How to Start Learning Java Programming in 2025?

Java is considered one of the programs that has been a foundation for coders and developers for decades. In that light, is it still relevant in the contemporary coding sector? If so, how does one start learning the Java programming language in 2025? This blog answers all your questions with additional information that can help you start learning Java as soon as possible.

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Introduction: Why Learn Java in 2025?

Learning Java is beneficial in many ways compared to other programming languages. The advantageous factor in learning Java is rooted in its seamless performance, which enables the completion of numerous tasks with the aid of numerous plugins and rich libraries. The code, once compiled, can be used anywhere with Java’s platform independence at the binary level and source code. The codes are free from bugs and are reusable as independent modules by splitting the code through Java’s object-oriented feature.

This programming language can function on a cross-platform with several security features. After Python and R, Java is the most preferred choice for machine learning and data science. The majority of web applications and web pages are built and developed on the independent platform of Java, making it popular among designers and developers. The average salary for a program developer or Java programmer in India is between ₹3 – ₹20 lakhs per annum, based on experience and skills.

Step-by-step Guide on How to Start Learning Java Programme in 2025

Step 1: Understanding and Setting Up the Java Ecosystem

Before blindly starting with coding, it is recommended that you understand the ‘insides’ of the Java program itself. Java operates on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), which enables the cross-functional capability of writing the code once and running it anywhere. Additionally, you also get to have your hands on Java Development Kit (JDK) for writing code, and sometimes the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) for running Java applications. Talk about having a full Java ecosystem of your own.

When it comes to the current upgraded Java, you get to experience powerful features such as Records, pattern matching, and virtual threads, resulting in an expressive and efficient language for modern development.

The next step is to set up the environment by downloading the latest JDK, and for 2025, OpenJDK 22 is recommended. Once you have installed it, you have to choose an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) that suits you. IntelliJ remains the favorite among developers; however, Eclipse and Visual Studio Code with Java extensions are also worthy choices. Confirm the installation via the terminal/command prompt:

java -version
javac -version

Step 2: Syntax, Concepts, and Projects

Start learning the basics, syntax, and concepts of the language, including:

• Variables and data types

• Operators

• Conditionals (if, switch)

• Loops (for, while)

• Methods and parameters

• Classes and Objects (the core of OOP)

• Arrays and strings

• Exception handling

Make use of beginner courses available on platforms like JetBrains Academy, Codecademy, or YouTube. Once you are done with the concepts, it’s time to apply them to simple projects. Build basic projects like a calculator, a basic to-do list, or a simple text-based game. These exercises and projects are beneficial for reinforcing key concepts like logic, flow control, and object-oriented design. Try to get comfortable with GitHub, as Version Control is a fundamental part of modern development and will be useful throughout your programming career.

Step 3: Understanding Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

Since Java is designed around the concept of objects that are reusable building blocks that combine data and behaviour, understanding OOP is essential. In this step, you would be transitioning from writing procedural code to organising your logic using classes and objects, making your code modular, maintainable, and scalable. Together, these OOP concepts will form the foundation of how you write and structure Java applications going forward.

• To start, learn how to define classes and create objects. A class is a blueprint, whereas an object is an instance of that blueprint. To put it in easier terms, think of defining a class  car with properties like color and speed, and then creating specific, reusable car objects from it.
• Thus, you also get introduced to the concept of encapsulation, where fields and methods that operate on data are bundled into a single unit.
• Next, we enter the concept of inheritance, which allows one class to inherit properties from another. This feature or concept is what emphasizes code reuse and supports hierarchical relationships. For example, the truck class can inherit properties from a vehicle class with truck-specific attributes as well.
• Polymorphism further enhances flexibility by allowing objects to take on many forms. A common use case of this is method overriding, where a subclass provides its implementation of a method declared in a superclass.
• Finally, you get to learn about abstraction, wherein you can reveal the necessary parts of an object while hiding complex implementation details.

Step 4: Explore Core Java Libraries and Collections

Once you’ve become comfortable with OOP, it’s time to explore Java’s standard libraries, particularly the Collections Framework. These libraries are considered powerful tools that are capable of simplifying data storage, retrieval, and manipulation. The Collections Framework includes a variety of data structures such as:

• ArrayList – a dynamic array that can add or delete elements
• HashSet – stores unique elements
• HashMap – store key-value pair

These elements are essential for writing programs that involve grouping and managing data that ranges from user records to inventory systems.

As you dive deeper, you will learn how to iterate collections using loops and iterators such as for loops, lambda expressions with forEach, and various other utilities from the collections class like sort, reverse, and shuffle. integer and double are wrapper classes that allow primitive data types to be stored in collections.

Step 5: Mastering Exception Handling and File I/O

An ideal program must be able to handle unexpected and unpredictable situations gracefully, without any hiccups. With Java’s exception handling feature, you’ll learn how to detect, throw, and manage exceptions, ensuring that your programs don’t crash and provide meaningful feedback to the users. Here are two methods that you can learn to give a safe, stable, and user-friendly program:

•  Try-catch block: You can run a try block of code, and if an exception occurs, the catch block will be the backup block that allows you to handle the exception properly by logging the error, displaying an error message to the user, or attempting to recover from the error. You can also usefinally to run cleanup code, which always runs, regardless of whether an exception occurred or was caught.
• File Input/Output (I/O): It refers to the mechanisms and classes that enable programs to read from and write to files, save user settings, log events, and manage data. Java provides several classes for file I/O, such as File, Scanner, BufferedReader, and FileWriter.

Combining both exception handling and file I/O will help you teach how to create programs that are functional and stable.

Step 6: Work on Real-World Projects

Projects are the best way to reinforce the features and concepts that you have acquired till now. Projects play an important role in connecting theory to practice and preparing you for the type of development work you’ll do professionally. Moreover, it will be a great addition to your portfolio.

Start with small projects and once you are confident, move on to big, complex projects such as a student management system, a personal finance tracker, or a file encryption tool. Try to choose projects that have real-world attributes. For instance, a library management system might include features like adding new books, borrowing and returning books, and searching by author or title.

You can make use of data structures like lists and maps, handle user input and output, and apply exception handling to prevent invalid operations. Uploading projects to GitHub not only showcases your skills but also proves your commitment to learning. You can even write short blog posts regarding your experience for employers and collaborators.

Conclusion: Learning Java in 2025

Java is one of the in-demand skills in 2025, making it one of the smartest moves for your career and progression. With its various powerful features like object-oriented structure, vast ecosystem, and continued relevance in fields like enterprise, cloud, and Android development, Java offers attributes that only a few languages can match.

By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this blog, you can kickstart your career in coding and build confidence along with technical skills. Along with that, real-world projects will help to solidify your knowledge and prepare you for internships, freelance gigs, and even your first role. Make coding a daily habit by breaking down complex programs into smaller code. Happy coding!