AP Computer Science AAP
Java programming and OOP.
Overview
AP Computer Science A teaches Java programming, problem solving, and object-oriented design.
Why it matters
It prepares students for CS majors and software careers by building algorithmic thinking and coding fluency.
Skills you’ll build
- Java syntax
- OOP principles
- Algorithms & data structures
- Debugging & testing
Topic Breakdown (Units)
Unit 1: Primitive Types
- Variables
- Casting
- Expressions
Unit 2: Using Objects
- Constructors
- Methods
- AP classes
Unit 3: Boolean Expressions and if Statements
- Relational/logical operators
- Control flow
Unit 4: Iteration
- while
- for
- Off-by-one
Unit 5: Writing Classes
- Fields/methods
- Encapsulation
Unit 6: Arrays
- 1D arrays
- Traversal
Unit 7: ArrayList
- List operations
- Generics
Unit 8: 2D Array
- Matrices
- Nested loops
Unit 9: Inheritance
- Superclass/subclass
- Polymorphism
Unit 10: Recursion
- Base/recursive cases
- Tracing
Lessons & Notes
Unit 1: Primitive Types
Represent and manipulate data values.
- int/double
- final
- operator precedence
Unit 2: Using Objects
Create and use objects and library classes.
- String
- Math
- Random
Unit 3: Boolean Expressions and if Statements
Make decisions with conditional logic.
- &&, ||, !
- De Morgan's
Unit 4: Iteration
Use loops to process data and control repetition.
- loop invariants
- nested loops
Unit 5: Writing Classes
Design classes with state and behavior.
- access modifiers
- this
- constructors
Unit 6: Arrays
Store sequences of values and iterate efficiently.
- enhanced for
- index bounds
Unit 7: ArrayList
Use dynamic arrays to manage collections.
- add/remove
- autoboxing
Unit 8: 2D Array
Model grids and perform matrix operations.
- row/column traversal
Unit 9: Inheritance
Reuse and extend behaviors via class hierarchies.
- overriding
- interfaces
Unit 10: Recursion
Solve problems by defining smaller subproblems.
- stack frames
- termination