Java Handbook
1. Introduction to Java
Java is a versatile, object-oriented programming language known for its platform
independence, reliability, and extensive libraries. Java programs run on the Java Virtual
Machine (JVM), making them highly portable across different systems.
Core Java Features
Platform-independent: "Write Once, Run Anywhere" capability due to the JVM.
Object-Oriented: Follows principles like inheritance, encapsulation, polymorphism,
and abstraction.
Robust and Secure: Automatic memory management and strong type-checking.
Multithreading: Supports concurrent execution of code, improving performance.
2. Java Program Structure
A basic Java program consists of classes and a main method, which serves as the program's
entry point.
java
public class Main {
public static void main(String[] args) {
System.out.println("Hello, Java!");
}
}
3. Data Types and Variables
Java is a statically-typed language, meaning variables must be declared with a specific type.
Primitive Data Types
Type Size Description Example
byte 1 byte Integer (-128 to 127) byte b = 100;
short 2 bytes Integer (-32,768 to 32,767) short s = 1000;
int 4 bytes Integer int i = 12345;
long 8 bytes Large integer long l = 123456L;
float 4 bytes Single-precision decimal float f = 3.14f;
Type Size Description Example
double 8 bytes Double-precision decimal double d = 3.14159;
char 2 bytes Single character char c = 'A';
boolean 1 bit True or false boolean b = true;
Non-Primitive Data Types
String: A sequence of characters. String greeting = "Hello";
Arrays: A collection of similar types. int[] numbers = {1, 2, 3};
4. Operators in Java
Arithmetic Operators
+ (Addition), - (Subtraction), * (Multiplication), / (Division), % (Modulus)
Relational Operators
==, !=, >, <, >=, <=
Logical Operators
&& (Logical AND), || (Logical OR), ! (Logical NOT)
Assignment Operators
=, +=, -=, *=, /=, %=
5. Control Flow Statements
If-Else Statement
java
int number = 10;
if (number > 5) {
System.out.println("Number is greater than 5");
} else {
System.out.println("Number is 5 or less");
}
Switch Statement
java
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int day = 3;
switch (day) {
case 1: System.out.println("Monday"); break;
case 2: System.out.println("Tuesday"); break;
default: System.out.println("Other day");
}
Loops
For Loop:
java
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for (int i = 0; i < 5; i++) {
System.out.println(i);
}
While Loop:
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int i = 0;
while (i < 5) {
System.out.println(i);
i++;
}
Do-While Loop:
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int i = 0;
do {
System.out.println(i);
i++;
} while (i < 5);
6. Methods
Methods are reusable blocks of code in Java that perform specific tasks.
java
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public static int add(int a, int b) {
return a + b;
}
Method Call:
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int sum = add(5, 10);
Method Overloading
Allows multiple methods with the same name but different parameters.
java
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public int add(int a, int b) { return a + b; }
public double add(double a, double b) { return a + b; }
7. Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
Classes and Objects
A class defines the blueprint for an object.
java
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public class Car {
String model;
int year;
public Car(String model, int year) {
this.model = model;
this.year = year;
}
public void displayInfo() {
System.out.println("Model: " + model + ", Year: " + year);
}
}
public class Main {
public static void main(String[] args) {
Car myCar = new Car("Tesla", 2022);
myCar.displayInfo();
}
}
Inheritance
Inheriting properties from one class to another.
java
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public class Animal {
public void eat() {
System.out.println("Eating...");
}
}
public class Dog extends Animal {
public void bark() {
System.out.println("Barking...");
}
}
Polymorphism
Method Overriding: Allows a subclass to provide a specific implementation of a
method in the superclass.
Encapsulation
Encapsulation protects the data within a class by marking fields as private and providing
getters and setters.
java
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public class Person {
private String name;
public String getName() {
return name;
}
public void setName(String name) {
this.name = name;
}
}
Abstraction
Abstract classes and interfaces hide implementation details.
java
public abstract class Shape {
public abstract void draw();
}
public class Circle extends Shape {
public void draw() {
System.out.println("Drawing a Circle");
}
}
8. Exception Handling
java
try {
int result = 10 / 0;
} catch (ArithmeticException e) {
System.out.println("Error: " + e.getMessage());
} finally {
System.out.println("This block always executes");
}
Common Exceptions: ArithmeticException, NullPointerException,
ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
9. Java Collections Framework
Java collections provide data structures like List, Set, and Map.
List (ordered, allows duplicates): ArrayList, LinkedList
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List<String> names = new ArrayList<>();
names.add("Alice");
names.add("Bob");
Set (unique, unordered): HashSet, TreeSet
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Set<String> uniqueNames = new HashSet<>();
uniqueNames.add("Alice");
uniqueNames.add("Bob");
Map (key-value pairs): HashMap, TreeMap
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Map<Integer, String> idToName = new HashMap<>();
idToName.put(1, "Alice");
idToName.put(2, "Bob");
10. File Handling
Java offers classes for reading and writing files.
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try {
File file = new File("example.txt");
Scanner reader = new Scanner(file);
while (reader.hasNextLine()) {
String data = reader.nextLine();
System.out.println(data);
}
reader.close();
} catch (FileNotFoundException e) {
System.out.println("An error occurred.");
}
11. Multithreading
Java allows concurrent execution through threads.
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public class MyThread extends Thread {
public void run() {
System.out.println("Thread running");
}
}
public class Main {
public static void main(String[] args) {
MyThread thread = new MyThread();
thread.start();
}
}
Runnable Interface
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public class MyRunnable implements Runnable {
public void run() {
System.out.println("Runnable running");
}
}
public class Main {
public static void main(String[] args) {
Thread thread = new Thread(new MyRunnable());
thread.start();
}
}
This handbook provides a summary of Java’s foundational elements, from syntax and OOP
principles to advanced concepts like collections, file handling, and multithreading.
Experimenting with these concepts will reinforce your understanding and proficiency in Java
programming.
