Introduction to Software Development
Introduction to Software Development
This course is part of Amazon Junior Software Developer Professional Certificate
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What you'll learn
Explain the advantages of using an IDE.
Identify and describe the fundamental concepts of the SDLC and programming concepts using Java.
Write and execute simple Java programs to understand basic syntax, control structures, and apply object-oriented programming concepts.
Skills you'll gain
Tools you'll learn
Details to know
12 assignments
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There are 4 modules in this course
This is the first course in the Amazon Junior Software Developer Professional Certificate. In this course, you'll gain a foundational understanding of Java programming and essential software development practices. You'll start with an introduction to software development and the essential tasks of a developer as you follow the steps of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC). You'll then set up the Java Development Environment and dive into Java syntax and structure, learning to write and execute simple Java programs. Moving forward, you'll grasp the concepts of variables, data types, and operators, enabling you to manipulate data effectively within Java programs.
After completing this course, you’ll be able to: • Explain the advantages of using an IDE. • Identify and describe the fundamental concepts of the SDLC. • Identify and describe the fundamental programming concepts using Java. • Write and execute simple Java programs to understand basic syntax and control structures. • Apply object-oriented programming concepts within the Java language.
This module provides a structured exploration of software development and Java programming concepts. It covers fundamental software development tasks, specialist roles in different areas, and essential Java language skills. You will explore variables, operators, conditional statements, loops, and string manipulation, focusing on practical applications and real-world examples. Each lesson aims to equip you with a solid foundation in software development principles and Java programming, paving the way for further exploration.
What's included
12 videos9 readings4 assignments1 programming assignment3 ungraded labs
12 videos•Total 81 minutes
- Introduction to professional certificate•10 minutes
- Course introduction: Introduction to software development•7 minutes
- The role of a software developer•7 minutes
- Software, day to day•8 minutes
- Landscape of programming languages•7 minutes
- Software development lifecycle•6 minutes
- Introduction to Java, features and applications•6 minutes
- Introduction to variables and data types•7 minutes
- Explore the different types of operators in Java•8 minutes
- Handling text with Java•6 minutes
- Strings in action•6 minutes
- Module summary: Getting started with Java•4 minutes
9 readings•Total 120 minutes
- Project preview•10 minutes
- Course syllabus: Introduction to software development•10 minutes
- Areas of expertise•10 minutes
- How to be successful in this course•10 minutes
- Activity: Practice declaring and initializing variables•15 minutes
- Activity: Using variables and operators•20 minutes
- Quick reference: Java data types and operators•10 minutes
- Using String methods•25 minutes
- Additional resources: Introduction to software development•10 minutes
4 assignments•Total 75 minutes
- Module quiz: Getting started with Java•30 minutes
- Knowledge check: Introduction to software development•15 minutes
- Knowledge check: Java basics: Variables and operators•15 minutes
- Knowledge check: Strings: Working with text in Java•15 minutes
1 programming assignment•Total 60 minutes
- Activity: Getting started with Java•60 minutes
3 ungraded labs•Total 90 minutes
- Activity: A simple Java program•30 minutes
- Working with Strings•30 minutes
- Using arrays of Strings•30 minutes
This module covers Java programming essentials, focusing on conditional statements, switch statements, and iterative structures. You will delve into the syntax and functionality of Java's "if", "else if", and "else" constructs, gaining a deep understanding of how these statements control program flow based on conditions. You'll also explore the benefits of switch statements over chained if statements. Furthermore, you'll master iterative structures such as for loops, while loops, and do while loops, understanding their advantages and when to apply them effectively.
What's included
8 videos8 readings3 assignments2 ungraded labs
8 videos•Total 50 minutes
- Exploring conditional statements•10 minutes
- Conditional statements in action•7 minutes
- User input for conditional statements•5 minutes
- The switch statement•7 minutes
- Common uses for switch statements•5 minutes
- Understanding iterative structures in Java: For loops•6 minutes
- Understanding iterative structures in Java: While loop•8 minutes
- Module summary: Control flow: Statements and loops•4 minutes
8 readings•Total 155 minutes
- Writing conditional statements•30 minutes
- Manipulating Strings•30 minutes
- Using chained conditions•15 minutes
- Checking values•15 minutes
- Activity: Using conditions•15 minutes
- Implementing for loops•15 minutes
- Implementing while loops•25 minutes
- Additional resources: Control flow: Statements and loops•10 minutes
3 assignments•Total 60 minutes
- Module quiz: Control flow: Statements and loops•30 minutes
- Knowledge check: Conditional statements: Controlling program flow•15 minutes
- Knowledge check: Iterative structures: For and while loops•15 minutes
2 ungraded labs•Total 60 minutes
- Building a schedule•30 minutes
- Activity: Using conditional loops•30 minutes
This module deals with code reusability, method creation, and object-oriented programming principles. You will learn how to refactor code into methods, grasp the concept of the main class, and create utility classes. You will explore inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation, focusing on practical applications and benefits. Additionally, the lessons emphasize logical program design, access modifiers, abstract classes, and interfaces to enhance code scalability and maintainability. Through hands-on exercises and real-world examples, you will deepen your understanding of Java programming fundamentals, paving the way for effective software development practices.
What's included
16 videos7 readings4 assignments2 programming assignments7 ungraded labs
16 videos•Total 110 minutes
- Using methods•10 minutes
- Passing arguments to methods•9 minutes
- Classes and objects•7 minutes
- Grouping methods•7 minutes
- Components of an object: Attributes and actions•5 minutes
- Introduction to inheritance•7 minutes
- Understanding the super class•7 minutes
- Introduction to polymorphism•7 minutes
- Polymorphism: Methods and arguments•6 minutes
- Programming inheritance and polymorphism•7 minutes
- Using polymorphic design•7 minutes
- Introduction to encapsulation and data hiding•5 minutes
- Introduction to access modifiers•6 minutes
- Introduction to abstract classes•7 minutes
- Interfaces and multiple inheritance•9 minutes
- Module summary: Object-oriented programming basics•5 minutes
7 readings•Total 110 minutes
- Writing method signatures•15 minutes
- Method challenge•15 minutes
- Creating attributes and actions•15 minutes
- Constructors: Instantiating objects with different states•15 minutes
- Inheritance in action•25 minutes
- Polymorphism: Overloading and overriding•15 minutes
- Additional resources: Object-oriented programming basics•10 minutes
4 assignments•Total 75 minutes
- Module quiz: Object-oriented programming basics•30 minutes
- Knowledge check: Classes and objects: Making code reusable•15 minutes
- Knowledge check: Inheritance and polymorphism: Super and sub classes•15 minutes
- Knowledge check: Encapsulation and abstraction: Enhancing code modularity•15 minutes
2 programming assignments•Total 90 minutes
- Graded lab: Writing methods•30 minutes
- Graded lab: Object challenge•60 minutes
7 ungraded labs•Total 305 minutes
- Creating classes•20 minutes
- Working with classes, objects and methods•30 minutes
- Creating multiple classes•60 minutes
- Using logical design •60 minutes
- Encapsulation and data hiding in action•30 minutes
- Creating abstract classes•60 minutes
- Implement multiple inheritance•45 minutes
This module focuses on applying the comprehensive software development knowledge you gained from previous modules to a practical, real-world project. This project module challenges you to integrate various aspects of the Java programming to create a zoo program using super/abstract classes and inheritance, designing and implementing multiple classes representing different types of animals. Through this module, you will demonstrate your ability to develop your own software program.
What's included
2 videos3 readings1 assignment1 programming assignment
2 videos•Total 8 minutes
- Course recap: Introduction to software development•5 minutes
- Congratulations•3 minutes
3 readings•Total 35 minutes
- About the course project•5 minutes
- Exemplar: Creating a zoo•25 minutes
- Next steps•5 minutes
1 assignment•Total 90 minutes
- Course quiz: Introduction to software development•90 minutes
1 programming assignment•Total 100 minutes
- Course project: Creating a zoo•100 minutes
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Reviewed on Nov 21, 2025
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Reviewed on Nov 17, 2024
Last module is a bit scuffed since you need to get the same results as the Emulation which is confusing since variable names can be different and they do not share how you should name your variables
Reviewed on Oct 13, 2024
Nicely explained and with hands-on coding Labs, this course by Amazon is Great, also addition resources are provided to help with course.
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Frequently asked questions
This Professional Certificate is designed for aspiring junior software developers who are looking to kickstart their careers in the tech industry. It is also for current professionals that are seeking greater understanding of software development fundamentals.
This program is for you:
- If you are interested in the field of software development or just beginning to work in junior software development roles.
- If you want to switch or start a career in the field of software development
- If you already work in software development and are seeking a greater understanding of software development fundamentals, earning an Amazon software development certificate can help advance your career or help you address gaps in your knowledge, skills, and abilities.
While prior coding experience is beneficial, it's not mandatory. A basic understanding of programming concepts and a willingness to learn are recommended.
The primary advantage lies in acquiring practical skills and knowledge essential for launching a career as a junior software developer. This Professional Certificate not only equips you with the expertise needed for entry-level roles but also provides a recognized certification, bolstering your credibility within the industry. This credential offers hands-on learning experiences under the guidance of seasoned professionals.
A junior software developer usually supports software application design, development, and maintenance while receiving guidance from senior developers, making them suitable candidates for internships or apprenticeships.
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