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Java Programming: Solving Problems with Software

4.6(14,000) on Coursera·490K enrolled
Beginner 16 hours English University Certificate
SkillsJavaProblem solvingAlgorithms basicsProgramming logicData handling

Is this course right for you?

Our take
A well-structured first step into Java that teaches you to solve real problems, not just memorise syntax. It is free to audit from Duke.

Good for: beginners who want to learn Java and problem-solving from scratch.

Skip if: you already program, or you want a fast reference.

Owen Astrachan builds the problem-solving mindset alongside the language — breaking a problem down, iterating toward a solution, and checking it works on real data like CSV files and web pages. It is the first course in Duke's Java specialization, and an accessible alternative to Buchalka's exhaustive Udemy masterclass.

It is a first course, so it does not go deep into advanced Java, frameworks or the wider ecosystem — the specialization continues into those — and if you already program or want a fast reference, it is the wrong fit. The certificate needs a paid Coursera subscription; the free audit covers the learning. Duke keeps it updated.

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About this course

This Duke University course teaches Java programming through data-driven problem solving — working with CSV files, web pages, and real datasets rather than abstract toy problems. Owen Astrachan's approach focuses on building the problem-solving mindset alongside language syntax: how to break a problem down, how to iterate toward a solution, and how to evaluate whether code actually works correctly on real inputs.

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Instructor

OA
Owen Astrachan
Coursera instructor
490K+ learners6 courses4.6 instructor rating

Taught by Owen Astrachan, Professor of the Practice in Computer Science at Duke University, known for data-driven pedagogical approaches to introductory CS.

Frequently asked questions

Not quite, and it is worth knowing before you enrol. This is the second course in Duke's five-part Java specialization; the first, 'Programming Foundations with JavaScript, HTML and CSS', teaches the basics of programming logic. You can jump straight into this one if you already understand variables, loops, and conditionals, but a genuine beginner is usually better served doing that foundations course first.

A little genuinely helps. It expects you to already grasp core ideas — variables, conditionals, loops — whether from the earlier course in the series or elsewhere, because it moves fairly quickly into writing and debugging real Java. If those terms mean nothing to you yet, expect a steep opening; if they are familiar, this is a well-paced step into a proper compiled language.

It is a reasonable, if wordier, choice. Java makes you be explicit about types and program structure, which builds disciplined habits that transfer well, even if it feels more verbose than Python early on. It also remains heavily used in enterprise software and Android development, so the effort is far from academic — what you learn here maps onto real jobs and large codebases.

Programs that solve concrete problems rather than toy snippets. The signature project has you analyse comma-separated data files to rank the popularity of US baby names over time — real data, real parsing, real logic. Throughout, the emphasis is on designing algorithms and debugging your own code, so you finish having practised problem-solving, not just copied syntax from the lectures.

Yes. You can audit the videos and readings on Coursera at no cost, which covers the teaching. The graded programming assignments and the certificate need a subscription, though Coursera's financial aid is available if you apply and explain your situation. Auditing works well if you mainly want to learn and can do the exercises without formal grading.
Paid
Free to audit, paid certificate
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