Java is the world’s most popular programming language, but it’s known for having a steep learning curve.

Learn Java the Easy Way

takes the chore out of learning Java with hands-on projects that will get you building real, functioning apps right away.

You’ll start by familiarizing yourself with JShell, Java’s interactive command line shell that allows programmers to run single lines of code and get immediate feedback. Then, you’ll create a guessing game, a secret message encoder, and a multitouch bubble-drawing app for both desktop and mobile devices using Eclipse, an industry-standard IDE, and Android Studio, the development environment for making Android apps.

As you build these apps, you’ll learn how to:

-Perform calculations, manipulate text strings, and generate random colors

-Use conditions, loops, and methods to make your programs responsive and concise

-Create functions to reuse code and save time

-Build graphical user interface (GUI) elements, including buttons, menus, pop-ups, and sliders

-Take advantage of Eclipse and Android Studio features to debug your code and find, fix, and prevent common mistakes

If you’ve been thinking about learning Java,

Learn Java the Easy Way

will bring you up to speed in no time.

Dr. Bryson Payne is a tenured professor of computer science at the University of North Georgia, where he has taught for over 15 years.

Featured in the Wall Street Journal and CIO Magazine, and a national speaker on technology leadership, Dr. Payne has been programming computers since the age of 12; he sold his first paid program for $10 to RUN Magazine (Commodore 64) for their "Magic" column in 1985. In addition to coding in over a dozen programming languages, Dr. Payne speaks Spanish and French, and is conversational in Russian and Mandarin Chinese.

He previously taught middle school math and programming and continues to work extensively with K-12 schools to promote technology education, using 3D printers, robots, drones and mobile apps.