Sova Coding Advanced Java Curriculum

Overview

This curriculum is designed for advanced learners of Java programming, gradually introducing concepts across 6 lessons.
It includes practice problems, examples, and homework to reinforce learning.

The lessons cover:

1. Review of intermediate Java concepts, strings, methods, ArrayLists, 2D arrays, and classes
2. public, private, encapsulation, getters and setters, static variables, and static methods
3. More classes, instance variables, constructors, object references, arrays of objects, and ArrayLists of objects
4. Inheritance, parent/child classes, the super keyword, overriding methods, and protected
5. Polymorphism, reference type vs object type, dynamic method dispatch, and ArrayLists of parent class objects
6. Abstract classes, abstract methods, interfaces, the implements keyword, and abstract classes vs interfaces

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How to Use

• 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.

Using Codespaces

1. Open the repository in GitHub Codespaces by clicking the green Code button on the repo page and selecting Codespaces → New codespace.
2. When prompted, select 2-core machine for better performance.
3. This will launch a ready-to-use online development environment in your browser, with Java pre-installed.
4. Students can code directly in Codespaces without needing to install anything locally.

Running Java Files

• 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/GettersSetters.java then java -cp lesson2/classwork GettersSetters
• You can also use the Run Code button from the Code Runner extension.

Saving Your Work in Codespaces

1. When you make changes, they are saved automatically in the Codespaces environment, but not yet in GitHub.
2. In the left sidebar, click the Source Control icon (or press Ctrl+Shift+G / Cmd+Shift+G).
3. Write a short description of what you changed in the message box (e.g., "Completed Lesson 2 Homework").
4. Click the ✓ Commit button.
5. Click Sync Changes (🔄) to upload your work to GitHub so your teacher can see it.

Shutting Down Codespaces

• 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.

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Structure

• Each lesson has:
  • Sample code
  • Practice problems
  • Homework problems
• Each lesson includes practice problems and homework problems.