Sova Coding Intermediate Java Curriculum
This curriculum is designed for intermediate learners of Java programming, gradually introducing concepts across 6 lessons.
It includes practice problems, examples, and homework to reinforce learning.
The lessons cover:
- Review of beginner Java concepts, arrays, array algorithms, and methods
- String methods, charAt, substring, indexOf, and looping through strings
- More methods, void methods, return methods, parameters, return types, and method overloading
- ArrayLists, adding/removing/accessing items, and looping through ArrayLists
- 2D arrays, rows/columns, nested loops, traversing 2D arrays, and grid problems
- Classes, objects, fields, constructors, methods, and the this keyword
- Teacher-led instruction is required.
- The teacher will explain the concepts using the sample code provided in each lesson.
- After instruction, students complete problem sets for practice.
- The problems do not contain answers: students are expected to attempt solutions themselves.
- Teachers may give hints but encourage independent problem-solving.
- Open the repository in GitHub Codespaces by clicking the green Code button on the repo page and selecting Codespaces → New codespace.
- When prompted, select 2-core machine for better performance.
- This will launch a ready-to-use online development environment in your browser, with Java pre-installed.
- Students can code directly in Codespaces without needing to install anything locally.
- To run a file, open the terminal and use javac path/to/FileName.java and then java -cp path/to FileName
- Example: javac lesson2/classwork/StringMethods.java then java -cp lesson2/classwork StringMethods
- You can also use the Run Code button from the Code Runner extension.
Saving Your Work in Codespaces
- When you make changes, they are saved automatically in the Codespaces environment, but not yet in GitHub.
- In the left sidebar, click the Source Control icon (or press Ctrl+Shift+G / Cmd+Shift+G).
- Write a short description of what you changed in the message box (e.g., "Completed Lesson 2 Homework").
- Click the ✓ Commit button.
- Click Sync Changes (🔄) to upload your work to GitHub so your teacher can see it.
- Always shut down your Codespace after use to save resources:
- Go to the Codespaces tab on GitHub (under your profile).
- Find the running Codespace.
- Click the ⋯ menu and select Stop Codespace.
Sharing with Teachers via Live Share
- Inside Codespaces, open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P or Cmd+Shift+P on Mac).
- Search for Live Share: Start Collaboration Session.
- Copy the generated Live Share link and send it to your teacher so they can join your coding session in real-time.
- Each lesson has:
- Sample code
- Practice problems
- Homework problems
- Each lesson includes practice problems and homework problems.