Skip to content

Project Kickoff - Reference Handout

What You'll Do Today

  • Choose and plan your own Java project
  • Break down your project into smaller tasks
  • Set up your project in the IDE
  • Start building your first feature

Project Planning

  • Pick an idea: What do you want to build? (Game, tool, tracker, etc.)
  • Define features: What should your program do?
  • Break it down: List the main parts (classes, methods)

Example:

Project: Simple To-Do List - Features: Add task, remove task, view tasks - Classes: ToDoList, Task - Methods: addTask(), removeTask(), showTasks()

Setting Up Your Project

  • Create a new project in IntelliJ IDEA
  • Make folders for your code (e.g., src/)
  • Create your main class (e.g., ToDoListApp)

Version Control (Git Basics)

  • Why use Git?
    • Save your progress
    • Go back if you make mistakes
    • Work like real developers
  • Basic commands:
    • git init (start a repo)
    • git add . (stage changes)
    • git commit -m "message" (save changes)

Start Coding!

  • Begin with your main class or first feature
  • Test your code as you go
  • Ask for help if you get stuck

Mini-Exercises

  1. Write a method for your first feature
  2. Test your method with sample data
  3. Commit your changes to Git

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Code won't run: Check for typos and errors
  • Feature too big: Break it into smaller steps
  • Stuck? Ask your mentor for help

End of Day Checklist

  • Chose a project and planned features
  • Set up project in IDE
  • Started coding first feature
  • Used Git to save progress
  • Participated in meeting

Homework (Optional)

Research: Find an example of a similar project online

Tomorrow's Preview: Project Work Continues

  • Add more features to your project
  • Test and improve your code