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Old School Programmer - New to Java - Advice?

 
Greenhorn
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Hello everyone - this is my first post at the ranch!

I have been a programmer for about 10 years in various other languages (vb, c, c++, delphi, c#)...so programming is not new to me, but Java is.

Because I am proficient in C# the Java syntax is very easy for me to pickup as they are almost identical. The API however is a different story.

Right now I am reading the book "Just Java" and following the problems in the "Cattle Drive" here at javaranch.com...also seriously considering signing up for the cattle drive.

Using Eclipse as my main IDE, but also using a text editor and the command line just for the sake of learning.

Just wondering if you had any advice that would help me learn java programming (and the API) very quickly?
 
Sheriff
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Hi Bryan, welcome to JavaRanch!

Please check your private messages by clicking on My Private Messages. Thanks!

I think the Cattle Drive would be excellent in helping you develop quickly. Since you already have a programming background and understand the concepts, I think you would really benefit from the feedback because you have that foundation.

I'm not familiar with the book Just Java, but since you have a background in C++, you might consider Bruce Eckel's Thinking in Java, which is an introductory Java book geared more towards readers with a C++ background. (The previous edition of TIJ is available as a free download from bruceeckel.com. This doesn't cover Java 5, but it will give you an idea of the book's approach.)
 
(instanceof Sidekick)
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The Dietel & Dietel "How to program" books might be good. See if you can browse one at the bookstore. They've written one for just about every language there is, so they might have some of the same background you do.
 
Bryan Cairns
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thanks for the feedback guys, will give it a look through.
 
Ranch Hand
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Hi -

I picked up a book that would have been good when I was starting to learn java. "Agile Java" by Jeff Langr (ISBN 0-13-148239-4). I recommend it for two reasons:
  • It is non-patronizing, which is good for someone like yourself that already had a background in programming OO languages. Some of the books mentioned will drive you nuts with their elemental style.
  • It starts you out from the get-go on test driven methodologies. It teaches you about JUnit while learning Java. This is so important. Most people learn Java first, TDD second. Learning both at the same time is the way to go.


  • Good luck.
     
    Greenhorn
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    Hi Brian,

    i'm old school programmer also with a Cobol and C background heading towards SCJP5 certification real soon now.

    I started my studying early september using Head First Java followed by the K&B SCJP Study Guide.
     
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