help learning java

[dphilli1.livejournal.com]

I want to take a Java class, but I'm having trouble finding one that is both short enough and cheap enough to suit my needs. I've got a programming background, already know object orientated programming (C++), and already have rudimentary java skills. I need a class that will teach me things like how to make buttons properly interact with command line output, etc. I'd like a class of 2-3 days, or something in the evenings. I think I can get work to pay for it, but it should still be less than 1K.

Any thoughts?

Comments

[lbmango.livejournal.com]

The coffee poll is that-a-way --->

Sorry.

I'd probably say that if you already know C++ and some java, then what you need is a book and a project rather than a class. The best (some say the only) way to learn a language is to sit down with a book and some program that you want to write, and just work your way through it.

having taught Java, I can say that this is how the learning takes place anyway... save your money and your time, and cut to the chase.

[ellf.livejournal.com]

Seconding this comment. I'm a bit troubled that the OP thinks that he needs a class to learn something as specific as handling buttons, but then, he -is- a Java programmer. :)

[lbmango.livejournal.com]

No, he's not YET a java programmer. he's a C++ programmer.

[kidsmokes.livejournal.com]

so true. i learned basic HTML through playing with my lj layouts over the years.

[mutedhopes.livejournal.com]

Maybe look into an elearning or virtual training. They're typically a lot cheaper than an instructor led class. Here are a couple links to vendors I know that offer SOMETHING in Java, though I'm not sure what their current offerings are.

www.globalknowledge.com
www.sunmicrosystems.com
www.ibm.com
www.elementk.com
www.skillsoft.com

Hope this helps some.

[ezraball.livejournal.com]

I don't know what making buttons interact with command line output even means, but my hunch is that Java is probably not the easiest or best way to build a GUI or to do whatever it is you're trying to do.

That said, if you are hellbent on learning java, and you're already a programmer, the chances of an intro class helping you to learn how to do a GUI is just about zero. I'd start here:

http://java.sun.com/developer/onlineTraining/

Also, many years ago, I learned with this book, and it looks like the 3rd edition is available for free.

http://www.mindview.net/Books/TIJ/

Knock yourself out.

[zander05.livejournal.com]

http://w3schools.com is what I'm using currently. It's free and pretty friggin' awesome.

[attackpenguin.livejournal.com]

Thinking In Java usually comes up as the best book to get.

I'm a huge fan of using the latest and greatest version of java (java 1.6) in which case you should go out and by the 4th edition. However, if you need to save some $$ you can get the 3th edition for free online (http://www.mindview.net/Books/TIJ/) which only covers up to Java 1.4. There were some very large changes between 1.4 and 1.5 but for beginners its probably not a huge difference. I guess its up to you.

[billharnois.livejournal.com]

I would just check out the free online Java tutorials at java.sun.com.

http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/

why don't you just google what you need to know?

[seanmanbooyah.livejournal.com]

i mean you have a C++ background and know some JAVA, screw the class...not worth the money you'd pay.

[progressnerd.livejournal.com]

MIT OpenCourseWare offers some Java and Java-based software engineering classes freely online. Here are three that I've tried to list in increasing level of difficulty:
6.092: Java Preparation for 6.170 (http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Electrical-Engineering-and-Computer-Science/6-092January--IAP--2006/CourseHome/)
1.00: Introduction to Computers and Engineering Problem Solving (http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Civil-and-Environmental-Engineering/1-00Spring-2005/CourseHome/)
6.170: Laboratory in Software Engineering (http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Electrical-Engineering-and-Computer-Science/6-170Fall-2005/CourseHome/)