You don’t need to spend money to learn Java. Some of the best learning materials are completely free, created by universities, experienced developers, and companies invested in growing the Java community.
This list includes resources I’ve evaluated based on accuracy, teaching quality, and how well they prepare you for real-world Java development. Everything listed here is free or has a substantial free tier.
Interactive Courses
These platforms let you write and run code directly in your browser while learning.
Codecademy – Learn Java
Link: codecademy.com/learn/learn-java
Codecademy’s Java course covers fundamentals through object-oriented programming. The free tier includes the core lessons. You type code in the browser and get immediate feedback.
Best for: Complete beginners who want guided, hands-on practice without setting up a development environment.
Limitations: Some advanced content requires a Pro subscription ($35/month). The free tier covers enough to get started but not enough for job readiness.
JetBrains Academy (Hyperskill)
Link: hyperskill.org
JetBrains (the company behind IntelliJ IDEA) created this project-based learning platform. You build real applications while learning concepts. The Java Developer track starts from basics and goes through advanced topics.
Best for: Learners who prefer building projects over watching lectures. The integration with IntelliJ IDEA teaches you professional tools alongside the language.
Limitations: Free tier has limited access. Full access requires a subscription, though they offer extended trials and student discounts.
Exercism – Java Track
Link: exercism.org/tracks/java
Exercism provides coding exercises with optional mentorship from experienced developers. You solve problems locally, submit solutions, and receive feedback. Completely free, including the mentorship.
Best for: Learners who already understand basics and want structured practice with human feedback. The mentor reviews are genuinely useful.
Limitations: Assumes you can set up Java locally. Not ideal if you’ve never programmed before.
Video Courses
MOOC.fi – Java Programming
Link: java-programming.mooc.fi
Created by the University of Helsinki, this is one of the most thorough free Java courses available. It’s the same material used in their computer science degree program. Two parts: Java Programming I (basics) and Java Programming II (advanced OOP, data structures).
Best for: Serious learners willing to invest significant time. The exercises are challenging and prepare you for university-level CS work or professional development.
Limitations: Requires commitment. The full course takes 200+ hours. Some learners find the pace slow in early sections.
freeCodeCamp – Java Full Course
Link: YouTube (search “freeCodeCamp Java”)
A comprehensive video course on YouTube covering Java fundamentals through intermediate topics. Updated versions are released periodically. Over 10 million views on their main Java video.
Best for: Visual learners who prefer watching and coding along. Good production quality and clear explanations.
Limitations: Passive learning risk. Watching videos without coding alongside leads to false confidence. Pause and practice constantly.
Coding with John
Link: youtube.com/@CodingWithJohn
Short, focused videos on specific Java topics. Each video tackles one concept in 10-20 minutes. Good explanations with visual aids.
Best for: Filling gaps in your knowledge. If you don’t understand interfaces or generics after reading about them, his videos often clarify things.
Limitations: Not a structured course. Works better as a supplement than a primary learning resource.
Official Documentation
Oracle Java Tutorials
Link: docs.oracle.com/javase/tutorial
The official tutorials from Oracle. Comprehensive coverage of the language and standard library. Written by the people who make Java.
Best for: Reference and deep understanding. When you need to know exactly how something works, this is authoritative.
Limitations: Dense and not beginner-friendly. Better as a reference after you’ve learned basics elsewhere.
Dev.java
Link: dev.java
Oracle’s newer learning portal, designed to be more approachable than the traditional tutorials. Includes guides, articles, and links to community resources.
Best for: Staying current with new Java features. Good coverage of recent additions like records, sealed classes, and pattern matching.
Free Books
Think Java (2nd Edition)
Link: greenteapress.com/wp/think-java-2e
Written by Allen Downey, this book teaches programming concepts using Java. Available free online or as a PDF. The second edition covers Java 11+.
Best for: People who learn well from reading. Clear writing with good exercises. Appropriate for complete beginners.
Introduction to Programming Using Java
Link: math.hws.edu/javanotes
David Eck’s free textbook, updated regularly since 1996. Covers fundamentals through GUI programming and data structures. Used in many university courses.
Best for: Learners who want textbook-style depth without the textbook price. Thorough explanations with source code examples.
Java Notes for Professionals
Link: goalkicker.com/JavaBook
A 900+ page reference compiled from Stack Overflow documentation. Covers nearly every Java topic with code examples.
Best for: Quick reference, not learning from scratch. Useful when you need to look up syntax or see examples of specific features.
Practice Platforms
LeetCode
Link: leetcode.com
Coding challenges focused on algorithms and data structures. Problems are categorized by difficulty and topic. Many companies use LeetCode-style questions in interviews.
Best for: Interview preparation. After learning Java basics, practice here to prepare for technical interviews.
Limitations: The problems test algorithmic thinking more than Java-specific knowledge. Don’t start here until you’re comfortable with the language.
HackerRank – Java
Link: hackerrank.com/domains/java
Java-specific challenges from basic syntax through advanced topics. Includes certification tests that some employers recognize.
Best for: Structured practice on Java fundamentals. The skill certification can be worth adding to your resume.
Codewars
Link: codewars.com
Community-created challenges (called “kata”) with a ranking system. You earn ranks by solving progressively harder problems. See other solutions after submitting yours.
Best for: Gamified learning. The ranking system provides motivation. Seeing how experienced developers solve the same problem teaches alternative approaches.
Community and Help
Stack Overflow
Link: stackoverflow.com/questions/tagged/java
The largest Q&A site for programmers. Nearly every Java question has been asked and answered here. Search before posting; your question probably exists.
r/learnjava
Link: reddit.com/r/learnjava
Active subreddit for Java learners. Good for asking questions, sharing progress, and finding learning partners. Check the wiki for curated resource lists.
Java Discord Servers
Several active Discord communities offer real-time help. Search “Java programming Discord” to find current invite links. The “Together Java” server is particularly active.
Suggested Learning Path
With so many resources, deciding where to start can be overwhelming. Here’s one path that works well:
Week 1-2: Start with Codecademy’s free Java lessons to get comfortable with syntax in a guided environment.
Week 3-8: Work through MOOC.fi’s Java Programming I. Do every exercise. This builds real understanding.
Week 9-12: Continue with MOOC.fi Java Programming II while starting Exercism challenges for additional practice.
Ongoing: Use HackerRank and LeetCode for interview prep. Reference Oracle docs and Stack Overflow as needed. Watch Coding with John videos when specific concepts confuse you.
This path takes about three months of consistent daily practice (1-2 hours per day). Adjust based on your schedule and prior experience.
What About Paid Resources?
Free resources can take you far, but paid courses sometimes offer better structure, updated content, and direct instructor support. If you have budget available, consider:
Udemy: Courses by Tim Buchalka or Chad Darby frequently go on sale for $10-15. They’re comprehensive and well-reviewed.
Pluralsight: High-quality video courses. Offers a free trial. Particularly good for intermediate and advanced topics.
Books: “Effective Java” by Joshua Bloch is worth buying once you’ve learned the basics. “Head First Java” works well for visual learners.
That said, you can absolutely become a professional Java developer using only free resources. The paid options save time and provide structure, but they’re not required.
Related: What is Java? | How to Install Java | Java Interview Questions
Sources
- University of Helsinki. “Java Programming MOOC.” mooc.fi
- Oracle. “Java Tutorials.” docs.oracle.com
- Downey, Allen. “Think Java.” Green Tea Press, 2020.
