Your foundation in Java. Learn variables and data types, build expressions and produce output, cast between types, read documentation and the API, and call methods on the Math and String classes — then create and use your first objects.
Six ways to master Unit 1 — pick whichever fits how you like to study.
All 15 topics from the College Board CED, in order.
Unit 1 introduces the Java programming language and gives you the foundation every later unit builds on. You start with what an algorithm and a program are and how source code is compiled and run. Then you learn the three primitive data types — int, double, and boolean — declare variables, build expressions with arithmetic operators (respecting operator precedence), and produce output with System.out.print and println.
You’ll cast between int and double, use compound assignment and increment/decrement operators, read the API and documentation, and understand method signatures (name, parameters, return type). Finally you begin object-oriented programming: calling class (static) methods like those in the Math class, creating objects with new and constructors, calling instance methods, and manipulating immutable String objects.
On the exam this unit is 15–25% of the multiple-choice section and takes about 32–34 class periods. The five computational thinking practices below run through every topic: