Java: Your Gateway to Computer Science

Java is a powerful, versatile, and widely-used programming language. As a beginner, you'll use Java to learn the basics of programming, including how to write, compile, and run your first programs.

Why Java?

• Platform-independent: Java programs can run on any device with a Java Virtual Machine (JVM).
• Object-oriented: Java is built for organizing code using objects and classes.
• Safe and reliable: Java helps prevent many common programming errors.

Basic Building Blocks

Every Java program is made up of:

• Classes: Blueprints for objects.
• Methods: Actions or behaviors.
• Variables: Containers for data.
• Statements: Instructions for the computer.

Hello, World!

public class HelloWorld {
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    System.out.println("Hello, World!");
  }
}

This simple program prints a message to the screen. It shows the structure of a Java program: a class, a main method, and a statement.

Real-World Impact

Learning Java opens doors to building apps for Android, enterprise systems, and even games. The basics you learn now will help you in any programming language.

Key Concepts

• Syntax: The rules for writing code.
• Compilation: Turning code into instructions the computer understands.
• Output: Displaying results to users.