I'm diving into a Java fundamentals course on DataCamp and am eager to take the MOOC Java course from the University of Helsinki next. However, I'm hitting a wall with NetBeans—it just isn't working for me, despite closely following the provided instructions. Is it possible for me to complete the course using different methods, like working on exercises through other platforms, or should I consider switching to different resources like YouTube or w3schools instead?
3 Answers
You could also try using IntelliJ IDEA, which you can download for free, though some features will be limited without a license. A lot of developers love it for Java programming. Just a heads up, though—while it’s a great IDE, the TMC plugin that you'll need for the MOOC isn't supported anymore, so keep that in mind!
Just make sure you check the latest resources for the MOOC since stuff can change.
Just a tip—make sure to mention your operating system when asking for help. If you're on Mac, you might run into some specific issues with NetBeans. On Windows, the right version of Java is crucial—Java 11 is what you need, along with TMCBeans provided by the course. The troubleshooting process could be a bit clearer if you can pinpoint the exact problems you’re facing.
You might want to consider switching to Visual Studio Code and adding the TMC (TestMyCode) plugin. This will allow you to access the Java Programming I course, which could really help you keep up with your studies.

Thanks for the info! That's really helpful.