Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science A (also known as AP CompSci, AP CompSci A, AP CSA, AP Computer Science Applications, or AP Java) is an AP Computer Science course and examination offered by the College Board to high school students as an opportunity to earn college credit for a college-level computer science course. AP Computer Science A is meant to be the equivalent of a first-semester course in computer science. The AP exam currently tests students on their knowledge of Java.

AP Computer Science AB, which was equal to a full year, was discontinued following the May 2009 exam administration.

AP Computer Science emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with an emphasis on problem solving and algorithm development. It also includes the study of data structures and abstraction, but these topics were not covered to the extent that they were covered in AP Computer Science AB. The Microsoft-sponsored program Technology Education and Literacy in Schools (TEALS) aims to increase the number of students taking AP Computer Science classes.

The units of the exam are as follows:

Historically, the AP exam used several programs in its free-response section to test students' knowledge of object-oriented programs without requiring them to develop an entire environment. These programs were called Case Studies.

This practice was discontinued as of the 2014–15 school year and replaced with optional labs that teach concepts.

Case studies were used in AP Computer Science curriculum starting in 1994.

The Large Integer case study was in use prior to 2000. It was replaced by the Marine Biology case study.