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Best Java Projects to Build Your Programming Skills

08 Sep 2025
8 min read

Java is a versatile and powerful programming language that is used to create web-based applications, enterprise-level apps, desktop applications, and mobile apps. In short, whether you want to develop a small mobile application or a large enterprise software suite, Java has the tools and libraries you need! Learning Java in itself can be very exciting but the best way to become a good Java developer is to practice your skills on real coding projects.

In this article, we will explore some of the best Java projects to help you improve your programming abilities, ranging from beginner-friendly to advanced Spring Boot projects.

Why Should You Work on Java Projects?

Working on Java real time projects is the best way to turn theoretical knowledge into practical experience. Here are a few reasons why you should focus on Java programming projects:

  • Practical implementation: Projects allow you to apply what you’ve learned, making it easier to grasp the core concepts of Java programming.
  • Problem-solving skills: The process of debugging and optimizing code helps improve problem-solving skills.
  • Boosting employability: Having solid Java projects on your resume can significantly enhance your chances of getting hired as it showcases your ability to tackle real-world problems.

How to Choose the Right Java Project?

Selecting the right project depends on various factors. Consider the following when choosing a Java project idea:

  • Experience level: Choose a project that suits your current skill level. For beginners, simpler projects like a calculator application or a Tic-Tac-Toe game work well. Advanced learners might want to try building a social media application or working on Spring Boot projects.
  • Interests and goals: Align your projects with your interests and career goals to stay motivated and learn effectively.
  • Balance complexity and learning: Pick projects that are challenging enough to push you but not so complex that you get overwhelmed. This balance helps you maximise learning outcomes.

Top Java Project Ideas for Beginners

If you're just starting with Java programming, here are some exciting Java projects for beginners that will help you understand the basics:

1. Calculator Application

Building a calculator is a good way to learn Java syntax and how to make a simple graphical user interface (GUI) with libraries like Swing. You'll need to code basic math operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division). This project will show you how to manage user input, respond to actions, and show results on the screen.

Technologies Used: Java, Swing (for GUI), AWT, Event Listeners, JavaFx

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Source Code: https://github.com/swabah/Java-calculator

2. Tic-Tac-Toe Game

The Tic-Tac-Toe game is an exciting project to work on for understanding the usage of 2D arrays and implementing game logic. It involves designing a board, handling player inputs, and determining the winner. This project will also familiarise you with concepts like loops, conditionals, and arrays in Java.

Technologies Used:  Java, 2D Arrays, Console-based application, Loops, Conditionals

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Source Code: https://github.com/Ormidales/JAVA-TicTacToe

3. Online Banking System 

A simple online banking system will help you learn how to manage user accounts and transactions like deposit, withdrawal, and view balance etc. It is a console-based project for beginners to practice basic programming concepts of object-oriented programming in C++ such as class, object, methods and abstraction.

Technologies Used: Java, OOP concepts, File Handling, Console-based application

Source Code: https://github.com/mishrkavita/Online-Banking-System-using-Java

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4. Library Management System

In a Library Management System we build a software which will help them to store all the book information that they issue from library. It helps us understand the basics of CRUD operations i.e., Create, Read, Update and Delete Data. Also it helps us gives an idea on basic file handling or Database management(Integration with C++ using MySQL) so that you can store/retrieve data which ever way you like your book details or members or borrow/return logs etc.

Technologies Used: Java, JDBC, CRUD operations, File Handling, Swing

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Source Code: https://github.com/harismuneer/Library-Management-System-JAVA

5. Currency Converter

The Currency Converter application in Python is a simple project developed to convert an amount from one currency to another using real-time exchange rates. The user can convert various currencies and the latest conversion rates will be continuously fetched from the Web API. You can also develop this application as a website tool that updates the rates on the go for dynamic users working with international trade, finance, etc.

Technologies Used: Java, Java Servlets, Ajax, Applet.

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Source Code: https://github.com/projectworldsofficial/currency-converter-in-java

6. Brick Breaker Game

A simple and addictive arcade game where the player controls a paddle to bounce a ball and break all the bricks on the screen. The game ends if the ball falls off the screen. Scoring depends on the number of bricks broken. This project helps learners understand game mechanics, animations, and user interactions in Java.

Technologies Used: Java, JFrame, JPanel, Java Graphics Kit.

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Source Code: https://github.com/Ishu214214/Brick-Breaker-Game-In-Java

7. Online Management System

Courier Management System project in Python lets users send courier packages by entering courier details like package weight, send and receiver details, etc. They can even select available delivery options or add new ones. Users (sender and receiver) are given tracking numbers when booking for packages so it’s easy for them to track their packages online in real-time.The Courier Management System could be helpful for logistic companies and make easy access of tracking for users.

Technologies Used: Java, MySQL, JSP, Servlets, HTML, CSS

Source Code: https://github.com/gantasrilaitha/courier-management-system

8. E-HealthCare Management

This project helps healthcare providers to manage their online patient records, their appointments and also the prescriptions and the billing. The patients are able to register themselves and book doctors appointment online. They can also send their queries to the doctor through this system. Thus this will be an interesting project for computer science students who would like to work on developing such a system with data base.

Technologies Used:  Java, MySQL, JSP, Servlets, HTML, CSS.

Source Code: https://github.com/Sid1608/E-HealthCare-Management-System

9. Grading System

The Grading System project calculates students' grades based on their marks, calculates averages, and assigns letter grades. It helps educational institutions manage student records and grading efficiently. The system can be extended with features like report generation and personalised student records.

Technologies Used:  Java, Swing, MySQL, JPanel.

Source Code: https://github.com/GuillaumeDerval/JavaGrading

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10. Bug Tracking System

This system helps to track and manage bugs in software development projects. Developers can log the bug, assign a task to a developer, set the priority level of a bug or task and also can track its progress. It’s helpful in improving software quality + productivity.

Technologies Used: Java, MySQL, Servlet, JSP.

Source Code: https://github.com/octane77/SoftwareBugTracker

Intermediate Java Projects with Source Code

Here are some java project ideas to challenge your skills and deepen your understanding of Java.

1. Inventory Management System

Inventory Management System is a small project on one of the important topics in today’s corporate world – ‘Inventory Management’. In simple words, it is a systematic way of organizing and tracking everything related to inventory. But it does not restrict only to tracking but many other things as well we are going to discuss below. So buckle up for an informative ride!

Technologies Used: Java, JDBC or Hibernate, JavaFX.

Source Code: https://github.com/AsjadIqbal/InventoryManagementSystem

2. Chat Application

A chat application allows users to send real-time messages. This project helps you understand client-server communication using Java sockets. You will learn how to handle multiple connections, send/receive messages, and design a basic user interface. It also demonstrates the power of multithreading for simultaneous communication.

Technologies Used: Java Sockets, Multithreading, Swing, or JavaFX.

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Source Code: https://github.com/Austinuc/Client-Server-Chat-Application-Java

3. Weather Forecasting Application

In this you will build Weather Forecasting Application by integrating a weather API to fetch real-time data. It helps and makes you practice on how to make our requests an handle JSON data’s in Java. Also you will get hands-on with dealing HTTP Requests and parsing the response data and displaying the relevant information like temperature, humidity, forecasts etc.

Technologies Used:  Java, HTTP requests, JSON parsing

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Source Code: https://github.com/darshanbajgain/weather-app-javaServletJSP

4. Virtual Private Network (VPN) 

A VPN system provides secure communication over a public network, enabling office employees to access internal company resources remotely. It ensures the privacy and integrity of data using traffic encryption, tunnelling protocols, and dedicated connections. The application has three modules: admin (manages member data), training (handles networking tests), and marketing.

Technologies Used: Java, Java Servlet, J2EE, Apache Tomcat Server, HTML, JavaScript.

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Source Code: https://github.com/nxvvvv/simple-java-vpn

5. Simple Search Engine

A basic search engine allows users to search keywords and receive a list of related results. By using ranking algorithms, the search results can be prioritised. The search engine will store pages in a database in SOIF format and return relevant search results based on the input query.

Technologies Used: Java, Java Servlet, Oracle or SQL Database, JDBC, Apache Tomcat, JSP.

Source Code: https://github.com/RugvedMavidipalli/Search-Engine

6. Online Cab Booking System

The Online Cab Booking System is made for booking cabs online through internet from any location. The system uses a powerful mapping technology for users to book cabs based on their current location as well as the location of the destination.

Technologies Used: Java, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JSP, JDBC, Java Spring, Java Servlet, MySQL, and Tomcat Server.

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Source Code: https://github.com/rathoresrikant/cab-booking-system

7. Flappy Bird Game

Flappy Bird is a mobile game where the player controls a flying bird by pressing the screen. Each time you press the screen, the bird flies up. Otherwise it falls down due to gravity. The goal is to never hit any obstacle and keep flying as long as possible. If you hit a pipe on your way or if you touch ground, the game ends.

Technologies Used: Java, Java Swing, Java AWT, and OOPS principles.

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Source Code: https://github.com/smk612/FlappyBird/blob/master/src/flappybird/FlappyBird.java

8. Crime Record Management System

The Crime Records Management System is an online webs application. The project aims at maintenance of crime related records. It’s a web based Java JSP and MySQL Database backend Application that uses JSP, package and other concepts of Java/Java EE web development to design the GUI interfaces and other such components for better representation of data.

Technologies Used:  Java, JSP, JDBC, MySQL, Tomcat, Spring, Hibernate.

Source Code: https://github.com/praveenkumarsh/Criminal-Record-Management-System

9. Employee Payroll System

An employee management system like keeping track of payroll for each employee, tax deductions, bonuses and benefits calculations etc., payslips printing and safe storage. Optionally with integration with accounting software for more detailed tax reports or other financial reporting.

Technologies Used: Java, Spring Boot, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, MySQL, MongoDB, JWT, OAuth, Stripe API, PayPal API.

Source Code: https://github.com/emmanpbarrameda/EmployeePayrollManagementSystem_Java-CODE

10. Flight Reservation System

A system is for users to search, book and manage flight reservations. Different services that can be used by consumer to check seat availability, making payment and getting status of their booked flight.

Technologies Used: Java, Spring Boot, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, MySQL, MongoDB, Flight APIs, Stripe API, PayPal API, JWT.

Source Code: https://github.com/emmanpbarrameda/EmployeePayrollManagementSystem_Java-CODE

Advanced Java Projects for Experienced Programmers

Here are some advanced java programming project ideas for students and professionals looking to take their Java expertise to the next level.

1. E-commerce Application

A Spring Boot e-commerce application allows you to create a platform where users can browse products, add them to their cart, and proceed to checkout. This project involves setting up a database for storing product information, integrating payment gateways, and implementing features like product search and user authentication using Spring Boot.

Technologies Used: Java, Spring Boot, JPA, MySQL, React, Spring Security, Stripe, JUnit, Docker.

Source Code: https://github.com/Sirajuddin135/E-Commerce-Application

2. Social Media Application

A social media app where you can add posts (text), see the list of posts, like a post, comment on any post. You will learn how to handle database models for storing your user’s data as well as handling the adding a new post. You will also work with the web sockets to create real time notification or chat features in this project.

Technologies Used: Java, Spring Boot, JPA, WebSockets, MySQL, React, Spring Security, Redis, JWT.

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Source Code: https://github.com/Sathveegan/Social-App-JAVA-Servlet-JSP

3. Hotel Booking System

A hotel booking system is an advanced project that can be built using JavaFX for the GUI and a database for backend operations. It allows users to check room availability, book rooms, and make payments. The project also incorporates room categorisation, booking history, and user authentication.

Technologies Used: JavaFX, Spring Boot, MySQL, JPA, Spring Security, Thymeleaf, Stripe, Docker.

Source Code: https://github.com/zeevolution/hotel-reservation

4. Text Editor

A notepad application implemented in Java that can be used to create, view and edit text files. The application provides functionality for managing files like open, save as and print as well as text manipulation functions like cut, copy and paste.

Technologies Used: Java, Java Swing, Java AWT, JTextArea, JMenuBar, JMenu, JMenuItems.

Source Code: https://github.com/pH-7/Simple-Java-Text-Editor

5. Digital Steganography

Digital Steganography is the method of hiding data scretely inside multimedia files, most commonly images. Text or image data will be embedded into least significant bits of an image. System contains sender and receiver applications to transfer data securely.

Technologies Used:  Java, Java Servlet, MySQL/Oracle, JDBC, Tomcat Server, JSP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript.

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Source Code: https://github.com/Abruuham/steganography

6. Smart Home Automation System

This system allows for intelligent control of home appliances, lighting, and security systems, responding to residents' needs. It integrates sensors, remote access through a mobile app, and machine learning to adapt to user preferences, creating an efficient and streamlined living environment.

Technologies Used: Java, IoT, Mobile App Development, Sensors, Machine Learning, Cloud Computing.

Source Code: https://github.com/narender-rk10/IoT-SMART-HOME-AUTOMATION-ARDUINO-FIREBASE-ESP32-ANDROID-MyHome

7. Customer-Relationship Manager

A CRM system is used to manage and maintain customer relationships. It allows adding, editing, and deleting customer data with real-time data management using tools like Hibernate and Spring. 

Technologies Used: Java, Spring Framework, Hibernate, HTML, CSS, JDBC, CRUD, MVC, MySQL.

Source Code: https://github.com/vaishkiyarminal001/CustomerRelationshipManagement

8. Sudoku Game

An advanced Sudoku game developed using JavaFX, including features like auto-generation of puzzles, user input validation, error checking, and hint options, possibly enhanced with AI for puzzle generation. 

Technologies Used: Core Java, JavaFX, Event Listeners, MVC, Collection API.

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Source Code: https://github.com/mattnenterprise/Sudoku

9. Augmented Reality (AR) Navigation Application

This app uses augmented reality to provide an immersive navigation experience. It integrates GPS for real-time tracking and AR frameworks to offer a visually enhanced navigation interface, incorporating 3D maps and overlays.

Technologies Used: Java, ARCore, ARKit, GPS, 3D Mapping, OpenGL.

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Source Code: https://github.com/umarhabib07/AR-Based_Indoor_Navigation_Application

10. ID Card Generator System

The ID Card Generator System in Java is a software application designed to create personalised identity cards. It allows users to input details like name, photo, address, and other relevant information, which are then used to generate a printable ID card. The system also enables the efficient saving and management of ID card data.

Technologies Used: Java, Swing, JDBC, MySQL, Image Processing.

Source Code: https://github.com/amangoel185/ID-Card-Generator-Applet

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Spring Boot Projects for Real-World Applications

Spring Boot simplifies Java development for web applications. Here are some popular Spring Boot project ideas:

1. Task Management System

A task management system helps users organise and track their tasks or projects. This Spring Boot project involves setting up user authentication and working with databases to store tasks. You’ll learn to implement features like task creation, updating progress, setting deadlines, and managing priorities, all through a web-based interface.

Technologies Used: Spring Boot, Spring Security, JPA/Hibernate, MySQL/PostgreSQL.

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Source Code: https://github.com/ayushman1024/TASK-Management-System

2. Online Examination Portal

The online examination portal is a practical project where you can design a platform for conducting exams. It involves creating user interfaces for administering exams, handling time limits, scoring exams automatically, and providing feedback. You'll use Spring Boot to build a RESTful API for managing users, questions, and answers.

Technologies Used: Spring Boot, Spring Security, JPA/Hibernate, MySQL/PostgreSQL, RESTful API.

Source Code: https://github.com/swapnilbamble1438/ExamPortal

3. RESTful APIs for Employee Management

In an employee management system, you create a RESTful API to manage employee data, such as their name, contact information, department, and salary. This project teaches you how to work with Spring Boot and REST principles, enabling you to perform CRUD operations on the backend while providing a simple API to interact with the data.

Technologies Used: Spring Boot, Spring Security, JPA/Hibernate, MySQL/PostgreSQL, RESTful API.

Source Code: https://github.com/apoorva-joshi/EmployeeManagement

4. Expense Tracker

This app gives users the opportunity to record their income and expenses, and to manage their budget. It provides services to classify transactions, define a budget, and show the financial situation in a chart or report. In fact, the machine can also make summaries for the tax authorities and provide customers with financial advice.

Technologies Used: Spring Boot, Java, Spring Data JPA, MySQL/PostgreSQL, React.

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Source Code: https://github.com/HariCazorla/expense-tracker

5. Project Sagan

Project Sagan is an app that helps you manage your projects by properly arranging tasks, managing team workflows, and ensuring security with the help of user authentication. It gives a group such a chance to work as one by the means of task tracking, user roles, permissions, and notifications. As a result of this platform, the project becomes easier to monitor, thus, managing deadlines, responsibilities, and tasks keeping progress are simplified functions that are accomplished.

Technologies Used:  Spring Boot, Spring MVC, Spring Security, Thymeleaf, Maven, Git.

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Source Code: https://github.com/spring-attic/sagan

6. Blog Platform with RESTful APIs

This is a user-friendly platform that allows users to create, manage, and publish blogs with features such as commenting and liking. It offers a set of RESTful APIs for handling blog posts and user profiles and supports a secure login. The method permits administrators to oversee user access rights and content while offering a simple and user-friendly frontend.

Technologies Used: Spring Boot, Java, Spring Data JPA, MySQL, Spring Security/JWT.

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Source Code: https://github.com/osopromadze/Spring-Boot-Blog-REST-API

7. Microservices with Spring Cloud Project

This project uses a microservices architecture to build an application, leveraging Spring Cloud tools for service discovery, load balancing, and inter-service communication. It demonstrates how different components of an extensive system can work together, providing better scalability, fault tolerance, and maintenance. Integration with messaging systems like RabbitMQ or Kafka is optional for advanced features.

Technologies Used: Spring Boot, Spring Cloud, RabbitMQ/Kafka, Docker, Kubernetes, Git.

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Source Code: https://github.com/PacktPublishing/Microservices-with-Spring-Boot-and-Spring-Cloud-Third-Edition

8. User Registration Module

User registration is a fundamental module in the system and is in charge of the entire registration workflow, including user profile creation, login, as well as permissions. It implements JWT for secured access control, which ascertains that only authorized users can access specific resources. Password encryption and email verification features for improved security are also part of the module.

Technologies Used: Spring Boot, Java, Spring Security, JWT, H2/MySQL.

Source Code: https://github.com/aadeeshjain/User-Registration-Login-SpringBoot

9. Travel Planner

The travel planner is an app that helps you to plan trips, manage itineraries, and make travel arrangements such as flights and hotels. Travelers can design their journeys, exchange travel plans and get suggestions. The application employs safe user authentication to guard the users' privacy and allows for linking to other services, such as Google Maps and the booking API.

Technologies Used: Spring Boot, Java, Spring Data JPA, MySQL/PostgreSQL, Spring Security.

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Source Code: https://github.com/alalvela/travel-planner

10. Event Management System

This software package gives event organizers the functionality to register and manage events, and allow attendee registration, and the sale of tickets to be tracked. The feature of real-time notifications can also be added to this product to keep users updated. In addition, the system facilitates integration of payment for ticket buying and becomes a platform that centrally manages event logistics, attendees, and schedules.

Technologies Used: Spring Boot, Java, Spring Data JPA, MySQL, WebSocket, Maven.

Source Code: https://github.com/GanapathySubramanian/Event-Management-System

Importance of Source Code

Here are some key reasons why source code is essential:

  • Development and Customization: Source code allows developers to build software, customise features, and add new functionalities according to the requirements. Without access to the source code, customisation becomes impossible.
  • Bug Fixing and Maintenance: If issues or bugs arise, access to the source code enables developers to identify, diagnose, and fix the problem. Software maintenance, which includes updating features or improving performance, relies heavily on the source code.
  • Security: Access to the source code allows for better identification of security vulnerabilities. Developers can patch security holes, fix exploits, and implement encryption or authentication mechanisms to secure the software.
  • Collaboration and Open Source: In collaborative software development, multiple developers often work on the same project, and sharing the source code is necessary for effective teamwork. Open-source projects allow the wider community to contribute improvements or fixes, accelerating innovation.
  • Learning and Understanding: For students or aspiring developers, studying source code is one of the best ways to learn coding practices, algorithms, and design patterns. It also helps developers understand how existing systems work and improve upon them.
  • Licensing and Ownership: Source code defines the ownership of a software product. With the source code, developers can determine who holds the rights to modify, distribute, or sell the software, ensuring that licenses and intellectual property rights are adhered to.
  • Performance Optimization: By analysing and modifying the source code, developers can optimise the performance of an application, reducing resource usage and improving speed, scalability, and responsiveness.

Suggested Repositories for Source Code

  • GitHub: You can explore repositories for Java projects, such as Awesome Java, which provides a collection of libraries, frameworks, and tools used in Java development.
  • SourceForge: A platform with many open-source Java projects. You can study these to understand real-world coding approaches and practices.
  • GitLab: Similar to GitHub, GitLab offers an extensive collection of Java-based repositories that can be used for practice.
  • Bitbucket: A Git repository manager that integrates with Atlassian tools like Jira, supporting Git and Mercurial (phasing out Mercurial) with features like efficient code review and pull requests.
  • AWS CodeCommit: A managed Git service offering secure, scalable repositories that integrate with AWS services for seamless development and deployment.
  • GitKraken: A user-friendly Git client that integrates with GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket, providing visual Git management and built-in issue tracking.
  • Gitea: A lightweight, self-hosted Git service that includes issue tracking, pull requests, and a wiki, ideal for small teams and resource-efficient setups.
  • Perforce Helix Core: A version control system designed for large projects, managing code, assets, and branching, especially suited for industries with large files like gaming.
  • Azure Repos: Provides Git repositories with advanced branching and merging features, integrated with Azure DevOps, making it an excellent choice for teams using Azure services.
  • Phabricator: An open-source suite for code review, task management, and project communication, offering extensive customisation for large teams.
  • Beanstalk: A Git and SVN-based code management and deployment platform, streamlining workflows for small to medium-sized teams.

Learning Resources for Java Project Development

To excel in Java project development, use the following resources:

  • Online tutorials: Many websites offer detailed step-by-step guides for creating Java projects.
  • Courses: Platforms like CCBP, Coursera and Udemy offer comprehensive courses ranging from Java programming basics to advanced topics like Spring Boot.
  • Books: Books like "Effective Java" by Joshua Bloch and "Head First Java" by Kathy Sierra are great reads for deepening your understanding of Java programming.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Building Java projects for beginners is an excellent way to learn and master Java programming. You can develop a well-rounded skill set by starting with simple projects and progressing to advanced ones like Spring Boot projects. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some of the best Java projects?

Some java real time projects for beginners include a calculator application, a Tic-Tac-Toe game, an online banking system, and a library management system. These projects help you get hands-on experience with basic programming concepts.

2. Where can I find Java projects with source code?

Many Java projects with source code are available on GitHub and other coding platforms. These repositories provide valuable insights into how to structure code, write efficient algorithms, and follow best practices.

3. What are some simple Java projects for beginners with source code?

Simple Java projects for beginners with source code include a calculator, library management system, and Tic-Tac-Toe game. You can easily find the source code for these projects on GitHub.

4. How can I build a Spring Boot project?

To build a Spring Boot project, start by setting up Spring Boot using the Spring Initializr. You can then add dependencies such as web, database, and security to your project and start building applications like an e-commerce site or a task management system.

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