Java Course for Placement Preparation: A Complete Guide
Course Structure Overview
This plan is divided into four phases: Basics, OOP & Core Concepts, Advanced Topics, and
Placement Preparation. Each phase includes learning goals, resources, and a timeline.
Phase 1: Basics of Java (1-2 weeks)
Goal: Understand the fundamental syntax and basic concepts.
1. Topics to Cover:
o Java Setup (JDK, IDE like IntelliJ or Eclipse)
o Hello World Program
o Variables and Data Types
o Operators
o Control Structures (if-else, loops)
o Arrays and Strings
2. Practice:
o Write simple programs (calculator, array operations).
o Practice basic problems on platforms like HackerRank or CodeChef.
3. Resources:
o Java Programming - GeeksforGeeks
o Java Tutorials by Oracle
Phase 2: OOP & Core Concepts (3-4 weeks)
Goal: Master Object-Oriented Programming and essential Java concepts.
1. Topics to Cover:
o OOP Principles: Class, Object, Inheritance, Polymorphism, Abstraction,
Encapsulation.
o Core Concepts:
Exception Handling
Collections Framework (List, Set, Map)
File Handling
Multithreading and Concurrency
Java 8 Features: Streams, Lambda Expressions
2. Practice:
o Implement small projects: Library Management System, Student Record System.
o Solve OOP-based problems on LeetCode or GeeksforGeeks.
3. Resources:
o Java OOP Tutorial - W3Schools
o Java Collections - GeeksforGeeks
Phase 3: Advanced Topics (4-5 weeks)
Goal: Get comfortable with advanced Java topics crucial for placements.
1. Topics to Cover:
o Data Structures in Java:
Arrays, Linked Lists, Stacks, Queues, Trees, Graphs
o Algorithms:
Sorting and Searching
Dynamic Programming
Backtracking
o Design Patterns: Singleton, Factory, Observer.
o Database Connectivity: JDBC
o Basic Web Development (Optional but helpful):
Basics of Servlets, JSP, Spring Boot (for web-based companies).
2. Practice:
o Solve competitive coding problems involving DS & Algo in Java.
o Participate in contests on Codeforces or AtCoder.
3. Resources:
o Cracking the Coding Interview by Gayle Laakmann McDowell
o Algorithms in Java - GeeksforGeeks
Phase 4: Placement Preparation (4-6 weeks)
Goal: Focus on placement-specific preparation.
1. Topics to Cover:
o Frequently Asked Concepts:
String Manipulation
Recursion
Bit Manipulation
o System Design Basics:
Low-Level Design (LLD) for Object-Oriented systems.
High-Level Design (HLD) for large systems.
2. Mock Interviews:
o Schedule mock interviews with friends, mentors, or platforms like InterviewBit
and Pramp.
3. Company-Specific Preparation:
o Practice past questions: Visit GeeksforGeeks Interview Experiences.
o Focus on companies you're targeting: Check company-specific coding patterns
and problem sets.
4. Resume Building:
o Highlight Java projects, coding skills, and internships.
o Use Overleaf for a professional resume template.
5. Resources:
o LeetCode for coding problems.
o System Design Primer for system design.
Daily/Weekly Plan
Daily:
o 2 hours for learning concepts.
o 1 hour for coding practice.
o 1 hour for reviewing previous topics or solving mock tests.
Weekly:
o Complete 3-4 coding problems.
o Work on 1 mini-project every two weeks.
o Take one mock test.
Milestones & Goals
End of Month 1: Master Java Basics.
End of Month 2: Solid understanding of OOP & Core Java.
End of Month 3: Proficiency in Data Structures, Algorithms, and Java Advanced Topics.
End of Month 4: Confidence in placement-specific preparation.
Additional Tips
1. Consistency is key: Stick to the daily and weekly schedule.
2. Collaborate: Join coding clubs or communities for help and motivation.
3. Stay updated: Keep practicing even after completing the course to sharpen your skills.
