This is a short guide for those new to Java and wanting to learn to program for the Java 2 Platform.
Here are 5 simple steps to get you up and running:
- Visit java.sun.com
and download the latest version of the JDK.
The JDK is Sun's free Java Development Kit.
In order to focus on learning the language itself first, those new to
Java will want to use the JDK, before jumping into a full blown IDE.
The current release of the JDK (1.2) can be found at http://java.sun.com/products/jdk/1.2/.
- If you're going to be working with the latest generation of applets over the web, you'll want to download the Java Plug-in.
The Java Plug-in enables web browsers to implement the most current version of the Java Run-time Environment.
As of the latest generation of browsers, you cannot view 1.2 applets without the Java Plug-in.
The Java Plug-in can be found at http://java.sun.com/products/plugin/.
To implement applets which use the Java Plug-in, you'll also need to get the Java Plug-in HTML Converter, which can be found at http://java.sun.com/products/plugin/1.2/converter.html.
Like the JDK, these downloads are both free.
- Invest in a good introductory book on Java.
Make sure however that you don't just grab any book off the shelf.
There are hundreds of books out there on Java, but you'll want to make sure you pick up a good one.
See our list of recommended books
if you need help finding one.
It should go without saying, but try to stay away from the Dummies,
Learn in 21 Days, and similar books, as these rarely have the depth
you'll need to seriously learn a programming language.
Also, whichever book you decide to learn from, BE SURE TO GET THE LATEST
EDITION.
In only a few short years, the Java language has undergone several major
revisions (1.0.2, 1.1, 1.2).
If you purchase a book of a previous edition, you'll likely be learning a
few models and methods which are now totally obsolete.
- Bookmark the Java API Specification. Since Java books cannot
duplicate all the details found in this document, you will find books
referring you to this documentation often.
Its a good habit to pick up, because after you've mastered the
fundamentals, you will find yourself looking to it for most of the
answers to your questions. An online copy of the Java 2 Platform API
Specification can be found at http://java.sun.com/products/jdk/1.2/docs/api/.
- Once, you've gotten a grasp of the basics, look towards the web
for the latest scoop on Java.
There is a plethora of tutorials out there, and since Java is such a
rapidly evolving language, the best information is usually on the web
long before it makes to print.
Check out our own growing collection of tutorials as well as those from other sites.
|
