MOOC
is a completely free introductory Java course created by the University of Helsinki, it is a great way to learn Java from the ground up.
- The MOOC teaches a broad introduction to programming in Java in two parts - one at beginner, and another at intermediate level. The end of the course is marked by creating your own Asteroids game clone!
- The MOOC allows using features up to Java 11 - you can install Temurin OpenJDK 11 from the Adoptium project.
- To submit exercises for evaluation, you need to configure an Editor/IDE (Integrated Development Environment) with the TMC Plugin.
The course instructions will suggest to use TMCBeans/NetBeans or VS Code for the course, but you can also use IntelliJ.
- TMCBeans/NetBeans is the easiest to configure - but has the most dated user experience
- VS Code is very popular as an editor, but it is quite new for Java Development. Some extra configuration is needed.
- IntelliJ arguably has the best user experience and is most widely used Java IDE by professionals. IntelliJ requires installing a version no newer than
2023.1
- because the IntelliJ TMC Plugin doesn't work with newer installs. The IntelliJ Community version is free and all you need to install the TMC plugin.
This server currently recommends IntelliJ.
To use IntelliJ with the MOOC, simply install the TMC
plugin by opening IntelliJ -> File -> Settings -> Plugins and searching for TMC
. You will then be able to use IntelliJ to complete MOOC
. Visit MOOC here: About the course - Java Programming
(the course is available in both English and Finnish)