So you wanna do some Java?

06/04/2007 11:19 PM by Chris Toohey

One of my current goals is to get a better handle on Java Development. I don't know if it's just me though, but they do not make it easy for the noob/novice. It's with that in mind that I'll try to come up with a few resources for the new Java developer; some things that'll get you at least started on Java (with a RIM/Blackberry accent, due to what I've been up to recently) without having a Sun certification (which you'd think is required to get started... but more on that later).

So, we'll start off with some of the basics:

You'll need a JDK - or a Java Development Kit - as your first step. I'd recommend Sun's JDK5 - grab the downloads and have at it. I know that JDK6 is available, but a lot of the Blackberry/RIM development packages and third-party solutions are tested and confirmed working on JDK5...

First, one of the best tech books I've ever seen, let alone a Java book - Head First Java! This is a book that not only gave me a great understanding of Java as an applied technology, but also gave me a great understanding on how I should try to learn this new-to-me-technology. From the book description:

The latest research in cognitive science, neurobiology, and educational psychology shows that learning at the deeper levels takes a lot more than text on a page. Actively combining words and pictures not only helps in understanding the subject, but in remembering it. Head First Java puts these theories into practice with a vengeance. Chock full of mind stretching exercises, memorable analogies, and stories, humor and attitude that aren't just pasted-on distractions but that are used to drive home key points and make ideas come alive, the Head First approach is as effective as it is unique.

And that's not just marketing spin - it's a really great book. Now, I will say that I had received this book from the publisher, but it's a book that I would not only recommend to anyone interested in the technology (or anything the Head First crew publishes), but I would also run out to the store and buy another copy if it came to that. Awesome resource.

Pretty slick text editor for those Windows-users - that allows you to add your new Java Compiler and Runtime environment as add-on solutions. This will keep you out of the command line compiler and testing UI for your Hello World! applications. Although I wouldn't recommend staying away from the command line and staying too attached to your RAD-type third-party solutions, you really can't beat the Ctrl+1, Ctrl+2 quick-publish feel of Textpad!

That's a quick little primer to get you started, I'll go into a few gotchas that kept me out of my first few scripts as well as a few other things that can help speed things along. But more on those later...