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I want to learn Java

C

Cristatus

Diamond Member
I want to learn Java, so I need a good compiler, preferably free, and good learning resources, preferably free as well.

Hardly any past coding experiences, best I have probably done is written on of those calculator apps in Pascal, the one where you enter the two numbers, and then enter the function, but I don't even remember how I did that anymore.
 
Thank you MrChad. One question though: do i need to get both the compiler and the IDE, or does the IDE have a compiler?
 
Originally posted by: logic1485
Thank you MrChad. One question though: do i need to get both the compiler and the IDE, or does the IDE have a compiler?
Click to expand...

Compiler always comes from Sun. I don't know if Eclipse bundles the JDK or not.
 
Originally posted by: MrChad
Compiler: Download the development kit from http://java.sun.com
Learning resources: Look at Sun's tutorials at http://java.sun.com
IDE: Eclipse
Click to expand...
I second the motion for all these. If you're brand-new, know that the IDE is not really neccessary.
To start off with, I'd really recommend installing the Java SDK from sun and then use notepad to code your first "hello world" program (or a re-write of your calculator app).
Once you're comfortable with what's going on -- after a few "console based" apps with simple input/output, THEN add the IDE to the mix.
I think jumping straight to the IDE hides too much of what's happening, and is too "magical" for a beginner. The IDE makes more-advanced programming MUCH more productive (in my opinion).

Someone mentioned JCreator. It is essentially the same as Eclipse, except not as wide-spread. Chances are you can go to a magazine rack and find a java magazine with an article about Eclipse any day of the week. There won't be any articles about JCreator -- except maybe on a list of "alternatives to Eclipse".
Don't get me wrong. I've used JCreator and I think it's good. It's just that Eclipse is "better" and more widely used in the industry.

Good luck -- and welcome to the world of Java
It may seem like a huge monster at first... but don't get scared away
 
Originally posted by: ttown
Originally posted by: MrChad
Compiler: Download the development kit from http://java.sun.com
Learning resources: Look at Sun's tutorials at http://java.sun.com
IDE: Eclipse
Click to expand...
I second the motion for all these. If you're brand-new, know that the IDE is not really neccessary.
To start off with, I'd really recommend installing the Java SDK from sun and then use notepad to code your first "hello world" program (or a re-write of your calculator app).
Once you're comfortable with what's going on -- after a few "console based" apps with simple input/output, THEN add the IDE to the mix.
I think jumping straight to the IDE hides too much of what's happening, and is too "magical" for a beginner. The IDE makes more-advanced programming MUCH more productive (in my opinion).

Someone mentioned JCreator. It is essentially the same as Eclipse, except not as wide-spread. Chances are you can go to a magazine rack and find a java magazine with an article about Eclipse any day of the week. There won't be any articles about JCreator -- except maybe on a list of "alternatives to Eclipse".
Don't get me wrong. I've used JCreator and I think it's good. It's just that Eclipse is "better" and more widely used in the industry.

Good luck -- and welcome to the world of Java
It may seem like a huge monster at first... but don't get scared away
Click to expand...
I'd say you're right on the button with all of that, except the statement that JCreator and Eclipse are essentially the same. I've only seen a little of JCreator so I can't speak authoritatively but I'd wager that it's nowhere near eclipse's feature level. Using JCreator could I do a full featured debug session of a JBoss instance running in a completely seperate jvm (even on a different machine)? I love eclipse by the way 😀
 
Originally posted by: MrChad
Originally posted by: logic1485
Thank you MrChad. One question though: do i need to get both the compiler and the IDE, or does the IDE have a compiler?
Click to expand...

Compiler always comes from Sun. I don't know if Eclipse bundles the JDK or not.
Click to expand...
Technically the compiler usually comes from Sun (sorry for being picky 😛). IBM also has a full blown jdk which I believe is mostly compatible with Sun's. Some people have done some other work on open source java environments (the gnu, for instance) but I wouldn't touch it.

Eclipse does not come with a jdk but, if you have multiple ones installed (say 1.4.x for compatibility and 1.5.x because it's cooler) you can switch back and forth with a few clicks 🙂.
 
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