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Learning Java

Thu, 2007-08-30 09:24 — elliot

While preparing for recent job interviews, I've become painfully aware that my Java knowledge, while OK, is a bit lacking. I've never formally been taught Java, and have picked it up from hacking and a few text books. Consequently, my understanding is somewhat fractured.

What I'd like to know, then, is whether anyone can suggest a good reference book or site to get me up to speed with how to do modern Java programming. What I need are examples of good practice, including how to properly design Java applications from a test-driven perspective. Examples of decent Java patterns at a lower level (error handling, scope and size of methods, the Java idiom) would also be useful. Any suggestions?

Comments

Thu, 2007-11-22 14:02 — MatthewF (not verified)

A bit late, but...

"Effective Java" by Joshua Bloch

Thu, 2007-11-22 18:28 — elliot

Thanks. A couple of

Thanks. A couple of colleagues have recommended that one, too.

Mon, 2007-11-12 01:34 — raand (not verified)

Learning java

I have mastered java learning from scratch. I have a list of books which could be useful
1. Thinking in Java, by Bruce Eckel
2. Beginning Java 2, by Ivor Horton
3. Java Gently, by Judy Bishop
4. Just Java 1.2, by Peter van der Linden
5. Java 2 Platform Unleashed, by Jamie Jaworski
Hope these would help you.

Mon, 2007-11-12 19:29 — elliot

Thanks for the references.

Thanks for the references. Very useful.

Thu, 2007-08-30 19:13 — Ben Francis (not verified)

Core Java 2

If it helps, I learnt Java from Core Java 2: Fundamentals which was our course text at uni, it's published by Sun and I got on well with it. If that's not advanced enough there's a second volume called Core Java 2: Advanced Features
You might want to go with ansmn's suggestion if it reaches the same level in a single volume, though you might want to skip the first volume.

As far as testing goes I've just learnt how to use the JUnit Eclipse plugin from its documentation, I haven't gone into any depth with any Java specific design patterns or best practices - probably because I'm not particularly keen on Java as a language.

Happy programming!

Wed, 2007-09-05 15:21 — elliot

Thanks, Ben. I think I used

Thanks, Ben. I think I used to have that. I am OK with Java generally, and can do most of the toy stuff with it, but I am really after some good practice guides. I've actually been reading Head First Design Patterns, which looks cartoony but is full of good advice and examples. I've also ordered a couple of other books on patterns and using UML for projects, which will hopefully get me off to a good start. Thanks for the suggestion.

Thu, 2007-08-30 12:48 — ansmn (not verified)

Nice book

Yes my friend. I got a nice book as a good start and it will train u well if u just follow the examples. And from the first program u write i recommend that u use eclipse as a development environment.

Book name is :Introduction to Java Programming-Comprehensive Version (6th Edition)
ISBN-10: 0132221586

The name is Intro to java but it realy covers all the subjects u need for writing a decent well structured java application and it lefts u up from a novice to a professional programmer.

Enjoy.

Thu, 2007-08-30 13:59 — elliot

Excellent. Thanks ansmn,

Excellent. Thanks ansmn, that's just the kind of thing I was looking for.