New to Java: need help

[Rahul ssingh]

I am new to Java, not to programming. I am coding in C++ and C for past 4 years. I want to learn java from the scratch. can anyone tell me which software to use for coding??? I do have eclipse rite now but I would like to know your views.

[E Armitage]

If you are already used to eclipse then you can continue using that, the Java support is quite good as well. As for the language if you are an expert in C++ then reading the JLS will get you up to scratch quickly with the language differences, otherwise the Oracle tutorials can provide a more laid back entry into the language.

[Jesper de Jong]

Welcome to the Ranch.

Download the JDK from Oracle and a text editor, for example Notepad++, and use the command-line tools from the JDK to compile and run your first programs. The Oracle Java Tutorials are a good place to start. The Hello World tutorial explains step by step how to write, compile and run your first Java program using a text editor and the command line.

It's better to first learn the programming language with simple tools, so that you learn the basics and can concentrate on learning Java. Eclipse is a big and complicated program, it's going to be a lot harder if you have to learn Java and Eclipse from scratch at the same time.

[Rahul ssingh]

thanks. I will be starting with jdk and notepad combo.

[Campbell Ritchie]

Welcome again

Rahul ssingh wrote:thanks. I will be starting with jdk and notepad combo.

No, not Notepad. Jesper said to use Notepad++

I suggest you get a copy of Horstmann and Cornell's book, which has specific points of difference from C++ mentioned.

[Rahul ssingh]

oh...kkiee
I actually meant notepad++ :P
I have started with Head First java by sierra and Bates. I will try the books suggested too. thanks.