Java, Where to start?

Tobey · Oct 19, 2005, 09:53 PM

Well a little backround real quick. Im 18 and a senior in highschool, looking at College's and have SAT's coming up. I know I want to go into programming and I've talked to my cousin(programmer for google currently really smart guy if you ask me) about colleges and things like that and he suggested to me that if I was really interested in going into programming and getting a Computer Science degree that I should try and learn some Java and maybe make a small game in it like tetris or something simple.

Well Ive gone down to my local bookstore and ask around but I cant seem to find a good source for "teach yourself Java". If anyone has a good book that I could dive into or something to that extent I would really appreciate it. Also keep in mind I havnt had any experience with programming except some HTML that Ive taught myself.

Thanks in advance.
-Tobey

Callandor · Mar 14, 2006, 08:43 AM

I remember when I was like you back in the day lol, pretty frustrating when you really want to learn "programming" but java seems way too hard for you if you just throw yourself off the deep end, and many tuturials and books do just that and it can be a distressing. What I did, and what I suggest you to do, is get a programming book that teaches you Java Script not Java, first, especially that you've got experience with html but want to look up to java and the other more interesting languages, it comes to you alot faster and is alot easier when you get to picking up your pace and learning java and I suggest this as the easiest path to take, especially if you already know html.

It is possible to learn java without going through java script, but it is more interesting and easier to do so, also, you will learn another more powerful scripting language in the process. It's a shame this post is so old, I don't even know if you will see this or if you will be helped, but for all the others in the same boat that want to "learn programming and don't know where to start" and don't want to go to the course without already having some proper programmnig experience, I hope this is of use to you there. There is no proper way of learning how to program so good luck to you where ever you are.

And as for a book to begin with, I'd suggest Java Script I think it's called by Steven Holzner, he's a great author and his java script books are well organized and easy to understand, and they cover everything you need to know about the scripting language.

Edit: It's called Javascript complete

pr0digal jenius · Mar 22, 2006, 08:30 AM

go to a college bookstore and buy a used Java text book

dehx · Mar 22, 2006, 01:57 PM

I've always taught myself programming, ever since I was 15. The best way that worked for me is starting with a simple language like VB and getting familiar with the different concepts in programming and the control structures.

Most programming languages are 50%-90% the same except for syntax.

pr0digal jenius · Mar 22, 2006, 02:42 PM

also, learn Java in a good IDE like netbeans, as that will simplify the process too

Eman Resu · May 4, 2006, 05:22 AM

Forget about java script and go directly with Java. If you like books, try with thinking in Java. It has a introduction to Object Oriented Programming, and the basics of Java. Also, there are a lot of good tutorials on the net.

bug77 · May 4, 2006, 06:06 AM

Yup, 'Thinking in Java' is a must. Also go to java.sun.com and read every single page of the Java tutorial they have; don't bother with Java EE for now.
As for IDE, Netbeans is nice, but Eclipse uses far fewer resources. And is actually used by companies that develop software. Netbeans has more features, but you won't be needing those for a while. Check both of them out, though, see which one you like better.
You didn't mention your programming skills though, so we could be able to lead you towards basic or more advanced stuff...

moeness86 · May 26, 2006, 11:10 AM

is eclipse freeware ??

another question is , as an average , how muchtime does it take to become able to produce sthg thats useful ?

Eman Resu · May 26, 2006, 12:04 PM

Eclipse it's free, and you can do something userful from the beginning. Other matter is the quality of your program :P Thah comes with time.

wee017 · Jul 2, 2006, 07:06 PM

I've always wanted to get into Java =/ The only thing im good at programming is PHP/MySQL, Flash AS 2, HTML, and some C++. Well I'm 15 so I guess im doing good so far..

kn00tcn · Jul 2, 2006, 11:34 PM

so i guess your HS didnt have any java classes?

my grade10 & 11 was ........ TURING

& grade12 was java... & i think i have jscript next semester in college...

maybe there's some college you can get into for a java class?

oh & what about CNET's online courses

wee017 · Jul 3, 2006, 10:40 PM

I'm in 10th grade (im in summer right now). Not taking any computer classes I think, google and Borders do just fine =D And if I don't get something I got this place and IRC =D

Tobey · Jul 12, 2006, 09:49 PM

Well as a follow up to this thread that I've forgotten about, I have bought a few books on Java and have been spending some time trying to learn it. I'm picking it up slowly but surly and now I'll be going to college in august for Computer Science, while I am lacking programming experience I just hope that studying long and hard can make up for what I didn't have a chance to do in high school.

kn00tcn · Jul 15, 2006, 02:35 AM

if you feel motivated, you should be fine, even from a book (my experience isnt from books though)

you'll find that making your first clickable button or calculation feels so good & you'd sit there doing it over & over

same happens in flash or html..... 'omg my button can open google! *click click click click* yay rollovers'

Eman Resu · Jul 15, 2006, 03:31 AM

It's even better when you look forward and say to yourself "what a pieces of crap i programmed in my day :P". It happens a lot while you're learning. I've been programming for 10 years and still happens to me, as you are learning something new almost every day that makes what you coded earlier look bad.