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Duke University · on Coursera

Java Programming: Solving Problems with Software

4.6(14,000)·490K enrolled
Beginner 16 hours English Course Certificate Certificate

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.

It's part of Duke's Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals Specialization on Coursera, which continues through arrays and ArrayLists, object-oriented design, data structures, and software engineering principles. For learners who want the academic rigor of a university course alongside practical data problems, it's an accessible alternative to Tim Buchalka's more exhaustive Udemy masterclass.

What you'll learn

Write Java programs that solve real data problems
Apply algorithmic thinking to break problems into code
Work with arrays, strings, and basic data structures in Java
Read and process CSV data files in Java
Test and debug Java programs systematically

This course includes

16h
On-demand video
Yes
Certificate
Yes
Mobile access
English
Language
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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.

Requirements

  • No prior programming experience required

Who this course is for

  • Beginners who want to learn Java through data problem-solving
  • Learners starting Duke's Java Programming Specialization
  • Anyone who wants a university-caliber Java introduction with real data work

About this provider

CO
Coursera
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Frequently asked questions

Buchalka's course is more comprehensive and reference-like (80 hours); this Duke course is shorter and more problem-focused (16 hours), ideal as a structured introduction before going deeper.
Yes, it's the first course in Duke's 'Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals' Specialization on Coursera, which continues through more advanced Java and software engineering topics.
Free to audit; a paid certificate is available through Coursera.
Paid
Free to audit, paid certificate
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