Learning Java 3

[NullOp]

I am interested in learning java with the goal of getting a job programming in it. In everyones humble opinion, what would be the best path to take to get there? Which IDE to learn, which libraries, etc, etc.

"Life Is Good!

 

[Bong]

I would avoid an IDE until you learn the basics. I think a context-sensitive text editor (I like CONTEXT) would be best. I'd start with a book, say, Java in a Nutshell, and a liberal use of the API spec. Furthermore, I find it difficult to learn a programming language (or any language for that matter) unless you have something to say. That is, at least for me, it helps to start with a project, something I want to accomplish. For me it was a HEX editor and a Linear Least Squares curve fit.

_________________
Bob Rashkin

 

[tom62]

The way I did learned Java was 1. bought some good books about Java (like Bruce Eckel's "Thinking in Java"), 2. got me a good IDE (Eclipse), 3. practiced coding using the examples found in the books and elsewhere (Internet); and 4. started my private project.

I do recommend to start coding with an IDE, mainly because an IDE is very helpful to find typing mistakes, syntax error etc. It could be very annoying if you type everything in by hand in a text-editor and only figure out the bugs in your program after numerous recompiles.

 

[Diancecht]

I disagree. You can use the Eclipse editor, that's fine, but if you let Eclipse set the classpath and compile for you, you won't learn what's happening "behind the scenes" and will be more difficult for you to determine problems in later stages.

Cheers,
Dian

 

[jaxtell]

I agree with Dian. I have used java from the command line, and could still do it if I had to. I use eclipse because it automates many tasks for me. But I am capable of doing all these tasks without eclipse. Running wizards is great, until something doesn't work right. Debugging a process you don't understand is no fun, if not impossible.

 

[prosper]

Free legal copy of Thinking in Java can be found in the web. I recommend those books for Sun Certified Java Programmer if you want deep knowledge with Java. (I love the one with the author Kathy Sierra) Please read a few pages of the book to see if it suits you.

 

[NullOp]

I have the CONTEXT editor. I agree, it a good product. I also have "Thinking in Java" which seems to be a very good starting point. I have installed Eclipse and worked with it some. It seems to have a steep learning curve of its own. Has anyone tried the Spring framework or BlueJ? I have a project I want to do but am not ready to start on it.

Is Sun certification worth persuing? The pricetag seems to be just over $4K but may be worth it.

All the help and recommendations are are appreciated!

"Life Is Good!

 

[acent]

Personally, I got started with Java by taking a class at the local community college. I was lucky enough to get a professor that was very good at teaching the concepts. He made us use notepad and the command line compiler. Looking back, this was a great way to learn the basics about remembering the semicolon, parentheses, brackets, etc. and being literal about the syntax. It was only 2 classes later that we started to use the Metrowerks CodeWarrior IDE.

Now, whenever I have a problem in any language, I go straight to the code to follow it. Call me oldschool, but I like this way.

"If it's stupid but works, it isn't stupid."
-Murphy's Military Laws

 

[prosper]

Reading the exam book help you knowing how Java work. The exam
needs people to read the Java program questions and predict the questions. If there are errors, you have to predict it is runtimeexception or comilation error. You can choose mutiple answers for some questions.

Some people memorize the questions and go for the exam. If you pass the exam with your ability instead of memorizing the questions,
I am certain that you are familiar with J2SE. This can help you code faster.

The exam requires you have some programming knowledge. Please read more information on the exam before you decide if the exam worth the money.

 

[ceyezumma]

I am using netbeans. I create the demo and get it to work. Then study it and then create my own project from the example. netbeans6.0 is cool.

 

[Diancecht]

Be careful if you're learning. NetBean will do some things for you, making it easier but hiding what's going on "behind the scene"

Cheers,
Dian