New to Java, looking for direction

[dseaver]

I have programmed in C/C++/C# and want to get a basic understanding of Java. What are some good books and/or websites to get acquainted with Java with my background? Also, whats a good Java IDE? I use Visual Studio 2005/2008 for my C# programming, I've heard of Eclipse, is that the standard java IDE? Thanks!

 

[Diancecht]

There are plenty of books out there, but for the basis I'd recommend using a text editor and command-line compilation to know what's going on "behind the scenes"

Cheers,
Dian

 

[dseaver]

Dian, I am looking for suggestions for a Java book that is not going to go through the basics of OOP and such, I know that there are plenty out there. I would appreciate any recommendations of books that would fit my level of knowledge.

 

[Miros]

Java for Students is pretty good, and doesn't spend more than one chapter reinventing the OOP wheel.

Beyond that, pick a project and figure out the Java equivalents of the C calls you'd use.

 

[Diancecht]

Online tutorial

Cheers,
Dian

 

[zinja]

As far as a good IDE for Java, I just started using XCode (for Macs). So far, I really like it.

LJ

LJ Wilson

My personal saying - Just remember, it can always get worse, and usually will.

 

[AlexCuse]

I'd second Dian's recommendation of using a text editor and compiling on the command line. IDE's make it too easy.

Bruce Eckel's "Thinking In Java" is a good book, I had to take a java course for a prerequisite to grad school, and that seemed the best of the books they had us buy. Since you're familiar with C# you shouldn't find it too difficult.

You might like to learn a bit about different build tools for java too, I found that at least as interesting as the language itself.

Have Fun,

Alex

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