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Learning Java web development first, instead of console/client apps?

 
Greenhorn
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I am wondering if it is that much harder to learn Java by starting with web apps, rather than other console-type apps. Sure, there is a lot of hullabaloo over GUI design in Java and such, and many seem to use Java as a server-side programming language anyway.

I need to learn the key concepts of Java, but don't know if I will be in over my head if I want to learn how to build basic database-driven web applications (an inventory system is what I am keen on using for a first project). As I look at learning resources, there are many other technologies at play with web development such as JSP, JSF, beans, etc. I obviously need to learn the core stuff, but won't I be using core stuff anyway?

On a related question I saw regarding .NET development, one person said that ASP.NET knowledge would not mean less C# knowledge because they both come into play with web development on that framework.

Netbeans builds the dev server right in, so I don't have to mess with the extra setup or integration issues to get started - no worries there. I just wonder if that is too big a bite for starters?

I appreciate any thoughts/concerns/suggestions.
 
Marshal
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I would think that if you need to learn the key concepts, that is what you ought to do, and forget about these other things until later.
 
Greenhorn
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I found the Java language easy to learn (I was proficent in both C/C++ and VB) but the techno-buzz and the cumbersome number of java products made it a hard time.
Once you know Java, you face Chaos:
- may I learn how to make Applets sing and dance?
- How about Swing / AWT? Not to mention SWT from Eclipse...
- Obviously, I need to learn every construct of the Java languaje, now.
- Object relational mapping: Hibernate, Entity EJB, OJB, ...
- What IDE is better: Eclipse, NetBeans, ...
- plus other 1024 random questions.
That's what I advice:
- Learn how to make console Java apps. Learn the basics. Avoid reading a line on Applets. If you are not going to make any desktop apps, jump the AWT / Swing chapters.
- Skip streams / files. Skip socket programming.
- Learn OOP in Java. Learn JDBC. Learn the basic APIs: java.util, the Wrapper classess, etc.
- Buy a book on servlets / JSP.
- Learn an Object - Relational mapping package. Hibernate is relatively easy to learn.
- Focus on MVC: Struts is easy to learn.
- From here, go to JSF and Spring.

I know it's a stupid advice, but don't get stressed. You will need at least two years to master all that stuff. So take it easy...
 
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