Studying Directions

Hello all, I'm a huge java enthusiast and aspiring software developer.
For quite some time i've been trying to be a good programmer developing small programs in languages like java, c, c++, c#, Visual basic, but i've never gotten to the point where i could solve big problems or even tricky small ones like the ones involving inheritence, polymorphism, class design etc.

In my opinion whats lacking is a good source of questions/problems for me to solve to move on to the next level of programming.

I hereby request you for directions or means for me to overcome the hurdle of always knowing quite much but not producing quite to my potential.

If there is some other way i could become good at it then please mention those too.

I'm in dire need of help so please spare me some time.

Thanks!

Hi and welcome. This is the set to get you started,but you'll also need experience. So make sure to know the basics and to get as much programming rxperience as you can.

TheList™


Sun's basic Java tutorial

Sun's New To Java Center
Includes an overview of what Java is, instructions for setting up Java, an intro to programming (that includes links to the above tutorial or to parts of it), quizzes, a list of resources, and info on certification and courses.

jGuru
A general Java resource site. Includes FAQs, forums, courses, more.

JavaRanch
To quote the tagline on their homepage: "a friendly place for Java greenhorns." FAQs, forums (moderated, I believe), sample code, all kinds of goodies for newbies. From what I've heard, they live up to the "friendly" claim.

Yawmarks List

The Java Developers Almanac

Example Depot | Useful code samples

Bruce Eckel's Thinking in Java(Available online.)

Joshua Bloch's Effective Java

Bert Bates and Kathy Sierra's Head First Java

James Gosling's The Java Programming Language
Gosling is the creator of Java. It doesn't get much more authoritative than this.

Joshua Bloch and Neal Gafter Java Puzzlers.

And for a list of tricky, smart (small?) programs, visit the Euler Project. (it is not particularly Java related)

kind regards,

Jos

Thanks so much PhHein and JosAH for your replies. I checked those links out and they seem to be useful. I'll also check out the books PhHein suggested. Thanks a lot.