Java developing > where to start

Deitel & Deitel have good starting books in general. We had "C: How to program" as our prescribed book for introduction to programming. One of my better programming books. Deitel & Deitel write in a step wise manner that is really good for beginners. These books are mainly about teaching syntax and a few common algorithms but do not really train you in formulating a solution in code. So once you know the syntax rather well, try some of the challenges at http://www.spoj.pl/. Some are really easy, others are quite advanced.
 
Hey budd, where abouts are you situated? I have all my college books (CTI), and they are really awesome to get you started in java... Step by step guides how to do things etc.. I'd be more than willing to give them to you... And to answer any of your questions that arise from it... Drop me a PM... :)
 
I started with a book called "Programming With Java in 24 Hours" by Rogers Cadenhead.

Takes it slow & explains everything so it's pretty good. I started off learning Python in varsity though, so it makes understanding concepts a lot easier. I'd recommend starting with Python first. Easier to learn concepts there & Syntax isn't such an issue. I wouldn't say starting with C ANYTHING, I've heard it's a lot more intense than Java.
 
theres a lot of good books out there, best is to get stuck in and write some code. I do like IDEs but i do think a basic editor and terminal/command line is best for beginners.

If you're really looking into this quite seriously maybe work at the Oracle Java certifications, i think they rank from beginner all the way to architect.
 
phiber said:
theres a lot of good books out there, best is to get stuck in and write some code. I do like IDEs but i do think a basic editor and terminal/command line is best for beginners.

If you're really looking into this quite seriously maybe work at the Oracle Java certifications, i think they rank from beginner all the way to architect.
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I didn't know Java had certifications. Are they worth getting & what fees are there?
 
D3x! said:
Hi All,

I am looking for some info and guidance on where to start with regards Java development.

I have been looking at the oracle site but to be honest a bit overwhelmed.

Should one decide to start Java programming, first for own use and later as a career what steps would you suggest in terms of courses? would you go with the oracle courses or recommend others?

I am sure i will have more questions as we go along.

Thanks in advance
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A good book to start programming in Java would be Head First Java since the approach is less formal that you may find in other books. The other link that Replicator posted regarding the Stanford University lectures will also prove useful to you. Since the java world is kind of big my advice is to chip at it slowly otherwise you might lose motivation by means of information overload.

If you thinking of being a professional java developer then you should consider the SCJP (i think its now called OCPJP) certification ... but dont concentrate on that just yet. A certification in that seems to leave your employer with a godd impression of you. The exam is about r2000 but employers typically pay for it, so consider this if you want to make a career out of being a java developer.

In terms of other people suggesting other languages you should probably consider it as well, but try and go for a different programming paradigm (so functional programming) if you want to switch ... but stick to a single language just for the purpose of getting to grips with it. One of the worst things you can possibly do is close your mind saying that a specific language is the best. Programming languages solve their own unique problems or solve the same problems differently (some better than others) :)
 
gkisela said:
I didn't know Java had certifications. Are they worth getting & what fees are there?
Click to expand...

Oh there are plenty. The Oracle Certified Associate Java SE certification, followed by the Oracle Certified Professional Java SE Programmer certification and then Oracle Certified Master Java SE Developer certification are your three major certifications. There are several more specialist certifications one can acquire, mainly to do with Java ME or Java EE.
 
I also started with Java about 5 days ago...downloaded a book called Beginning Java Programming For Dummies...really enjoying it so far and it's a VERY nice book!
 
Sorry if somebody already posted it: But if you want to start with java developing, I personally would start with

public static void main(String ... args) {
}

And then go from there ...

[All jokes aside: there has been a few threads on this type of thing already. I'm not going into the C++ vs C# vs Java vs ... debate]

I would

1. choose a topic, let's say some basic graphics development.
2. do some research until I find something in that line, i.e nehe.gamedev.net
3. Get the latest Eclipse with the latest JDK
4. Start with the first tutorial and be amazed ...

[This is just one approach: I liked graphics when I started - instant gratification and all that. I later met SQL & databases and fell in love with back end development]

All still started with public static void main ...
 
bin3 said:
Sorry if somebody already posted it: But if you want to start with java developing, I personally would start with

public static void main(String ... args) {
}

And then go from there ...

[All jokes aside: there has been a few threads on this type of thing already. I'm not going into the C++ vs C# vs Java vs ... debate]

I would

1. choose a topic, let's say some basic graphics development.
2. do some research until I find something in that line, i.e nehe.gamedev.net
3. Get the latest Eclipse with the latest JDK
4. Start with the first tutorial and be amazed ...

[This is just one approach: I liked graphics when I started - instant gratification and all that. I later met SQL & databases and fell in love with back end development]

All still started with public static void main ...
Click to expand...

"All still started with public static void main" - Such a poetic ending haha, love it!
 
bin3 said:
Sorry if somebody already posted it: But if you want to start with java developing, I personally would start with

public static void main(String ... args) {
}

And then go from there ...

[All jokes aside: there has been a few threads on this type of thing already. I'm not going into the C++ vs C# vs Java vs ... debate]

I would

1. choose a topic, let's say some basic graphics development.
2. do some research until I find something in that line, i.e nehe.gamedev.net
3. Get the latest Eclipse with the latest JDK
4. Start with the first tutorial and be amazed ...

[This is just one approach: I liked graphics when I started - instant gratification and all that. I later met SQL & databases and fell in love with back end development]

All still started with public static void main ...
Click to expand...

I don't think I will ever forget this post :p

the java studies going well imo, enjoying it :)
 
D3x! said:
:| i heard it is easier to go from java to C etc than the other way around but that is not my question :p

but thanks for answers in the meantime :)
Click to expand...

learn Pascal. can't go wrong
 
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