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How to learn java?

 
Greenhorn
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Hi,I have many years experience in C language programming(not C++),and I want to learn java, who you tell me how I can start my work, and please recommend 1 - 2 suitable books to me.
Thanks.
 
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Welcome to javaranch Liu.
I highly recommend you head first java, by Bert Bates and Kathy Sierra, it's an excellent book.
If you want to target certification (SCJP), then this is the way to go.
The authors (and us ) are always around here so if you happen to have any questions, erratas, etc., you can post it in the appropriate forum and you'll get an answer pretty quick.
good luck
[ August 21, 2003: Message edited by: Andres Gonzalez ]
 
Liu Dan
Greenhorn
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Thanks, Andres. Do you have any opinion on the book <<Thinking in Java>>,I have a electronic version.
 
Ranch Hand
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Hi Liu.
People learn in different ways and like different books. There seem to be many people who really like Thinking in Java.
I knew C but not C++ before learning Java. I studied the two volumes of Core Java by Cay Horstmann. Then I read The Java Programming Language by Arnold, Gosling, Holmes. Then I read Java Network Programming, by Elliotte Rusty Harold.
I would suggest browsing Thinking in Java and Core Java to decide which style helps you the most. Both books are used by my local university for teaching Java to C programmers.
Everyone should read The Java Programming Language, but not as the first Java book.
 
Ranch Hand
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In addition to Head First Java, I am also using the Sun Java Tutorial for a second angle on the basic stuff.
 
Sheriff
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Here is a list of free on-line Java tutorials and books that I have found useful:
  • Sun's Java Tutorial
  • Introduction to Computer Science using Java by Bradley Kjell
  • Introduction to Programming Using Java by David J. Eck
  • Dick Baldwin's Java Programming Tutorials
  • Interactive Programming In Java by Lynn Andrea Stein
  • Bruce Eckel's Thinking In Java
  • And right now, Douglas Dunn is giving away free pre-release versions of his Java Rules Volume 2 book at http://www.javarules.com
    [ August 22, 2003: Message edited by: Dirk Schreckmann ]
     
    Ranch Hand
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    Thinking in Java was to blame I got interested in Java
    I think is suitable for someone with a c/c++ background, but not the first book for a beginner.
    err... wait I have no c/c++ background
     
    Marlene Miller
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    Besides Core Java volumes I & II, Cay Horstmann also has two other really good Java books - Big Java (for beginning Java programmers) and OO Design and Patterns [using Java] (for people who know a just a little Java).
     
    Greenhorn
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    Hi Liu,
    Check out java learning resources ie., free books, tutorials and samples at http://www.geocities.com/rahmanjava/index.html
    Best of Luck
    S.M.Rahman
    SCJP,SCWCD
     
    Ranch Hand
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    I was a C systems level programmer for many years. In 1997, I took a
    C++ class at Boston University. The class was an eye opener because
    of the way it was taught: Not to flood you with tool usage and skills
    to get you immediately productive, but rather, how to understand how the
    FEATURES of the language allow you to write more maintainable, more
    extensible code.
    I think many Java books try to provide too must instant gratification ;
    you get bombarded with examples of how to use this API and that API to
    do all these cool practical things.
    Java is all about helping you write correct code that is maintainable
    and extensible. Keep this in mind as you learn the facets of the language.
    The features of the language are all responses to problems that folks
    observed during the last 30 years of software development. The "rules"
    of programming in Java are designed to HELP you avoid pitfalls in
    implementation and design that might lead to unmaintainable, unextensible
    code. Java does this because the compiler enforces TONS of rules on your
    source code.
    In the past, you might have learned about how to write code that is
    fast. You might have also spent MORE time learning APIs and extracting
    value from them then spending time on thinking about good software design.
    Time to put an end to learning and thinking that way...
    When you learn Java, keep in mind that all the arcane rules about things
    (i.e. overriding constructors, subclassed exceptions, threads model),
    are designed intentionally to FORCE you to write code that has a shot
    of (1) working and (2) being extensible out of the box. Java cant do
    everything, much is still in the hands of the developer.
    When you learn Java, you must always think about How Can I Use the
    Features of the Core Language to write high-quality code. Worrying
    about solving particular problems is a hackers mentality. Problem
    solving is assumed, elegance and refinement is the objective here.
    -- Jim
     
    Marlene Miller
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    Jim, did you have a textbook that supported this approach to learning C++?
     
    With a little knowledge, a cast iron skillet is non-stick and lasts a lifetime.
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