Before we dive into building real-world Java applications, let’s start with the basics—but not in a boring way.

This section gives you a solid grounding in what makes Java unique, powerful, and still relevant today. Whether you’re completely new to Java or returning after a break, you’ll find this section valuable for both understanding the why and how of Java development.

You’ll learn:

• What Java really is and why it has stood the test of time
• The roles of the JDK and JVM, and how they work behind the scenes
• How to set up Java on your system (Windows or Linux) using .zip or .tar.gz downloads
• How Java source code becomes executable programs
• And finally, you’ll write, compile, and run your very first Java program

No fluff, no overcomplication—just the essential foundation you need to move forward with confidence.

Let’s get started.