What are some ways to learn Java online for free without any prior programming knowledge? Can it be done and if so, what resources would you recommend?

Start with a basic general programming class like Harvard’s CS50, which is free online. CS50: Introduction to Computer Science | Harvard University . Then do a Java specific Coursera specialization like:

Object Oriented Programming in Java .

Harvard’s CS50 is less programming language specific and more general while the Coursera specialization is more Java specific.