What is it?
The Java Bootcamp Starter Kit is a completely free resource designed to help communities around the world launch local bootcamps that teach programming with Java.
The goal is to make this process as seamless as possible for communities, so they can focus on what matters most: putting it into action.
The material was originally written in 2022 and has been updated with each new release to include features relevant to teaching programming in a bootcamp setting.
The Bootcamp has been used successfully with 3 groups:
- People who want to learn to program from scratch
- People who learned to program in other languages but want to learn Java
- People who learned Java a while ago and want to refresh their knowledge or learn best practices from language experts.
The Bootcamp takes at least 13 weeks to run and is carried out in 2 parts.
Schedule
Part 1
- Week 1: Functions
- Week 2: Operators
- Week 3: Variables
- Week 4: Strings/StringBuilder
- Week 5: Java Programs / Unit Tests
- Week 6: Loops
- Week 7: Conditionals
- Week 8: Arrays
Part 2
- Week 9: Data Types
- Week 10: Constructors
- Week 11: Enums
- Week 12: References and NULL
- Week 13: Immutability
Methodology
Nearly every week features two distinct sessions: a theoretical session and a hands-on session, separated by at least one day. The only exception is the Java Programming/Unit Testing week, which includes two theoretical sessions.
Theoretical session (1 to 2 hours)
During this session, an instructor performs live coding demonstrations of the most significant examples from the course material. This provides participants with a real-time view of best practices and allows for immediate interaction and Q&A.
Practical session (25 minutes)
During this session, participants engage in team-based exercises within breakout rooms. One teammate takes the lead, sharing their screen to write the solution live, while the rest of the team provides support and feedback. This process of collaborative screen-sharing rotates through the team. A group of Moderators are in the session to help with questions that participants may have.
Every chapter features a set of exercises. Most are required for submission at the end of the week. However, some exercises are specially marked with a cup of coffee to denote an optional exercise and are designed for participants who want to tackle slightly more difficult problems.
The Bootcamp is structured into two distinct parts to offer flexibility. Participants who successfully complete the first part and submit all required exercises will earn a Certification of Completion. Participants can opt-out and continue with the second part and earn the Certification of Completion for the Full Bootcamp.
Ideally, the Bootcamp should be run by at least two person: one focusing on the theoretical session and one for the hands-on sessions as a moderator but the ideal number of moderators should be 1 per 4 groups with each group having 3-4 people.
Course Materials
(Available in different formats)
(Available in different formats)
