On learning Java

[Battousai001]

Im currently learning Java, I was able to learn its basics like object-oriented programming concept, classes, variables, control flow operators, etc.

I need an advice on whats the best java tutorial on the web, or do I just have to read Sun's own entire Java tutorials located at: http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/index.html

For me Sun's Java tutorial gives me headache (literally) specially when reading it and I have to re-read like 2-3 times to even absorb a little of it.

I learned Java from a highschool text book entitled "Java programming by examples" the book is thin but its very straightforward and explains each line of code on example codes it is very helpful for my understanding of Java, but the book seems to be just for introducing Java and not meant to make someone good at it. I find the book to be a shortcut as it explains in very little detail and uses layman's term and very simple explanations.

Do you guys have any suggestions on whats the best Java tutorial on the web that uses layman's terms and uses simple words and explains lines of code? Or do I just have to read the entire sun's java tutorial? I am planning on learning this as fast as possible.

 

[Atheus]

The Sun Java documentation is really meant as a reference not a programming course - use it as such.

Is this your first programming language? If so I suggest you buy a book. We used 'Java programming for everyone', 'java programming from the beginning', 'data structures and other objects using java', and 'object oriented software engineering' in the first year of university. I still have them if you want ISBN numbers or whatever, but there are plenty of good books out there.

It is also invaluable to have someone else learning with you, or at least someone who you can ask questions of. If you don't want to do a course at a local college or something, then you can ask questions here, but at least buy a book.

 

[jaynonymous]

I would second the recommendation for the "java programming from the beginning" book. It was the book I ended up turning to the most as I was learning Java. You may also want to visit JavaRanch.com, which has a lot of information about learning Java.

 

[mundane]

It looks like Introduction to Java Programming-Comprehensive Version is what my old CS program is using for the intro course. It's a little pricey, even used, since it's the current version. On the plus side, it should include all of the nifty new Java 5 features. Looking at the Amazon page, Beginning Programming with Java For Dummies seems to have received respectable reviews, and looks to be a good place to start. Used copies start @ $13, but it's older, and only covers up to Java 2.

The Java tutorial can be a great resource when learning/re-familiarizing yourself with language components, but really isn't the place to learn the language.

 

[Battousai001]

Hi, thanks for the replies. Someone offered a video tutorial on Java, do you think its better to learn java through video instructions. He gave me the link on the type of java tutorial. Here it is: http://www.appdev.com/prodfamily.asp?ca...ppDevCatalog&category_name=J2SEProduct

 

[Armitage]

I think I'm going to start learning java also. Any reccomeneded resources for someone with a pretty strong C++/OOP background. Either development environment neutral, or linux/*nix oriented.

 

[kamper]

Originally posted by: Armitage
I think I'm going to start learning java also. Any reccomeneded resources for someone with a pretty strong C++/OOP background. Either development environment neutral, or linux/*nix oriented.

The sun tutorial in the op and the online javadocs. I'm sure that's all you'll need to at least get underway with programming. Learning the various tools is a different story 😛

 

[Aikouka]

Get a Dummies book. You'll thank me later 😉.

 

[Battousai001]

How about the video tutorials? do you think it'll be much better?

 

[Armitage]

I personally don't see the point of a video tutorial for a programming language at all.

 

[irishScott]

My HS used this:
http://academics.tjhsst.edu/compsci/CSweb/index.html

download the "packets" and "shells" at the bottom. The unitx links show you what the output of the lab should look like. Good luck.

Also, I consider myself pretty fluent in java so feel free to PM me if you have any questions

 

[flashbacck]

Has anyone read the Head First Java Programming book? And if so, is it good?

http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/hfjava2/

 

[jaynonymous]

I can't specifically speak to the Head First Java book, but I'm a fan of other books in the Head First series, and the authors are very good (I've read other books by them). My guess is that it's a pretty good book for learning Java.