New to Java...where do I begin?

Hello Everyone,

As the title suggests I am noob programmer. Trying to learn Java through Netbean because everyone says it is easy and then I'd like to PHP. For learning I've been doing exercises from "Sams Teach Yourself Java in 24 hours." Problem is most of the stuff I read I have hard retaining it. Its like it doesn't make much sense as well doing the exercises. I understand it'll take time to get to my head.
In any case, I'm throwing this question out to everybody reading this. How did you all begin with programming and what steps do you remember learning Java and so forth. Right now theres just way too much information and too many branches of Java for me to even know where to begin. In the future I'd love to be a certified Java programmer. I'm 25 but thats what I would like to do. Please any hints, suggestions, and advice would be wonderful.

Thanks,
John

I didn't start with Java personally, so I can't attest to that. However, I know that for me programming came somewhat naturally; when I first started doing it it made so much logical sense that I found it easy to carry into multiple languages.

Books are the best place--a "24 hour" book probably won't be as helpful as an actual Java instructional book (particularly one with LOTS of examples), though I can't offer up any names. (Others will have suggestions in this department.)

The most important thing to remember is that it's like anything in life--you get better by learning THEN doing, not JUST learning.

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Originally Posted by Darkrainer

Trying to learn Java through Netbean because everyone says it is easy and then I'd like to PHP.

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if your ide could also be eclipse then click the link in my signature. the tuturial is for total beginners in java and eclipse.

or perhaps you like something like that http://download.oracle.com/javase/tu.../java/TOC.html

Thank you all for replying to the threads. I will definitely take note of the websites and advice and start on there. If anyone else wants to post other advices and hints. Feel free to!!