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What are the top five things a beginner should learn first in Java programming?

 
Greenhorn
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Hey everyone, I am a greenhorn to Java programming and I was just wanting to know, as the title suggest, what are the top things I should be learning first to avoid some headaches later on? I do have some programming experience.

Thanks!
 
Marshal
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Welcome to the Ranch

I think
  • 1: Understand object‑oriented programming.
  • 2: Know the object‑oriented paradigm.
  • 3: Learn how to program with objects.
  • 4: Understand what objects mean in programming.
  • 5: Learn to use objects for everything. Actually in Java8 you can use functional programming constructs instead.
  • Other people might disagree but a lot of us have experienced that people have difficulty understanding object programming.
     
    Sheriff
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  • Know how to compile and run Java from the command line
  • Understand the classpath
  • Understand Java packages and directory structures
  • Familiarize yourself with how to read the Javadocs
  • Become a member at CodeRanch
  •  
    Campbell Ritchie
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    I particularly like Bear's No 5.
     
    Bear Bibeault
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    And he wisely already has that one covered.
     
    Java Cowboy
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    Brandon, welcome to the Ranch.

    Oracle has a good set of tutorials, from absolute beginner level to advanced topics.

    First, familiarize yourself with the setup: install the JDK, learn how to write a simple Hello World program and how to compile and run it. You can find this in the Getting Started tutorial. One of the things here is, as Bear already mentioned, understanding what the classpath is. This is a source of confusion and headaches for many beginners.

    Then, learn the syntax and concepts that are used in Java. The tutorials Learning the Java Language and Essential Classes explain these. I agree with Campbell that understanding object oriented programming concepts is very important.

    Have fun learning Java!
     
    lowercase baba
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    1) spend 90% of your time THINKING, and 10% TYPING
    2) Compile and test after every 2-3 lines, MAX
    3) No matter how much you test, it is not enough
    4) Simple, clear code is more important than just about anything else
    5) Programming is like legos. you want lots of little methods you assemble into one larger program, not one MASSIVE block that does everything.
     
    Greenhorn
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    1-First of all you should install everything you need for Java.
    2-Watch as much as you can tutorial to learn how to run and compile java in the command line.
    3-Test your program after you finish each step is very important to fix all the errors before moving to the other step.
    4-Think logically when you want to find a solution for writing any object.
    5-Remember to end each line with a semi colon.
     
    Ranch Hand
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    In all the docs I've read, and I'm a java greenhorn but google expert, Object Orientation is always at the middle of the pack when it comes to learning Java. That said, I think google is wrong. I'm thinking packages, jar files, and directory structure should be before OO. Easier to learn, more useful to most peeps coming from other languages, and, lets be honest, you can learn OO from C++, perl, python, <insert other popular language here>.

     
    Campbell Ritchie
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    Jim Venolia wrote: . . . I'm thinking packages, jar files, and directory structure should be before OO. . . . you can learn OO from C++, perl, python, <insert other popular language here>.

    I did say object‑orientation (=OO) not object‑oriented Java®. If you already know OO, then it is simple to learn the differences from Java®

    No, you will need to know OO long before you start worrying about package names etc.
     
    Brandon Shoals
    Greenhorn
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    Thanks everyone for your replies this forum is really helpful compared to others!
     
    See ya later boys, I think I'm in love. Oh wait, she's just a tiny ad:
    a bit of art, as a gift, the permaculture playing cards
    https://gardener-gift.com
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