The purpose of this study was to examine the factors related to self-efficacy for Java programming among first year engineering students. An instrument assessing Java programming self-efficacy was developed from the computer programming self-efficacy scale of Ramalingam & Wiedenbeck. The instrument was administered at the beginning of the course via Internet with a questionnaire concerning gender, department, computer skills, computer experience, frequency of computer use and family background. Results indicated that self-efficacy of males were stronger than females, 11.8% of the variance in self-efficacy was explained by computer experience, the correlation coefficient calculated with the regression factor score of computer skills and self-efficacy scores was statistically significant. In addition siblings use of computers was significant and the mother's role was critical. The Java Programming Self-Efficacy Scale is appended. (Contains 2 figures and 3 tables.)