Quick Question to you Java People

[KeyserSoze]

Hey, I'm teaching myself Java. I just downloaded the SDK from the Sun site, and am writing the programs in Notepad, then compiling them in Command Line.

Do you all reccomend maybe using MS J++? (That is the Java Developer, right?) I have it somewhere around here, I only used C++. OR, is there some other program, freeware I should be looking at? I don't want to spend much money right now...until I really learn it better. But I am NOT having any problems right now doing it this way.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanx in Advance.



KeyserSoze

 

[Ameesh]

I used J++ a lot, it saved me oodles of time because the visual debugger is soo nice. Intellisense is also a great feature that helps coding time (once you get used to it)

IMO its one of the best Java IDEs out there (and yes i have tried others)

give it a go im sure you'll be pleased.

(and when the next eversion of java comes out just copy all the new class files into the class path and violia you get all the updated information in the IDE)


let me know if you have questions.

 

[KeyserSoze]

Aight, cool. Thanx Ameeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesh. (That's how we always say my friend Amish's name. He hates it. )


Yeah, as soon as I find that damn CD somewhere around here, I'll install J++







KeyserSoze

 

[Jzero]

Forte is ok. It's free which is a plus.

 

[Kntx]

i mostly use notepad and compile in command line.

but also use borland j builder now and then.


edit!!!

If you're using J++ resist the temptation of the windows API!!!

 

[BeauJangles]

I use a program called textpad, which I find to be the absolute best. Does nice highlights, matches brackets and has built-in compiling.. highly recommended. And yes, if u use J++ don't use anything that is only proprietary to windows, because that eliminates 1/2 the reason for java.

 

[KeyserSoze]

Alright people, thanks for the responses.

Ok, here's the thing. I am learning Java because of the whole MS thing. I was learning C# with the whole .Net thing. But Industry people have told me that there is not a huge demand for that right now, and it would be better to learn Java right now. And they talked me into getting OUT of the whole exclusive MS platform.

So, this might be a dumb question, but if I do use J++, how do I NOT use the API's. I mean, I'm not sure I understand.



Thanx in Advance



KeyserSoze

 

[vladgur]

If youre looking for an inexpensive/free IDE for java, get netbeans. Its one of the best out there. And since youre only learning Java, DO NOT use Visual J++ because you will end up learning MS-centric approach to JAVA(whatever that is).

 

[BDawg]

Oracle JDeveloper is free. It's what I use.

Microsoft Java programs don't promise compatability with the SDK. Use Forte or JDeveloper.

 

[Martin]

I would stay away from MS stuff if you're using java.


The best (without GUI designer) is JCreator. If you're looking at bigger IDEs with GUI designers the best is Borland JBuilder. Both have a free version and a for pay version.

 

[FeathersMcGraw]

Another free IDE is Eclipse. I've also used Forte/Netbeans and find code navigation slightly simpler in Eclipse.

 

[KeyserSoze]

Awesome, you people rock. I'll take your reccomendations.


Thanx Again.




KeyserSoze

 

[m0ti]

Reposting from the other thread started on the same topic:

I really did like JDeveloper, though I've gotten going with NetBeans recently.

There are some minor differences between the two:

NetBeans supports Java 1.4, while JDeveloper doesn't yet (it's at 1.3)
JDeveloper has better code completion (for some reason NetBeans refuses to complete local variables or parameters passed. This isn't too big a deal since pressing CTRL-K will bring up the last matching text. Still this isn't quite as good as context sensitive completion).
NetBeans has a JUnit module for it, which really makes testing easier.
RefactorIt is available as a module for both, which I consider an essential (refactoring is good).
NetBeans has more modules available for it, since it's been around longer. Though I would have liked to get Code Logic, and it's only available for JDeveloper and JBuilder (or as a standalone).

Since I take it you're a starting developer, pretty much all of the above doesn't matter so much to you.

Personally, I find NetBeans easier to work in, though their options system is a little geeky by my tastes. Overall though, I find it a bit easier to use than JDeveloper but it's no big deal.

I definitely endorse either of these (I'm recently converted from Emacs).