Many portals go on and on about the shortage of programmers and the number of job openings that remain unfilled, but they do little to share resources or describe the main obstacles. The hardest step in programming is the first one; however, the folks at CodeGym propose something different: learn to program in Java by playing, with a strong emphasis on practice. How does the idea of leveling up and getting through more than 1,200 lessons sound...?

Learning to Program in Java by Playing Is Not Impossible
Learn to program in Java

Nobody says it's easy. Learning a programming language requires time, dedication, patience, and a high tolerance for frustration. You have to be willing to experiment, try, make mistakes, and try again. Everyone wonders "where do I start?" and unfortunately, most answers just put theory on the table.

That's where CodeGym comes in. What's its strategy? That everyone interested can learn Java programming while also playing. The material has been prepared and structured as an adventure. Think of a role-playing game: You're level 1, you have no skills, and your gear is basic. CodeGym expects you to want to learn Java from scratch, and its "game" includes an impressive number of exercises.

How to learn Java programming with CodeGym

Learning to Program in Java by Playing Is Not Impossible
Java Syntax, it all begins here

CodeGym's learning material is divided into three categories. The first is "Course", and each of its entries is a mission to complete. It all begins with Java Syntax, which teaches us about classes, objects, methods, variables, basic data types, arrays, conditional statements, and loops. But don't let that description intimidate you. The text tells us about the crew of the Galactic Rush, a cruise ship that ended up stranded on a planet inhabited by wild robots. The crew decides to reprogram the robots to use them as labor, but one of the members (who is also a robot) has doubts about exploiting the locals...

Learning to Program in Java by Playing Is Not Impossible
There are nine lessons in level 0 alone. CodeGym isn't kidding.

The missions continue with "Java Core", "Multithreading in Java", and "Java Collections", but you shouldn't worry about that now. In essence, CodeGym is telling a story divided into lessons, and it wants you to engage more deeply. Only "Level 0" is made up of nine lessons, and you'll need to reach Level 10 before completing the Syntax module. In total, CodeGym offers more than 1,200 lessons, with a practical focus of 80 percent.

Learning to Program in Java by Playing Is Not Impossible
Some of the scenarios are quite colorful...

The "Tasks" category just presents the list of lessons/exercises you'll see in "Course", and finally we get to "Games", where you'll create clones of famous titles (Snake, 2048, etc.) with what you've learned. A good part of the content has been translated into Spanish, but don't be surprised to find a lesson or two in English. If you think CodeGym is what you need to learn Java programming, don't hesitate to create an account.

Official site: Click here