.

Or contact our team to discuss Java programming training for your organisation.

We also offer private training for teams and customised delivery for organisations requiring tailored Java programming instruction. 

Book for the next run

Six 4-hour Sessions
10th, 17th, 25th April,
1st, 8th and 15th May 2026