Java Programming Lecture Notes (Expanded)
1. Understand Programming Concepts
Definition of Programming
Programming is giving a computer a set of precise instructions it can execute
to solve problems. These instructions are written using a programming
language. Good programming requires clarity, logic, and attention to detail.
Phases of Program Development
1. Establish Program Requirements – Define the problem clearly.
What input is needed? What output is expected? Example: A program
to calculate student grades needs student marks as input and final
grades as output.
2. Design a Program – Plan a step-by-step solution. Use pseudocode or
flowcharts to represent logic before writing code. Example:
START
Input marks
If marks >= 50 then print "Pass" else print "Fail"
END
3. Coding – Write the plan in a programming language like Java. Use
proper syntax, indentation, and comments.
4. Test and Debug – Run the program with different inputs. Check for
errors like syntax errors (typos) and logic errors (wrong results).
Debugging tools like Eclipse debugger can help trace problems.
5. Document – Write comments inside code and prepare user manuals
so others can understand how to use and maintain the program.
6. Maintain – Modify and update code when requirements change or to
fix bugs found later.
Key Terms
Algorithm – A clear set of steps that solves a problem.
Source Code – The programmer’s code before it is compiled.
Executable – The file that runs on a computer after compilation.
Compiling – Translating source code to bytecode or machine code.
Debugging – The process of finding and fixing errors in code.
Types of Code
Source Code – Human-readable text.
Object Code – Intermediate compiled form.
Machine Code – Binary form executed by the CPU.
Translators Used in Programming
Compiler – Translates whole program at once. Faster execution.
Interpreter – Executes line by line. Easier for testing.
Assembler – Converts assembly language into machine code.
OOP Fundamental Concepts
Encapsulation – Hide data inside classes, access with methods.
Inheritance – Share attributes and methods between classes.
Polymorphism – Methods with the same name behave differently
based on object type.
Abstraction – Show only what is necessary, hide implementation
details.
2. Understand the Java Environment
Installation of Java
Download JDK – From Oracle or OpenJDK site.
Install JDK – Follow wizard; install JRE if prompted.
Set Environment Variables – Add JAVA_HOME path and update
system PATH to include bin folder.
Java Programming Environment
Command-Line Tools: javac (compiler) and java (runner).
IDE Tools: Eclipse, IntelliJ, NetBeans for faster development.
Eclipse IDE Setup
1. Download from eclipse.org.
2. Extract ZIP file and run eclipse.exe.
3. Select a workspace folder.
4. Create a new Java project.
5. Write a simple Hello World program and run it.
Java Basics (Syntax and Rules)
Case Sensitivity – Variable and variable are different.
Class Names – Capitalize first letter.
Method Names – Use lowerCamelCase.
Program File Name – Must match class name.
main Method – public static void main(String[] args) is the
program entry point.
Identifiers – Follow naming rules: no spaces, cannot start with
numbers.
Modifiers – Control access: public, private, protected.
Variables – Store data values.
Arrays – Store multiple values of same type.
Enums – Define a fixed set of constants.
Keywords – Reserved words like class, if, else, while, cannot be
used as identifiers.
3. Perform Data Operations
Java Data Types
Primitive Types: int, byte, short, long, float, double, char, boolean.
Reference Types: Strings, Arrays, Objects.
Statements
Expression: Produces a value. Example: a + b
Declaration: Creates variables. Example: int x = 5;
Control-flow: Direct program execution. Example: if (x > 0)
Variables and Constants
Local Variables: Exist within a method.
Class Variables: Declared as static, shared by all objects.
Instance Variables: Belong to a specific object.
Constants: Declared with final. Example: final double PI = 3.14;
Data Operations
Assignment: x = 10;
Reading Input: Using Scanner.
Arithmetic: + - * / %
Object Instantiation: Student s = new Student();
Example Programs
Area of Circle: area = Math.PI * r * r;
Quadratic Equation: Use discriminant formula (-b ± √(b²-4ac))/2a.
Compound Interest: A = P * Math.pow(1 + r/n, n*t);
4. Use Control Structures
Decision Making
if: if (x > 0) {...}
if-else: Provides alternate path.
switch: Multiple case choices.
Looping
for: Definite loops.
while: Condition checked before loop.
do-while: Executes at least once.
Branching
break: Exit loop.
continue: Skip current iteration.
Example Program
for (int i = 1; i <= 10; i++) {
if (i == 5) continue;
System.out.println(i);
}
5. Use Methods
Definition
Methods group code that performs a task and can be reused.
Structure
returnType methodName(parameters) {
// body
}
Key Concepts
Method Creation: Define in class.
Method Calling: object.methodName();
void: No return value.
Parameter Passing: Java passes values by copy.
Overloading: Multiple methods with same name but different
parameters.
Command-Line Args: Read values from terminal.
this: Refers to current object.
Variable Arguments: int... nums
finalize(): Cleanup before object is destroyed.
Example
public int add(int a, int b) {
return a + b;
}
6. Understand Object-Oriented Programming
Concepts
Class: Blueprint. Contains attributes (fields) and methods.
Object: Instance of a class.
Inheritance: Use extends. Child class inherits parent features.
Encapsulation: Use private + getters/setters.
Abstraction: Use abstract classes/interfaces.
Polymorphism: Same method behaves differently depending on
class.
Example
class Animal {
void sound() { System.out.println("Animal sound"); }
}
class Dog extends Animal {
@Override
void sound() { System.out.println("Bark"); }
}
This demonstrates inheritance and polymorphism. Create objects of each
and call sound() to see different results.
Suggested Assessment Methods:
Practical lab tests with real coding tasks.
Oral tests to explain key terms.
Written quizzes with definitions and short code snippets.
