Q:
I
am an aspiring dweeb. I am currently taking Java (Sun's Java using
the JDK 2) course and feel VERY overwhelmed. Can
you recommend a simple book that might help? I think I must
be just missing "something". Does anyone out there know Java and want
to lend a hand? Maybe look at some code..or tell me how they "got
it". would like to start programming for the Internet.
What do you recommend?
A:
Some advice
While
not JDK 2.0, O'Reilly's
Java examples in a Nutshell and related books might give you an
edge up.
The
easy part first.
Great programmers evolve. You have to be patient with yourself. Start
by doing what you can do and actively trying to enjoy it. A secret
that I use is to apply what I learn to a project in Rama's honor.
It is truly awesome how much quicker I am able to pick things
up this way. Remember, beginners are always welcome (and sometimes
preferred ;-)
With this in mind here a few more fundamental pointers. Pun intended.
Code comes down to algorithms and alrogithms come down to only a few
things.
The
rest as they say is just syntax. Syntax is the grammar of a language.
It comes with practice and just takes lots of compile and error. But
just as you read these words, so you will eventually read the syntax
of Java.
Some people might also include objects in there, but to me objects
represent structure and assembly. Essentially an object is just a
smart function that manages its own data. It is their reusability
and self containment that makes them so dang useful. And the cool
things about objects is that while the learning curve might appear
steep at first, once you've got them you wonder how you got along
without them.
Above all, be patient and avoid feeling sorry for yourself or too
frustrated. You are learning a new language and more importantly a
new way of thinking. You'll get it. Hang in there! ;-) If you have
some samples or more specific questions send them in and we'll see
what we can do.
Also,
fellow Dweebs, if you have something to add, don't hesitate. This
is a group effort!
