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Need to learn Java

Aharami

Aharami

Lifer
I am currently a Cobol developer. Our team is forming a sub-team that will be using Java to rebuild a part of the engine. Somehow I got pulled into that team even though I have no experience in Java. I have some experience in object oriented programming (C++) from college, but that was 4+ yrs ago. I need a crash course in Java over the next two weeks to get me started. Where can I look for help? If you guys have any links or know of any good books, please let me know. At this point, I need to start with the basics.

As for why I was chosen, probably because I am one of the youngest guys in my team (I'm 26, avg age is probably 45+) so higher ups probably view me as best suited to learn something new. I welcome the opportunity but I'm also kinda apprehensive at the same time.
 
I had something similar happen ... you should be alright. I took a crash course, and then just bought a few reference books (none great), and I've been able to muddle through. If you're working with someone who already has experience, you'll be way ahead of me in no time.

This might be better posted in the Programming forum to get more looks.
 
Originally posted by: Patt
I had something similar happen ... you should be alright. I took a crash course, and then just bought a few reference books (none great), and I've been able to muddle through. If you're working with someone who already has experience, you'll be way ahead of me in no time.

This might be better posted in the Programming forum to get more looks.
Click to expand...

crap. I thought I posted this in the programming forum. Can the mods please move it to the proper venue?

Patt, what crash course did you take?
 
I really, really hate that language. And it's not like I'm hating on it because it scares me/I've never used it - I've written a frickin' BlackBerry application using it. It just sucks. 😛
 
Originally posted by: Aharami
Originally posted by: OdiN
quit now.

I HATE JAVA!

It's so ridiculously stupid in many aspects.
Click to expand...

Cobol is stupider
Click to expand...

Well yeah.

Well all I ever program in anymore is Visual Basic.

I don't count a little basic JavaScript/CSS.
 
Originally posted by: paulney
Cobol engineers still exist?
Click to expand...

yea. Almost all mainframes use Cobol and DB2. It's archaic technology, but it works well in processing massive amounts of data in a batch environment. Yea there are newer mainframe technology out there, but the big companies dont want to spend the billions needed to overhaul their tech with something new. I've worked on programs that were written in the 80's!
 
Originally posted by: yllus
I really, really hate that language. And it's not like I'm hating on it because it scares me/I've never used it - I've written a frickin' BlackBerry application using it. It just sucks. 😛
Click to expand...

At least it isn't as ass as C++.
 
If you are near a bookstore, check out Head First java.

http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/hfjava2/?CMP=ILC-hf1st

"Head First Java delivers a highly interactive, multisensory learning experience that lets new programmers pick up the fundamentals of the Java language quickly. Through mind-stretching exercises, memorable analogies, humorous pictures, and casual language, Head First Java encourages readers to think like a Java programmer. This revised second edition focuses on Java 5.0, the latest version of the Java development platform."
 
Originally posted by: Platypus
yeah dude java is pretty ass, have fun with that shit.

it's pretty much pure ass.
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Boy that's some real thoughtful, insightful, and comprehensive analysis there. . .
I like how you give concrete examples of what specifically about Java sucks.
When you say it like that, how could anyone not see how much Java sucks?
Or maybe you are just too retarded and/or inexperienced to comprehend how to program using a mature and fully capable real OO programming language. How many seconds did you spend on trying to learn Java before you turned got frustrated, turned red-faced, started flinging your poo at the walls and arrived at your conclusion?

Anyway, OP, try a Java programmers certification study guide. It will be as much of a "crash course" as you can get I think. It's basically like very thorough Cliff's notes on all the key points of the Java programming language. More than a mere reference but less than an actual textbook type book.
 
Originally posted by: ahurtt
Originally posted by: Platypus
yeah dude java is pretty ass, have fun with that shit.

it's pretty much pure ass.
Click to expand...

Boy that's some real thoughtful, insightful, and comprehensive analysis there. . .
I like how you give concrete examples of what specifically about Java sucks.
When you say it like that, how could anyone not see how much Java sucks?
Or maybe you are just too retarded and/or inexperienced to comprehend how to program using a mature and fully capable real OO programming language.

Anyway, OP, try a Java programmers certification study guide. It will be as much of a "crash course" as you can get I think. It's basically like very thorough Cliff's notes on all the key points of the Java programming language. More than a mere reference but less than an actual textbook type book.
Click to expand...

lol...
 
Quick Reply: Don't get bogged down in the details before you get an idea of where Java is different from C++:

. Comparison of Java and C++

aka:

. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Java_and_C%2B%2B


1. Java is relatively platform independent, running in a platform-specific "virtual machine" which provides a standardized interface to system resources. The same compiled binaries should run the same way without needing a recompile on windows, linux, and Solaris, and a link to Apple. If you use an arcane mainframe OS, COBOL-guy, double-check for VM support. (IBM?) The support for an application running across platforms is awesome, but you lose the absolute homogeneity and standardization, which means more different configurations to keep track of. Not Java's fault, but that is a downside.

2. Java handles memory for you. Generally true. When there are no more references to an object, it is reclaimed. No malloc. There are memory tuning arguments to the virtual machine which can be necessary or just highly beneficial to use, depending on how your pattern of use matches with the defaults.

3. Java is quite flexible in use, but can be too high level for some C++ programmers. You can access libraries in other languages from within java, check for performance impact. Never tried cobol.

4. There are tons of libs, tools, projects, and examples on the web.

5. Google java tutorial and skip over the table of contents, focusing on anything that looks relevant. I guess you are not doing any GUI work, that means you can ignore quite a bit right there.

 
I've not read Head First Java, but I've read Head First Servlets & JSP. Presumably they are the same in regard to being easy to read and going into detail. I've heard Head First Java is a good guide to use when studying for Sun certifications, so it must go into pretty good detail.

I have read Deitel and Deitel Java: How to Program. It's good for learning Java with tons of examples, just not as much fun as the Head First books.

For those problems you've researched and can't get a solution for, head on over to Java Ranch (www.javaranch.com).

HTH
 
Originally posted by: OdiN
quit now.

I HATE JAVA!

It's so ridiculously stupid in many aspects.
Click to expand...
Originally posted by: OdiN
Well all I ever program in anymore is Visual Basic.
Click to expand...
Baha, that's going to have me chuckling for a little while. :laugh:

I'd second the recommendations for the tutorials from sun. There's probably better stuff out there, but it's a decent place to start and covers most topics pretty well (or at least they did when I last went through them).
 
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