Hello World.... now what!?

[JoshNerd557]

I have no programming XP but I decided to start programming Java... I have done the Hello World tutorials but they don't help me :( , so how do I get started programming!? :confused:

[camaro01]

There are several tutorial websites such as:

Trail: Learning the Java Language (The Java™ Tutorials)

Also, buy, or get from the library, a textbook on Java. I am currently using Big Java by Cay Horstmann. It is for people with no knowledge about Java and also builds on what you have learned from previous chapters.

I hopes this helps.

[JoshNerd557]

Could you please point out an amazon link.... I saw different versions, I want to get the best one.

Cheers

[camaro01]

I believe there is a newer version than the one I am using. I am using 3rd edition.

This is the one I am using for Java 5 and 6:

Half.com: Big Java(9780470105542): Cay Horstmann: Books

and this one is the newest version which I have not used. The latest version teaches on Java 7.

Amazon.com: Big Java: Compatible with Java 5, 6 and 7 (9780470509487): Cay S. Horstmann: Books

[JoshNerd557]

Sweet bought it just then! :) I'm on my way I guess!

[sunde887]

Another book I loved for learning java was
Amazon.com: Head First Java, 2nd Edition (9780596009205): Kathy Sierra, Bert Bates, Bert Bates: Books

They do an amazing job explaining things very simply. It is also extremely helpful to have multiple sources of information. Since you have no programming experience I would also recommend

Amazon.com: How to Design Programs: An Introduction to Programming and Computing (9780262062183): Matthias Felleisen, Robert Bruce Findler, Matthew Flatt, Shriram Krishnamurthi: Books

This book is not java based and the language it uses is not even very OO, but this book is great for beginners and it is the book that got me interested in programming. The exercises in the book are challenging, and solving them is rewarding, if you get this book don't skip the exercises, even if they are extremely challenging at times. This book is available for free online at HTDP.org. The book heavily relies on recursion, definitely consider this book.

Another tip for you: Don't get overwhelmed, there is a LOT to learn and at times it will seem overwhelming, just concentrate on taking small steps and understanding that becoming an expert will take years.

[Eranga]

My suggestion is to follow the Suns' official tutorial. That's the best place to take a start for newbies in Java.

You can find a link on my forum signature.

[JoshNerd557]

@Eranga do you mean The Java Tutorials or something else?

[gcalvin]

A couple more recommendations:

Eclipse and Java for Total Beginners

And for a more rigorous computer science approach:
YouTube - Lecture 2 | Programming Methodology (Stanford)
CS106A Programming Methodology

-Gary-

[Qsc]

I was using the headfirst book like what that other guy mentioned. I love it, it's really simple. ;).

[Eranga]

@Eranga do you mean The Java Tutorials or something else?

Yeah, I'm talking about the following.

The Java™ Tutorials

[Eranga]

Actually the choose of the reading materials is quite difficult stuff. Because we are choosing a one based on others comments, and may be not fit for us.

Anyway, Suns' tutorial explains the basis with well balanced examples. It's possible to understand the content easily.