Java Book For a Begginer

Hey guys,
Sorry to bother everyone, I know its my third post, but I was told that since I'm new here and I would like to learn Java so that I could be certified, this is the place to go. So, can anyone tell me what I need to do to get started? I have no backround knowledge unfortunately so I need some info for beginners. People have suggested Head First Java to me but unfortunately it says it is for people who have a backround knowledge in computer programming

Thank you,
A.J.
[ June 23, 2008: Message edited by: A.J. Wallach ]

For starters, I'd get a good book on beginning Java. We've got lots of reviews by your fellow ranchers in the Bunkhouse. E.g., Head First Java gets mentioned a lot as being a first rate book.

As regards the exam, the http://faq.javaranch.com/java/ScjpFaq probably has all the info you need.

Would that book be good to teach me the basics? I really need a book for bery begginers.

Sorry for the typos before. But yeah, I'm coming in with absolutely no backround knowledge.

See Sun's Java Tutorials.

There are many, many books about Java available. Have a look in your bookstore or on for example Amazon.com. Head First Java is a popular book for Java beginners.

Since your question is not really about the SCJP, I'm going to move it to the Java in General (Beginners) forum.
[ June 23, 2008: Message edited by: Jesper Young ]

Welcome to Beginner's!

Please use the pencil-and-paper icon to alter the title of this thread; people scanning the contents might ignore threads if they cannot tell from the title what they are about. "Books for Java Beginners" might be better.

For beginners i would suggest Head First JAVA by Kathy & Bert..

You may also refer to sun java tutorials..

I love the Head First Java book, but I do think that a bit of a programming backgroud gets you more out of this book. I have worked with a few people with very, very limited Java knowledge, and they were somewhat intimidated in the first and second chapters.

I found for real newbies, Java Programming for Dummies by Barry Burd was a great starting point. After reading that, I would move my students onto Head First Java, and then an SCJP certification guide.

If people did have a bit of a programming backgroud, perhaps an introduction college course or something though, I'd put them right into Head First Java. The Head First books are great learning guides.

-Cameron McKenzie

see this site

http://www.ride2java.com/

I used headfirst and it was great. But I highly recommend learning the foundations of programming through a simple language. I learned a form of BASIC on my TI 84+ calculator system by trial and error, so I recommend doing things in that area first.

Why have you last two people replied? This thread became inactive in Summer 2008. Look at this FAQ: "DontWakeTheZombies".

I don't think trial and error will be at all helpful for learning a programming language.

Frankly Head First java is the only programming book which i have read with interest!
Its really worth ever penny you spend on it.
And I am not Kathy or Bert.