How do I get started?

[programmer-in-training]

Hello, I am new here. I have never written in Java before and I would like to learn how. I don't know if this matters, but I have had a strong knowledge of Visual Basic for several years.

First of all, how can I get a Java IDE? Microsoft makes Visual J#, but I don't know if that is the same thing or not.

Thanks,
programmer-in-training

[gibsonrocker800]

Hey programmer-in-training. welcome to JavaForums. Ok, you should download a program called Eclipse,

Eclipse downloads - mirror selection

It is a very good IDE, and it comes with its own compiler.

So, once you have set up Eclipse (if you have any trouble, let us know), its time to start learning Java. I do not know much about Visual Basic, but i believe that iit is an Object Oriented language, as is Java. This will be very helpful to your Java learning. There are many helpful tutorials online, and there are also videos on Youtube that people have made to teach Java. Also, the lessons at java.sun.com are rather helpful. So, good luck, and whenever you have questions, post em here, and we'll help you out. Also, read other people's questions because this will eventually help you with yours.

So good luck programmer-in-training, and have fun with Java!

[programmer-in-training]

I don't have broadband yet, so it'll take a while downloading!
Yes, VB is definitely object oriented.

Thanks!

[gibsonrocker800]

Ah yes, it's a rather large file, but i'm telling you, it's the best IDE I've ever used. My only disappointment with it: I am learning C++ and i found out that theres a plugin in Eclipse for C++, which i successfully installed, but, it's extremely difficult to configure everything, like the Build command, and the file paths. I couldn't figure it out, so i just gave up. I use Dev-C++ instead, which is fine.

But anyway, since VB is object oriented, you should have no trouble learning Java, you just gotta get used to the new syntax and structure. Here's the biggest tip I can give you as a Java programmer: Learn how to read compile-time errors. I can't tell you how many times people ask questions on what they did wrong, i compile their code, and it ends up being a problem with semicolons or import statements. So yeah, when you get errors, if you don't understand them, ask us, and we'll explain. And one more thing, I (and other users) don't like to just hand out entire programs when people are having trouble (they are usually just lazy and trying to get us to do their homework), we want you to figure things out on your own, and when you get stuck, that's when you ask us for help. When you post a thread for help, if it is a compile-time error, make sure you give us the error message (if not, we'll end up compiling it ourselves and finding out, but it's easier if you write it for us).

I don't think asking for people to write programs for you is going to be a problem with you, because you said you've been programming in VB for years, so you probably enjoy programming just as much as I do. =]


P.S.
When posting code, use code tags

[Eranga]

NetBeans also not bad actually. Here is the download link. Actually I use IntelliJ IDEA over the years, and really grade.

Back to the programming, start with some work. Within that start to learn Java. Well explanation tutorial book may guide you. First lean concepts and then move to work is not good.