Java and Object-Oriented Programming: A Beginner-Friendly Overview

-

 When I first learned Java and object-oriented programming (OOP), it felt like a lot of unfamiliar terminology and setup steps. This post explains the basics of installing Java and the four major principles of OOP in a way that a newbie can understand.

Before writing any code, you need to  install the Java Development Kit (JDK). I started with the official Java Tutorials from Oracle, which explain what Java is and how to get started:

These tutorials helped me get the right version of Java installed and introduced me to Java syntax. Because I’m a visual learner, I also watched this YouTube walkthrough on setting up Java and creating your first program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIrMbAQSU34

Both the written tutorials and video reinforced how Java programs are compiled and run, which made the setup much clearer.

What is Object-Oriented Programming?

Java is an object-oriented language, which means programs are built around objects rather than just sequences of instructions. An object represents something real, like a person, bike, or account. A class is the blueprint used to create objects.

There are four major principles of OOP:

1. Encapsulation
Encapsulation means keeping the internal details of an object hidden and exposing only what’s necessary through methods. This protects data and keeps code easier to manage.

2. Abstraction
Abstraction means focusing on the essentials of what something does, while hiding complex implementation details.

3. Inheritance
Inheritance lets one class reuse code from another class, extending its behavior. For example, a Car class might inherit from a Vehicle class.

4. Polymorphism
Polymorphism allows objects to behave differently depending on context, even when they share the same method names.

Understanding these principles helps make programs easier to read, maintain, and expand. When you begin with small practice programs like “Hello World!” or simple class examples, these concepts begin to make more sense.

My Advice for Beginners
Focus first on understanding what objects and classes represent, and why they matter. Don’t worry too much about memorizing syntax or shortcuts, that will come with practice as you build more programs.


References:

Resources:

"Hello World!" for the NetBeans IDE (The Java™ tutorials > getting started > the "Hello World!" Application). (n.d.). Moved. https://docs.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/getStarted/cupojava/netbeans.htmlLinks to an external site.

Programming with Mosh. (2019, July 15). Java Full Course for Beginners. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIrMbAQSU34Links to an external site.

Trail: Getting started (The Java™ tutorials). (n.d.). Moved. https://docs.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/getStarted/index.htmlLinks to an external site.


Location: Arizona, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Web/Mobile App Critique

-
Image
  Strava App Review Strava is a popular mobile app designed for athletes and fitness enthusiasts to track and share their workouts. I personally use Strava to monitor my runs, connect with friends across the world, and stay accountable to my training goals. The app combines fitness tracking with a strong community element, which makes it unique compared to other running and cycling apps. For this review, I will evaluate Strava’s usability, design, and functionality, followed by three recommendations to improve the overall user experience. Usability Strava’s usability is one of its strongest features. The app offers an intuitive interface where users can easily start an activity with a single tap. It automatically uses GPS tracking to record pace, distance, elevation, and time, which eliminates the need for additional input during a workout. Post-workout summaries are clear and easy to interpret, with metrics presented in both numerical and graphical formats. The integration with we...
Read more

Network Security

-
Image
  Network Security   In today’s technology-driven environment, information and system security play a critical role in protecting individuals and organizations. For individuals, security safeguards sensitive data such as personal identification numbers, financial records, and login credentials. Compromised security can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, or even blackmail. For organizations, security is equally vital as breaches can result in reputational damage, financial loss , regulatory penalties, and a decline in customer trust. As technology continues to advance, cybercriminals adopt increasingly sophisticated techniques, making it essential for both individuals and organizations to adopt robust security practices (Laudon & Laudon, 2023).   One major security incident is phishing and smishing. Phishing refers to fraudulent email attempts to trick individuals into sharing personal data, while smishing involves similar tactics through text messages. Both rely...
Read more