Hi,
Ive been teaching myself Java for a few months (with a short break in between), and have a question regarding my study techniques. The first book I used was Java The Complete Reference by Herbet Schildt. That is not a easy book for a beginner, and now I'm thinking it isn't meant to teach one how to program (hence the word "reference" in the title). Right now I'm using Deitel's Java How to Program 8th edition. I find it much easier to understand, which may be because it's mostly review at this point. However, it really does seem to be written to teach one how to program, and not just list theories and OOP concepts like the other book.
Now, my question is should I just start Java How to Program and go from page 1 all the way to the end? I also have some Android programming books, and am wondering if I should be taking time to go through that book to put what I'm learning into real use (instead of making for loops that count from 1 - 10, for example). Is going through the book chapter by chapter and doing the exercises by myself really the best way to learn to program? Or is it not enough, and should I be supplementing with another book, like the Android Cookbook?
My long term goal is game design, but I'm open to other form of programming, too.
Thanks.