Starting out learning Java for web development with no Java experience?

[Anthony Kissel]

Hi everybody,

this is my first post here. I work as a web developer and have about 9 years of experience programming PHP, 4 years of Ruby/Rails and about 3 years of Objective-C. I'd say I am a a mediocre programmer but know my way around OO concepts...

Now, I want to broaden my horizon and finally tackle Java for web development. I don't know any Java yet, only Javascript.

Right now I am at the "completely intimidated" stage, having tried to read up on how to get started with java web development, but already have a hard time deciding basic stuff like what frameworks to give a closer look to - there are a a lot of Java frameworks. I would probably like to go the Struts 2 / Spring way plus Google Web Toolkit, probably because I am looking for something like RoR in the "Java universe".

So, my question is, can anyone recommend books, websites, wikis, or any other resource to learn both Java and its web-targeted frameworks at the same time? I am not looking to become a Java genius, its only the web development subset that interests me.

Could be I am completely steering in the wrong direction, though - please let me know!

Thanks a lot!
Tony

[Jeanne Boyarsky]

Anthony,
Welcome to JavaRanch!

You do need to learn Java before starting web development. I recommend "Head First Java" and then "Head First Servlets and JSP." Both teach in a very fun way to read while covering important concepts.

You'll still need to understand the fundamentals to use a framework. Once you h ave the background from a book, framework websites provide excellent tutorials to get started with their framework.

[Anthony Kissel]

Jeanne, thank you! I didn't know about the Head First series but it looks interesting and gets rave reviews everywhere. I will check it out immediately.

Have a nice day
Tony