Learning java for the first time 1

[jeanpierre]

Hello Folks,

I am pretty new to programming - I would like to learn Java. I tried with downloading Sun's SDK but was pretty put off by the DOS format.

Can I use a visual tool like Borland's JBuilder? Is this a good start? I want to use Java to learn about oo programming.

Are there any other free tools that can aid the process?

 

[wushutwist]

I think most people will agree that the best way to learn java is using the good ole textpad. Use <<insert favorite text editor here>> to write your code. Use javac to compile and java to run it. It is going to be a bit confusing at first, especially when you start getting CLASSPATH problems, but hey that is what forums like these are for.

When you start really doing work in Java of course you are going to use an IDE. Nobody I know of does professional development in textpad though some Unix freaks may still prefer emacs or *gasp* vi(le) since java IDEs only recently are becoming popular in Unix/Linux. The IDE helps too much for a beginner though. You need to go through all of the &quot;beginner problems&quot; that is one of the things that will help you learn and become a better all around developer.

Also, Viva La JBuilder! Wushutwist