Become a confident Java developer from scratch with lessons built around cutting-edge tools like Copilot, ChatGPT, and Agentic Coding Frameworks. This book will teach you to code in Java using a structured and modern curriculum based on generative AI (GenAI).

Rather than starting with programming fundamentals like syntax, variables, and data structures, you will first dive into a natural language and prompt-driven style of development. Each chapter starts with a fun and engaging application designed to spark your interest and motivate you to learn. This is paired with detailed explanations of programming concepts so you can follow along with the generated code line-by-line and complete self-paced exercises to improve the application.

With this book’s GenAI-accelerated, goal-driven approach, you’ll quickly grasp Java fundamentals and learn to apply modern techniques like prompt-driven and agent-assisted coding. By the end, you’ll be able to turn ideas into working code fast and thrive in GenAI-powered development teams.

What You Will Learn: 

• Build simple Java applications and algorithms using prompts
• Grasp programming fundamentals of the Java language including syntax, variables, control structures, data structures, methods, and classes
• Understand and modify generated Java code to make changes and improvements in the code
• Apply techniques including object-oriented programming, data abstraction, and design patterns that are the foundation of software development
• Utilize agent coding platforms to build complex Java applications that use frameworks and libraries

Who This Book is for:

Self-motivated learners who want to learn Java from the ground up. As part of the AI First series, it offers a modern, self-paced alternative to traditional 100-level programming content, making it accessible for aspiring developers through experienced professionals.

Stephen Chin is VP of Developer Relations at Neo4j, conference chair of the LF AI & Data Foundation, and author of numerous titles including 3 Apress books. He has given keynotes and main stage talks at numerous conferences around the world including AI Engineer Summit, AI DevSummit, Devoxx, DevNexus, JNation, JavaOne, Shift, Joker, swampUP, and GIDS. Stephen is an avid motorcyclist who has done evangelism tours in Europe, Japan, and Brazil, interviewing developers in their natural habitat. When he is not traveling, he enjoys teaching kids how to do AI, embedded, and robot programming together with his daughters.

Jennifer Reif is a Developer Advocate at Neo4j, speaker, and writer who helps developers make better use of their data. An avid developer and problem-solver, she explores data and emerging technologies through hands-on experiments, sharing what she learns at conferences and digital channels around the world. With a background in CMIS and a knack for untangling challenging concepts, Jennifer focuses on turning scattered data and complex topics into clear, understandable actions to build better systems.