getting started with Java

[jes]

I am starting a computer course soon and the instructors all say that the past students have ussually had difficulty learning Java so I think I should start learning it now. I understand that I need a Java development environment and a Java book, like java for dummies or something. Is that right? Here is an item that I found on Ebay. What do you think?JAVA POWER PACK COMPUTER DEVELOPMENT TOOL
Pack includes:
Instructional book (Thick)
Java Special Software Edition book which includes everything you need to know to master Java. (Covers version 1.0)
1 Java Unleashed Special Software Edition CD
1 Java Power Pack CD



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"If the automobile had followed the same development cycle as the computer a Rolls Royce today would cost $100, get a million miles to the gallon and explode once a year, killing everyone inside." - Robert Cringely, InfoWorld Columnist

[kenja]

Sun.com has tons of freely downloadable Java stuff at their website (http://java.sun.com/j2se/). I've downloaded the compiler and a bunch of documentation.

They even link to IDE vendors, and I downloaded the personal version of Borland's JBuilder (free!). (I'm not sure how doable this all is with a dial-up connection.)

[jes]

I have a Windows platform. It seems that everything at that site reuires solaris computers.
I was just thinking of buying a packaged program.
If there is something free for Windoze, then...that would be better.

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"If the automobile had followed the same development cycle as the computer a Rolls Royce today would cost $100, get a million miles to the gallon and explode once a year, killing everyone inside." - Robert Cringely, InfoWorld Columnist

[kenja]

Here ya go. (http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.3/download-windows.html/http://) ("Windows" is a link on the left side of the page I originally linked to.)

I haven't installed any of this stuff (yet). I thought my Fundamentals of Programming course was going to be taught using Java, but they're sticking with C for now.

[This message has been edited by kenja (edited 01-09-2002).]

[jes]

I have downloaded and installed JDK for Windoze. How do I use it? It put three read.me files in my start menu. I remember it mentioning something about a plug-in. I think that means that it is a plug-in itself but how can I program with that?

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"If the automobile had followed the same development cycle as the computer a Rolls Royce today would cost $100, get a million miles to the gallon and explode once a year, killing everyone inside." - Robert Cringely, InfoWorld Columnist

[bassman]

Hey Jes,
Looks like there is quite a few instructional resources on the site as well. Do you get any books with your course? If you can get those now, that might be the ticket. If not, I recommend going the leased expensive route for now just to get a feel for it.

Java is a fairly intinsive language, using compilers and such, so I would recommend using some of the easier languages to start with, just to get an idea on how they work(html, xml, Javascript,...).
Although these are not similar to Java, they would still get you familiar with working on code and are really easy to learn. Plenty of free resources on the net for them too.
Try searching Google, and see what comes up.

Good luck http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/cool.gif

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Waiting patiently for the future to arrive Frank's Place (http://www.members.aol.com/frankscompsrvice)