Jit Gupta

I think, I should ask this question to a Java Instructor. Since I am doing self study, I feel many helpful hands like Kathy, Andres, Jeff and others may help me.
What is the learning path to Java so as to apply for an entry level Java job? I mean suppose I have finished with the "Head First Java" book. Then what should I do next or learn? Which book to study next? Or what basic things one should learn on Java to migrate to next level?
I would really appreciate any advice/answer in this regard.

Thanks Kathy and Dirk. Actually, I am reading from a book(Java2 A beginner's(?) guide), where there are too many lessons on how to read binary data and also byte data stream. I was confused.
Once again thanks very much!

I am new to Java and presently going through I/O chapter. However, I am totally at loss and confused. There are so many classes and methods. Could some of you can advice what to learn about I/O and relevant classes and methods? Moreover, I have noticed that Sun Java programmer certification objective does not cover I/O. Am I correct?
I would really appreciate your help!

There are other books on Eclipse. However, from the amazon review rating, the books seems to be very good.
How a writer determines the price of his/her book? Or, it is left to the publisher?

You can look at this(not published yet) book,"Simply Java Programming: An Application-Driven; Tutorial Approach-ISBN: 0131426486 pages: 950" from www.deitel.com. The book claims to teach Java by building real application.
Fixed link, I hope - Barry
[ August 15, 2003: Message edited by: Barry Gaunt ]

Ken,
I am really amazed that you have learnt Java basic, Swing/XML etc. so fast (within 2 months). I am struggling. After finishing a chapter, I go to the exercise part and stuck there. Moving very slowly.
What kind of application are you developing?

Ken,
I would appreciate if you tell how much time it took for you to learn and be confident/look for job in Java?
Thanks!

I am also learning Java from the very beginning. I am struggling. I feel that Java is not easy to learn, at least in comparison to VB. There are plethora of books on Java. However, most of the books assume that one has some background knowledge on Programming. If you have similar background, then is good. You can also try this book, "Ivor Horton's Beginning Java". Before purchasing any books, please go throught the review/comments at Amazon.com. That will save you some money.
Good Luck!

Thanks Richard, it has worked!
I have used javac command with classpath switch, as you mentioned. However, I have not used any import statement. What do you think? Do I have to set classpath variable in my batch file? Presently I am using "set classpath C:\j2sdk1.4\LIB ; . ;"
Anyway, I appreciate your help.

Thanks for your reply!
As I mentioned, the first package "bookpack"/class " Book" has been copiled.
Regarding second package("bookpackB")/class ("ExtBook"), I have used
"package bookpackB" and "class Book extends bookpack.book". I have tried to copile it with "javac -d c:\ ExtBook.java". My idea is that the copilation should create directory of "bookpackB" under c:\ and place "ExtBook.class" in that directory.
Am I wrong somewhere?

I have created a package with the first line "package bookpack;" under which I have created a public class Book with three protected member: title, author and pubDate. The class has been compiled with "javac -d c:\ Book.java". After that compilation, I have verified that under c:\, bookpack directory has been created, and also Book.class file exists.
I have tried to create another package "package bookpackB;" under which I have attempted to create a subclass of "Book", writing "extends bookpack.Book". In the subclass I have tried to access the protected member of "Book" class. However, I am unable to compile that subclass.Errors appear that "unable to resolve symbol super, variables of "Book" class etc.
However, if I remove all package statements from both the superclass and subclass, all classes are compiled perfectly. I feel problem lies with the package creation.
Could some of you please help me in this regard?
Thanks in advance!

Hello Billy
Thanks for your posting. I have seen your other postings also. You are young, and I want to ask you, "What is your career goal?" The reason is that many certifications that you have acquired do not seem to be compatible with one another. I mean how MCP, MCDBA, MCSA etc. match with SCJP AND SCWCD.
Could you please explain?

Thanks Tim for your informative comments! But what is the end point? All people who are learning Java are only running after the mirage?

This Jobs Discussion topic is very depressing, atleast, for any new Java beginners. Most of the postings/replies, except by Mark Herschberg, are very discouraging. However, when you see other java discussions (java for beginners/intermediate etc.)here or visit Sun.java. discussion forum, so many people are asking so many questions about Java language. Moreover, when I type java in Hotjob.com, minimum 50 pages of job advertisement starting from 04August to 01August appear.
What is real? This Sunset? Or, other discussions?

Sorry, It should be increment operator not decrement.
Thanks!