Introduction to Java Programming

This unit introduces foundational Java programming concepts and practices for beginning game programmers, covering syntax, data types, control flow, methods, basic classes, collections, simple file I/O, and entry-level Swing interfaces. Over approximately 30 hours, students will build, run, trace, and debug small Java programs to prepare for more advanced object-oriented design and event-driven game logic in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the execution flow of simple Java programs by tracing variable changes, control statements (if/switch), and loop behavior to predict output
• Apply Java syntax and language constructs to write, compile, and run programs that use primitive types, char and String, ArrayList, and basic file input/output
• Demonstrate modular program design by defining and invoking methods within classes and using classes to organize code and reduce redundancy
• Evaluate and debug Java programs using IDE tools and systematic testing, and implement basic Swing components to create simple user interfaces