How to Learn About Java

Java is a programming language created for the Internet. You can use Java to create scripts, animated text and other interesting objects.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Java Development Kits (JDK)

1. Contact a local university or community college. Many colleges offer programming packages that include Java and other programming languages, as well as Web design.

2. Log on to the Web site of Sun Microsystems, the company that created Java, to find tutorials and examples of Java programming.

3. Purchase a comprehensive book about Java. A good Java book will include an outline of Java history, an explanation of how it works, exam-ples and worksheets; some even come with interactive CD-ROMs.

4. Sign up for an online Java course. The HTML Writer's Guild (www.hwg.org) is one potential source.

5. Search the Internet for some of the many user groups, forums and Web sites dedicated to Java.

6. Consider learning JavaScript, used in Web browsers. Unrelated to Java, JavaScript is an interpreted language. JavaScript is easier to learn but more limited than Java.

7. If you're serious about programming, read books or take classes on general skills such as developing algorithms and designing data structures.

Tips & Warnings

• Java applets are small applications written in Java. Applets are typically attached to Web pages.
• One of Java's strengths is that it is platform-independent. Java programs can run on various operating systems, as long as the computer running the pro-gram has a Java virtual machine installed to interpret the standard Java byte code into code that will run on that system.
• Use another's source code only to learn. Using parts of someone else's Web page as your own is copyright infringement. Once you have learned HTML, you can create your own pages.

[smurrey]

on 2/17/2009 Also check out YouTube videos, yes there are many and most just show you how to code "Hello World" but it's a good start to see whether or not you want to learn more.

on 11/22/2005 Visit Sun's java.sun.com Web site,
where you'll find tutorials, user group
directories, industry products, and more.