Mastering WGU D387 – Advanced Java
WGU D387 – Advanced Java is a challenging yet rewarding course for students in Western Governors University’s Software Engineering or Computer Science programs. This SEO-optimized guide, packed with “WGU D387 tips,” strategies for “how to pass WGU D387,” and insights from “WGU D387 Reddit” discussions, will help you navigate this course with confidence. Whether you’re tackling multithreading, Spring Boot, or Docker, this article provides the tools to succeed.
Course Description
WGU D387 – Advanced Java focuses on advanced programming concepts, building on prior Java courses (D286, D287, D288). Students modify a Spring Boot Java backend with an Angular frontend to implement multithreaded language translation, time zone messages, and currency exchange. The course also involves building and containerizing a Docker image for cloud deployment. It prepares students for real-world software development roles. For more details, check the WGU Software Engineering program guide.
[](https://github.com/thekenpoist/d387-advanced-java)
Useful Resources & Tips
Based on “WGU D387 Reddit” posts and forums, here are top resources for mastering D387:
- Udemy – Chad Darby’s Spring Boot Course: Focus on Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 6 for Spring Boot and REST controller basics. Students praise its clear explanations.
- GitLab: Access the WGU GitLab repository for project files and demo code. Follow the “students-run-this” pipeline instructions.
- Studocu/Course Hero: Find student guides and sample submissions for D387 tasks, including Docker and cloud deployment steps.
- YouTube: Watch tutorials on multithreading (e.g., ExecutorService) and Docker basics from channels like Amigoscode or Tech With Tim.
- WGU Cohorts: Recorded sessions, especially the “How to Deploy a Container to Cloud” video (Azure focus at 43:50), clarify deployment steps.
- ChatGPT: Use for code debugging or understanding Angular/Spring Boot concepts.
[](https://www.reddit.com/r/wgu_devs/comments/1fftf0z/d287_java_frameworks_resources/)
[](https://www.reddit.com/r/WGU_CompSci/comments/17fnqu2/d387_advanced_java_walkthrough/)[](https://www.reddit.com/r/wgu_devs/comments/1cw54h8/d387_advanced_java_additional_tips/)
[](https://www.reddit.com/r/WGU_CompSci/comments/17fnqu2/d387_advanced_java_walkthrough/)
[](https://www.reddit.com/r/wgu_devs/comments/1cw54h8/d387_advanced_java_additional_tips/)
Tips: Clone the GitLab repository early and create a working branch in IntelliJ. Commit and push code for tasks B1, B2, B3, and C1. Use incognito mode in Chrome if you encounter “Run pipeline” permission issues. Practice multithreading with ExecutorService and REST controller setup.
[](https://www.reddit.com/r/WGU_CompSci/comments/17fnqu2/d387_advanced_java_walkthrough/)[](https://www.reddit.com/r/WGU/comments/18w0yx5/d387_advanced_java/)
Mode of Assessment
WGU D387 is evaluated through a Performance Assessment (PA) with multiple tasks:
- Task A: Set up the GitLab repository and run the pipeline.
- Task B1: Implement multithreaded language translation using Resource Bundles and ExecutorService, displayed via a REST controller on the Angular frontend.
- Task B2: Add CAD and EUR prices to the Angular frontend (App.component.ts and HTML) using a forEach loop.
- Task B3: Implement time zone message functionality.
- Task C1: Build and run a Docker image using IntelliJ terminal commands.
- Task C3: Write a step-by-step cloud deployment plan (Azure recommended for simplicity).
- Task D: Submit GitLab branch history (PDF), Docker screenshots, C3 deployment plan (Word), and repository link.
[](https://www.reddit.com/r/WGU/comments/18w0yx5/d387_advanced_java/)[](https://www.reddit.com/r/wgu_devs/comments/1cw54h8/d387_advanced_java_additional_tips/)
[](https://www.reddit.com/r/wgu_devs/comments/1cw54h8/d387_advanced_java_additional_tips/)
[](https://www.reddit.com/r/WGU_CompSci/comments/17fnqu2/d387_advanced_java_walkthrough/)[](https://www.reddit.com/r/wgu_devs/comments/1cw54h8/d387_advanced_java_additional_tips/)
[](https://www.reddit.com/r/wgu_devs/comments/1cw54h8/d387_advanced_java_additional_tips/)
Common Challenges
From “WGU D387 Reddit” posts, students highlight these hurdles:
- Multithreading: Understanding ExecutorService and Resource Bundles for Task B1 is time-consuming.
- GitLab Issues: Pipeline permission errors require incognito mode or troubleshooting.
- Docker Setup: Building and running Docker images can fail if “expose daemon” is disabled.
- Rubric Confusion: Submission requirements are contradictory, causing confusion about deliverables.
- Frontend Integration: Linking Spring Boot backend to Angular frontend (Task B1) trips up beginners.
[](https://www.reddit.com/r/WGU/comments/18w0yx5/d387_advanced_java/)
[](https://www.reddit.com/r/WGU/comments/18w0yx5/d387_advanced_java/)
[](https://www.reddit.com/r/wgu_devs/comments/1cw54h8/d387_advanced_java_additional_tips/)
[](https://www.reddit.com/r/WGU_CompSci/comments/17fnqu2/d387_advanced_java_walkthrough/)[](https://www.reddit.com/r/WGU_CompSci/comments/17mk9ik/month_4_notes_tips_for_d387_d336_d284_and_c949/)
[](https://www.reddit.com/r/wgu_devs/comments/1cw54h8/d387_advanced_java_additional_tips/)
How to Pass Easily
To ace WGU D387 on your first attempt, follow these strategies from Reddit and forums:
- Start with GitLab: Clone the repository in IntelliJ (version 2022.3.2) and create a working branch. Run the “students-run-this” pipeline.
- Focus on Task B1: Study the D387 Advanced Java Walkthrough and Chad Darby’s Udemy course for multithreading and REST controllers. Use ExecutorService to retrieve Resource Bundles and link to Angular.
- Simplify Task B2: Add CAD/EUR prices to App.component.ts and HTML with a forEach loop, following the existing price object structure. Use emoji keyboard for currency symbols.
- Master Docker for C1: Run `docker build -t [d387_student_id] .` and `docker run -p 8080:8080 [image_name]` in IntelliJ’s terminal. Verify with `docker images`. Ensure “expose daemon” is enabled.
- Write Clear C3 Plan: Create a step-by-step Azure deployment guide (1-2 sentences per step) in Word. Use the cohort video at 43:50 for guidance.
- Organize Submissions: Submit a PDF of GitLab branch history, Docker screenshots, C3 Word doc, and repository link. Avoid cloud storage links.
- Timeframe: Allocate 2-4 weeks, studying 3-5 hours daily. Experienced coders may finish in 1-2 weeks.
[](https://www.reddit.com/r/WGU_CompSci/comments/17fnqu2/d387_advanced_java_walkthrough/)[](https://github.com/JONATHANJ64/Advanced-Java)
[](https://www.reddit.com/r/WGU/comments/18w0yx5/d387_advanced_java/)[](https://www.reddit.com/r/wgu_devs/comments/1fftf0z/d287_java_frameworks_resources/)
[](https://www.reddit.com/r/wgu_devs/comments/1cw54h8/d387_advanced_java_additional_tips/)
[](https://www.reddit.com/r/wgu_devs/comments/1cw54h8/d387_advanced_java_additional_tips/)
[](https://www.reddit.com/r/WGU_CompSci/comments/17fnqu2/d387_advanced_java_walkthrough/)
[](https://www.reddit.com/r/wgu_devs/comments/1cw54h8/d387_advanced_java_additional_tips/)[](https://www.reddit.com/r/WGU/comments/1aijsk4/d387_advanced_java_submission/)
[](https://www.reddit.com/r/WGU/comments/18w0yx5/d387_advanced_java/)
Sample Submission Checklist
Below is a sample checklist to ensure all deliverables are met:
| Task | Deliverable | Completion Date |
|---|---|---|
| Task A | Clone GitLab repository, create branch, run pipeline | 09/01/2025 |
| Task B1 | Multithreaded language translation with REST controller | 09/05/2025 |
| Task B2 | Add CAD/EUR prices to Angular frontend | 09/07/2025 |
| Task B3 | Time zone message functionality | 09/09/2025 |
| Task C1 | Build and run Docker image, submit screenshot | 09/11/2025 |
| Task C3 | Azure deployment plan (Word doc) | 09/12/2025 |
| Task D | GitLab branch history (PDF), screenshots, repository link | 09/13/2025 |
Conclusion
WGU D387 – Advanced Java is demanding but achievable with focused effort. Leverage Chad Darby’s Udemy course, GitLab demos, and “WGU D387 Reddit” tips to master multithreading, Spring Boot, and Docker. Start early, follow the rubric, and test your code thoroughly to ace the PA. For more guides, see all WGU course guides here.
FAQ
Is WGU D387 hard?
WGU D387 can be challenging due to multithreading and Docker tasks, but prior Java experience and resources like Chad Darby’s Udemy course make it manageable.
[](https://www.reddit.com/r/WGU/comments/18w0yx5/d387_advanced_java/)[](https://www.reddit.com/r/WGU_CompSci/comments/17mk9ik/month_4_notes_tips_for_d387_d336_d284_and_c949/)
How long does WGU D387 take?
Most students complete WGU D387 in 2-4 weeks with 3-5 hours of daily study. Experienced programmers may finish in 1-2 weeks.
[](https://www.reddit.com/r/WGU/comments/18w0yx5/d387_advanced_java/)
Is WGU D387 an OA or PA?
WGU D387 is a Performance Assessment (PA) with tasks involving coding, Docker, and cloud deployment documentation.
[](https://www.reddit.com/r/wgu_devs/comments/1cw54h8/d387_advanced_java_additional_tips/)
What are the key tasks in WGU D387?
Key tasks include multithreaded language translation, Angular frontend updates, Docker image creation, and a cloud deployment plan.
[](https://www.reddit.com/r/wgu_devs/comments/1cw54h8/d387_advanced_java_additional_tips/)[](https://github.com/thekenpoist/d387-advanced-java)
What’s the best way to study for WGU D387?
Master Chad Darby’s Udemy course, use GitLab demos, practice multithreading and Docker, and follow “WGU D387 Reddit” tips for a streamlined approach.
[](https://www.reddit.com/r/WGU/comments/18w0yx5/d387_advanced_java/)[](https://www.reddit.com/r/wgu_devs/comments/1fftf0z/d287_java_frameworks_resources/)