# How to Transition from Java Courses to Programming Languages Courses in Open Source CS

> Learn how to transition from Java courses to programming languages courses in Open Source CS. Complete OOP in Java to meet prerequisites and advance your skills.

- Repository: [Forrest Knight/open-source-cs](https://github.com/ForrestKnight/open-source-cs)
- Tags: getting-started
- Published: 2026-05-01

---

**Complete "Object-Oriented Programming in Java" (line 17 in README.md) to satisfy the prerequisite for Programming Languages Parts A, B, and C.**

The ForrestKnight/open-source-cs repository structures its computer science curriculum through explicit prerequisite chains defined in [`README.md`](https://github.com/ForrestKnight/open-source-cs/blob/main/README.md). Each course entry specifies required prior knowledge, creating a gated progression from foundational Java programming to the University of Washington's Programming Languages sequence.

## Prerequisites for the Programming Languages Track

According to the source code in [`README.md`](https://github.com/ForrestKnight/open-source-cs/blob/main/README.md), the Programming Languages courses enforce strict entry requirements. **Programming Languages, Part A** (line 21) lists **Object-Oriented Programming in Java** as its sole prerequisite. Parts B and C subsequently require the immediate predecessor in the series.

This dependency structure appears in the repository at these specific locations:

- Line 21: Programming Languages, Part A — requires Object-Oriented Programming in Java
- Line 22: Programming Languages, Part B — requires Programming Languages, Part A  
- Line 23: Programming Languages, Part C — requires Programming Languages, Part B

## The Complete Java Course Sequence

Before transitioning, you must complete the six-course Java progression listed at lines 15-20. Each course builds upon the previous concepts, culminating in the object-oriented programming skills required for language theory study.

The sequence runs as follows:

1. **Java Programming: Solving Problems with Software** (4 weeks) — Line 15
2. **Java Programming: Arrays, Lists, and Structured Data** (4 weeks) — Line 16
3. **Object Oriented Programming in Java** (6 weeks) — Line 17
4. **Data Structures and Performance** (6 weeks) — Line 18
5. **Java Programming: Principles of Software Design** (4 weeks) — Line 19
6. **Java Programming: Build a Recommendation System** (4 weeks) — Line 20

### The Gateway Course

**Object-Oriented Programming in Java** functions as the bridge between the Java fundamentals and the Programming Languages theory track. As implemented in the curriculum at line 17, completion of this six-week course satisfies the entry requirement for line 21's Programming Languages, Part A.

## Entering the Programming Languages Sequence

Once you complete the gateway course, proceed through the three-part University of Washington sequence:

- **Programming Languages, Part A** (5 weeks) — Line 21
- **Programming Languages, Part B** (3 weeks) — Line 22  
- **Programming Languages, Part C** (3 weeks) — Line 23

Each subsequent course depends on the previous installment, creating a linear 11-week path through language design, implementation, and type theory.

## Automating Course Navigation with Python

Extract and verify course dependencies programmatically using the line number references from [`README.md`](https://github.com/ForrestKnight/open-source-cs/blob/main/README.md). The following script constructs a linked transition path:

```python

# Mapping of line numbers to course titles (extracted manually from README)

java_path = [
    (15, "Java Programming: Solving Problems with Software"),
    (16, "Java Programming: Arrays, Lists, and Structured Data"),
    (17, "Object Oriented Programming in Java"),
    (18, "Data Structures and Performance"),
    (19, "Java Programming: Principles of Software Design"),
    (20, "Java Programming: Build a Recommendation System")
]

pl_path = [
    (21, "Programming Languages, Part A"),
    (22, "Programming Languages, Part B"),
    (23, "Programming Languages, Part C")
]

def format_link(line, title):
    url = f"https://github.com/ForrestKnight/open-source-cs/blob/master/README.md#L{line}"
    return f"[{title}]({url})"

print("Transition path:")
for line, title in java_path + pl_path:
    print("- " + format_link(line, title))

```

Running this script generates a markdown-compliant checklist of the complete learning path, allowing you to verify your progress against the repository's structure.

## Summary

- Complete the six-course Java sequence ending with **Object-Oriented Programming in Java** at line 17
- Verify completion to unlock **Programming Languages, Part A** at line 21
- Progress sequentially through Parts A, B, and C as listed at lines 21-23
- Reference specific line numbers in [`README.md`](https://github.com/ForrestKnight/open-source-cs/blob/main/README.md) to confirm prerequisite requirements

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Which specific course unlocks the Programming Languages track?

**Object-Oriented Programming in Java**, located at line 17 of [`README.md`](https://github.com/ForrestKnight/open-source-cs/blob/main/README.md), serves as the required prerequisite for Programming Languages, Part A. Without completing this specific course, you cannot satisfy the entry requirements listed at line 21.

### Can I skip any Java courses and still enroll in Programming Languages?

No. The repository explicitly lists **Object-Oriented Programming in Java** as the prerequisite, which itself requires completion of **Java Programming: Arrays, Lists, and Structured Data** (line 16). The curriculum enforces this chain to ensure you possess the necessary object-oriented concepts before tackling language theory.

### How long does the transition take?

The gateway course requires 6 weeks, followed by 5 weeks for Programming Languages, Part A. This creates an 11-week minimum timeline from intermediate Java programming to the start of formal language theory, assuming sequential enrollment without breaks.

### Where can I verify current prerequisite requirements?

Check the latest version of [`README.md`](https://github.com/ForrestKnight/open-source-cs/blob/main/README.md) at `https://github.com/ForrestKnight/open-source-cs/blob/master/README.md`. The Programming Languages series requirements appear at lines 21-23, with prerequisite links pointing to line 17 for the Java gateway course.