Advanced Programming with Java is a core subject in the 4th semester of the Bachelor of Computer Engineering (BE Computer) program at Pokhara University (PU), as per the 2022 curriculum. This 3-credit course builds on foundational programming concepts and focuses on advanced features of Java to develop robust, scalable, and efficient applications. It equips students with skills in object-oriented programming (OOP), graphical user interface (GUI) development, multithreading, and exception handling, preparing them for real-world software development challenges.
Course Objectives
- Master advanced Java programming concepts and techniques.
- Develop proficiency in OOP principles like inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation.
- Learn to create user-friendly GUI applications using Java frameworks.
- Understand multithreading and concurrent programming for efficient application performance.
- Handle errors and exceptions effectively to build reliable software.
- Explore Java libraries and APIs for practical application development.
Course Content
The syllabus covers the following key topics:
- Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) Concepts
- Classes, objects, and interfaces
- Inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction
- Encapsulation and access modifiers
- Advanced Java Features
- Packages and modular programming
- Exception handling with try-catch blocks and custom exceptions
- Generics and collections framework (ArrayList, HashMap, etc.)
- Graphical User Interface (GUI) Development
- Java Swing and JavaFX for building interactive interfaces
- Event-driven programming and listeners
- Layout managers and component design
- Multithreading and Concurrency
- Thread creation and management
- Synchronization and inter-thread communication
- Thread pools and executors
- File Handling and I/O
- Reading and writing files using Java I/O streams
- Serialization and deserialization
- Introduction to Java APIs
- Working with JDBC for database connectivity
- Basics of networking with sockets
- Using utility libraries for common tasks
Learning Resources
- Textbook: Java: The Complete Reference by Herbert Schildt (Recommended for comprehensive coverage of Java concepts)
- Reference Books:
- Effective Java by Joshua Bloch (For best practices and advanced techniques)
- Head First Java by Kathy Sierra and Bert Bates (For beginner-friendly explanations)
- Manual/Guide:
- Lab exercises focusing on OOP implementation, GUI development, multithreading, and exception handling.
- Sample programs for building small-scale applications (e.g., calculator, notepad, or database-connected apps).
- Practice questions for coding assignments and VIVA preparation.
Assessment
- Internal Assessment (50%):
- Lab assignments (implementing GUI apps, multithreaded programs, etc.)
- Quizzes on Java syntax and concepts
- Project work (e.g., developing a simple application using JavaFX or Swing)
- External Exam (50%):
- Written exam covering theoretical concepts and problem-solving
- Practical exam testing coding skills and application development
Practical Applications
This course prepares students for:
- Developing desktop and web applications using Java frameworks.
- Working with enterprise-level software requiring concurrency and scalability.
- Building a strong foundation for advanced topics like Android development, Spring framework, or cloud-based Java applications.
Tips for Success
- Practice Coding Daily: Use platforms like HackerRank or LeetCode to solve Java-based problems.
- Work on Projects: Build small applications (e.g., a to-do list or inventory system) to apply concepts practically.
- Master Debugging: Learn to use IDEs like IntelliJ IDEA or Eclipse for efficient debugging and code management.
- Understand APIs: Experiment with Java libraries to explore their real-world applications.