Becoming a software developer requires you to confidently use programming languages such as Python and Java to design, build, and fix software.

This course is designed to build your existing Python knowledge and introduce you to Java and its applications within the development environment.

Expand your Python skills

In the second course in this Software Development with Python and Java ExpertTrack, you’ll explore how Python is used in relation to object-oriented programming principles.

You’ll also examine common Python libraries and how they’re applied within software development. These modules and exercises will build your confidence and skill with the programming language so you become comfortable using it within a professional context.

Learn about Java

Alongside Python, Java is another commonly used programming language extensively used in the software development industry.

You’ll gain an introduction to Java so that you can draw on more than one programming language for your work. You’ll learn the basics of how it works, and the variables, data types and operators, arrays, and control statements used within it.

Syllabus

Week 1
Object-oriented programming in Python
- Introduction
  Introduction to the course, assessment, what you will be learning, and how you will be learning it.
- Object-oriented programming in Python
  Learn about the principles of object-orientated programming and how they relate to Python.
- Wrap-up
  To complete the week, let’s recap the key points covered so far.
Week 2
Python libraries
- Introduction
  Welcome to Week 2! Let's first introduce the week's topics and outcomes.
- Python libraries
  An overview of some of the most commonly used libraries in Python, which extend the functionality of Python.
- Wrap-up
  Wrap up of Week 2's content.
Week 3
What is Java?
- Introduction
  Welcome to Week 3! Let's first introduce the week's topics and outcomes.
- What is Java?
  An introduction to Java, its history, how it came to fill a gap in the industry, and an overview of its key features.
- Installations and working environments
  Learn how to install the software required to write and run Java code, write and run your first Java program, and understand some of the basics about programming in Java.
- Variables and data types
  Variables and data types are a fundamental concept in Java. Here you'll learn what variables and data types are and why they are so important. We'll also take a look at some additional concepts.
- Operators
  Operators are symbols that have a special meaning and allow you to perform functions on some values and obtain the result of performing the operation. Here you'll learn about the various Java operators and how they work.
- Wrap-up
  Wrap up of this week's concepts.
Week 4
Operators and arrays
- Introduction
  Welcome to Week 4! Let's first introduce the week's topics and outcomes.
- Arrays
  Here you'll learn about arrays, a Java construct that can be used to store a group of values. You'll learn why arrays are required, the different types, and how to create and use them.
- Control statements
  Now you'll learn about the various control statements supported by Java and how these control statements can be used in different programming situations.
- Wrap-up
  Wrap up of Week 4's concepts.

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

Define object oriented programming in relation to Python
Compare the application of common Python libraries
Explore Java and how it works
Clarify the variables, data types and operators, arrays and control statements used in Java

Who is the course for?

This course has been designed for people who would like to begin a career as a software developer and develop their relevant skills. This may include:

Career starters or career changers looking for an entry-level role as a developer.
Established technology professionals looking to better understand software development.
Entrepreneurs with an idea for a new product or service who needs to understand at a high level how this could be translated into a finished digital good or service.
Project, product or general managers, looking to gain hands-on experience developer activities.

What software or tools do you need?

During the course we’ll be using Python, Jupyter Notebook and Java. We recommend you use a computer to access this course.

Who will you learn with?

Lewin Chan

Lewin delivers high quality, scalable software that behaves predictably and fails gracefully. He understands how to make effective tradeoffs between new features, system complexity and technical debt.

Who developed the course?

FutureLearn

FutureLearn is a leading social learning platform and has been providing high quality online courses for learners around the world over the last ten years.

In collaboration with

Endorsers and supporters

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Learning on FutureLearn

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Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

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Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

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Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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