Ref: Amazon Coursera Junior Software Developer Course.

Link to the course: Link.

ROUGH NOTES (!)
Updated: 21/2/26

Course-1. Software Development

Link to the course: Link.

Java is a versatile, fast, and reliable programming language. It powers many things, from apps on your phone to big banks that manage your money.

In this course we will apply fundamental Java programming concepts.

We will study the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).

We will study Object Oriented Programming (OOP).

By the end of this course we will create a virtual zoo.

[Virtual Zoo Project]

Writing less code:

Let’s start with a simple concept—an animal. In your project, you’ll create a blueprint, or class, to represent this animal. Think of this class like a model for a cycle. It serves as a template, outlining all the basic features common to every cycle.

Now, when this model is used to create new versions with additional features, the original is known as the base class, and the new versions are called child classes. For instance, if you want to create a motorcycle, it will inherit all the characteristics of a cycle—like wheels, handlebars, and seats—just like a cycle. However, it will have extra features, such as an engine, making it distinct from a regular cycle. This enhanced version would be considered a child class of the base class ‘cycle.’

Using this same concept, you will create a base ‘animal’ class which will represent the common characteristics of all the animals in your zoo. You will then reuse this class to create specific animals like a tiger and a dolphin. Imagine this to be something like creating a motorcycle or a snowmobile from the base class cycle.

Adding behaviours:

Tigers and dolphins not only have characteristics, but they also have certain behaviors, like moving and eating, which differ. You will implement these behaviors via something called an interface.

User preferences:

In your project, after the code for your animals is set, you’ll create a menu-based system, which allows you, as the user of the program, to choose what you want your animal to do or, in other words, to display the animal’s specific characteristics and behaviors that you wish to.  

This menu will allow you to choose an animal—in this instance, a tiger, a dolphin, or a penguin. Once you have made your choice, you will be able to see the specific characteristics of your animal. You can modify these if you want. You will also be able to display the behaviors that the animal possesses, like walking, swimming, or eating.