Access to Java

I've designed a large, complex database in Access. Now I'm exploring re-writing much of it in java.
The problem is that I know nothing about java. This email is to ask for guidance, especially a development tool recommendations. (The array baffles me.)
My code is VBA. I've been careful to use simple algorhythms in consistent ways. I have error handling that seems to make sense with Java's (much better!) approach. I use Class modules and named queries. In other words, I'm starting with something that I think will translate fairly easily, not a pile of hacks. I think search-replace will go a long way.
My initial objective is to migrate the Access tables, queries, and many procedures into Oracle (eventually MySQL, too) -- no endorsement of those, just makes sense with my target audience. I plan to migrate the classes to a Java "module", and then rewrite the front-end in something Java (I've been mindful of the Windows-to-web migration). I'm moving the reports to XML. I hope to market database "versions" of each step.
I know that this re-write will be non-trivial. I looked at Java overviews, and I think I've avoided some pitfalls. But I haven't written a line of Java code. Can you help me get off first base?
Thanks.
--
Neal

If you don't know anything about Java, you must study the basis of it. Write some samples codes and try to get a clear idea about it. Suns' tutorial is the best, and I'm recommending it for all of newbie in Java. Since you've a programming background it's not a difficult task to learn Java.

Thanks. I've looked through some of these tutorials, but haven't actually written any code. I modified my VBA to better conform to what I see in Java.

I downleaded Sun and Oracle tutorials, and printed much of it.

Can you recommend a specific development environment? I'm overwhelmed by all that are available, and hope to learn just one. I understand that I can use a text editor, but I'd sure appreciate syntax checking at least. A bundled compiler would be nice. Tools to manage database objects would be way-swell. I'll eventually want to write forms, so a GUI is best but not really necessary right now (my immediate need is to write some classes, to reference from elsewhere). I can use Apple, LINUX, or Microsquish.

Eclipse or Netbeans.
I have no preference.
I use whataver the client has (currently IntelliJ IDEA).

Both Eclipse and Netbeans have db plugins.

All I can say is start small.

Thank you. Those two were on my short list.
I hope this whole project will be just a few small steps, iterated many times. (Hope springs eternal.)

After more review, I'll try TextWrangler to get started. The Apple laptop I have available right now is better anyway.
Besides those noline tutorials, I have a big OReilly book. That's enough for now.
Thanks again for your advice. I'll surely be back!