What you'll learn:
- Build a rock-solid understanding of Java fundamentals, from variables and control flow to objects and memory.
- Understand how Java really works under the hood (objects vs references, immutability, inheritance, garbage collection).
- Prepare confidently for the Java 8 OCA (1Z0-808) exam with exam-focused explanations and practice questions.
- Java basics: scope, class structure, Java features, identifiers, and reserved words.
- Work with Java data types: primitives, wrappers, arrays, operators, String immutability, and StringBuilder.
- Control program flow using conditionals and loops (if/switch, while, do-while, for, break, continue).
- Apply object-oriented principles: encapsulation, inheritance, overloading/overriding, polymorphism, and constructors.
- Working with Selected classes from the Java API - ArrayLists, Lamba expressions, Predicate Lambdas, Calendar Data manipulation
- Exception Handling - try/catch/finally, try-with-resources, suppressing exceptions, exception signatures and inheritance, custom exceptions
This course has been selected by Udemy for inclusion in Udemy Business — Udemy’s curated collection of high-quality courses used by organisations worldwide.
“Udemy Business is a curated (carefully chosen) selection of high-quality Udemy courses — like yours.” — Udemy
“Only 3% of all courses are chosen for Udemy Business.” — Udemy
What this course does
This course provides a systematic, structured approach to Java fundamentals, with a strong focus on the Oracle Java 8 OCA (1Z0-808) certification.
It is ideal for:
Beginners learning Java for the first time
Developers returning to Java who want a solid foundation
Anyone preparing for the OCA certification exam
All topics on Oracle’s official OCA syllabus are covered.
How you will learn
You will:
Master core Java fundamentals step by step
Get "under-the-hood" and understand why Java behaves the way it does — not just syntax
Learn exam-critical rules and edge cases required for certification
Reinforce concepts with assignments and MCQs
Learn using whiteboards, diagrams, and memory visualisation
Where certification requires it, I clearly highlight rules and details you must remember — always with the reasoning explained first.
What students say
(A small selection — more reviews below)
“Best course available if you are trying to pass the 1Z0-808 exam.” — Miguel I.
“Whiteboard usage and explanations made all the difference.” — Anthony B.
“Today I passed the exam with 80%. Thank you for this course.” — Yigit K.
“Efficient explanation, no waffle, and makes complicated scenarios look simple.” — Davitt M.
“Perfect explanation!” — Vasile B.
Since that great recognition from Udemy, I have further improved the course by adding:
2 Full OCA Certification Tests
9 additional OCA Practice tests - 15 in total
extra MCQ's - 248 MCQ's in total, each with a video explanation
All the source code and PDFs of the notes are now available on my GitHub repository
Course Overview:
This course takes a carefully structured approach to Java fundamentals and OCA preparation.
Topics include:
Java Basics
Working with Java Data Types
Controlling Program Flow
Working with Methods and Encapsulation
Java Object Oriented Approach
Exception Handling
Arrays
Working with Selected classes from the Java API
Assignments are included throughout to reinforce the theory.
OCA Certification Preparation
2 Full OCA Certification Tests
56 MCQs each (as per Oracle exam format)
2-hour time limit
65% pass mark (Oracle, April 2024)
15 OCA Practice Quizzes
248 MCQs in total
Every question explained with a video solution
Whiteboards and diagrams used extensively
These MCQs help you:
Understand Java fundamentals at a deeper level
Recognise common exam traps
Build confidence for the 1Z0-808 exam
Whiteboard-based explanations
Alongside IDE demonstrations, I make extensive use of whiteboards, particularly for:
Objects vs references
Call-by-value (primitives vs references)
String and wrapper immutability
Arrays
Inheritance (upcasting, downcasting, ClassCastException)
Garbage collection
These topics are often misunderstood — visual explanations make them click.
About the instructor
I am a University lecturer since 2002 and have been teaching Java certification syllabi (OCA and OCP) since 2013 on behalf of a highly regarded software company.
Graduates from my training programmes then sit the company’s own internal Java certification exam (similar in style to Oracle’s).
The pass rate has been 100% since year one.
I have co-authored two Java books:
Learn Java with Projects
Java Memory Management
I love teaching, and this course brings together:
My academic background
My industry experience
A passion for clear, structured explanations
A strong attention to detail — particularly suited to Oracle certification exams
Final note
This course is designed to give you:
A rock-solid foundation in Java
Confidence reading and writing Java code
Strong preparation for the Java 8 OCA (1Z0-808) exam
If you are new to Java — or want to truly understand the fundamentals while preparing for certification — this course is for you.
More student feedback
“The presentation is well prepared, coherent and the visuals are priceless. Professor is a true master of teaching.” — Adrian H.
“Whiteboard usage and explanations made all the difference.” — Anthony B.
“Best course available if you are trying to pass the 1Z0-808 exam.” — Miguel I.
“Great course. Very informative. Every video is explained in detail.” — Joseph
“Money and investment worthy. Every single class is punchy and direct — no fluff.” — Daniel O.
“I’m learning tons of things with this course. This is a serious teacher.” — Pedro C.
“Even after years of Java, I learned new things. The tricky quiz examples are excellent.” — Patrick B.
“Excellent. Efficient explanation, no waffle, and makes complicated scenarios look simple!” — Davitt M.
“I am loving it so far, and I’m only at the intro stage.” — Udemy User
“Excellent course thus far. Very well explained and easy to understand.” — Olan H.
“Awesome course to get a solid knowledge of Java fundamentals required for certification.” — Eimer H.
“Great course for people getting back into Java or prepping for the OCA exam.” — Jake M.
“Short videos, down to the point. The explanations are very clear and pleasant to follow.” — Miguel F.
“Very well explained with useful tips.” — Ricardo C.
“Clearly explained and easy to understand.” — Thandekile V.
