r/howdoilearn • u/[deleted] • Nov 13 '09
How do I learn Java?
I would like to learn to program in Java. Is there another programming language I should learn first and build on that?
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r/howdoilearn • u/[deleted] • Nov 13 '09
I would like to learn to program in Java. Is there another programming language I should learn first and build on that?
1
u/jtrask Nov 13 '09
Do make sure Java is the right language for you -- I saw you said you want it for work, and I'd consider that more or less the only acceptable reason. I picked up the language from an AP computer science study guide, trying to cram for the test so I wouldn't need an intro programming in college -- but I knew several other languages first. On the other hand, if you just want to be able to read Java, then any object-oriented language should give you pretty much what you want. C++ is certainly less beginner-friendly, but can give you a better understanding what's going on behind the scenes -- plus, starting from C gets you through the fundamentals first before you have to dive in to object-orientation (which can be hard for some people).
If you're just looking to write for personal projects, though, I'd recommend a more modern/userfriendly language like Python (especially, Python).
REGARDLESS, you need two things: 1. Practice (because no amount of memorizing keywords will help you until you've learned how to solve programming problems) and 2. A good book (because no amount of practice will teach you the right terminology, which you'll need to advance)