I'm a newbie - how do I get started with Java?
Question: I'm a newbie - how do I get started with Java?
The bookstore approach
If you've never used Java before, there are several ways to get started. One way, of course, is to go down to your local bookstore and find every book you can about the subject. You can also go down to your local library and do the same thing. There are many, many books available for people interested in learning how to program with Java.
The Internet approach
Of course, this being the Internet, there is a second way. One of the great things about Java is, assuming you already have a computer, you can learn all about Java and obtain the compiler for free!
If you're completely new to Java, the first thing I'd recommend is go to the source of all things Java, Sun Microsystems. Their main Java link is:
http://java.sun.com
From this link you'll find wonderful things, like:
- The Java Developer's Kit (JDK)
- The kit includes the Java compiler and Java Virtual Machine (JVM). If you're on a bare-bones budget, you can use your PC, an editor, and the JDK to create Java applets, applications, and servlets. (If you have more money, there are many great tools to help you create Java software more easily, but this is how many of us got started.)
- Sun's Java Tutorial
- A very nice intro to Java software development.
- The JavaSoft FAQ Index
- A collection of FAQ's about Java topics.
Using Sun Microsystems alone as your information source, you can:
- Download the Java JDK
- Install the JDK on your computer
- Learn how to compile Sun's sample programs
- Read the tutorial and learn how to write your own programs
- Read their FAQ's to learn much more about Java
Now, outside of Sun and their Java Division, there are many other places you can go to freely learn more about Java. These sites include:
- Developer's Daily Q&A Center
- Our own "Question-and-Answer" center features answers to frequently-asked questions about Java.
- Developer's Daily Pure Java Center
- Our educational center for learning about Pure Java. Provides many tutorials and examples.
- Developer's Daily JavaWarehouse
- Go to our Warehouse when you want to "Learn Java by Example". Go here if you already know the name of a class or method, and want to see how it's used in a real-world software application. Includes well over 2,000 source code files.
- The Java Programmer's FAQ
- A terrific FAQ from the Java news groups.
Of course there are many other interesting Java-related places to go to learn about Java, or see examples of Java in action. Here are just a few of the many possibilities:
- Gamelan
- The official Java directory. A very large listing of Java resources around the world.
- Java Applet Rating Service
- The main alternative to Gamelan.
- DevDirectory
- Our own directory of Java resources (also includes Perl and General Programmer resources).