I want to learn programming

[Duty]

Originally posted by az
Doesn't the Java Sandbox hinder me when I try to do really USEFUL things?

AZ

No, not with application programming. The restrictions are on applets so that web content is restricted from gaining to much access to your computer.

I teach Java to business students. It is a good learning tool, it's portable and has a good user base. Also, there's a ton of online tutorials at:

http://developer.java.sun.com/developer/infodocs/#tutorials

Also there are good books on java from WROX, Deitel and Deitel, O'Reily, Sun,...

But before you dive in to programming you need to ask yourself, what am I doing this for? Java is not the easiest path to learning programming. If you are looking to pick up programming in a weekend go Visual Basic. Quick and dirty, and hard too maintain. But if you are looking for strength, portability and later being able to dig in to more advanced data structures and concepts, then go Java, C# or C++.

Java is my first choice, can be completely free.

When I go to my office I'll post some more of the links we use for you. Including a free java book on line.

Good luck,


Jeff

[Duty]

Here are a few good links that should help.

Free book, Thinking in Java, 2nd edition Revision 12:

http://64.78.49.204/

Tutorials:

http://www.javaforstudents.co.uk/

http://www.jguru.com/index.jsp

http://javaboutique.internet.com/tutorials/

More Advanced

http://www.mandomartis.a.se/onlinecourses/basicgamedev/introduction/introduction.html

[[GDI]Raptor]

I would recomand Java for you if you are programing in Linux!

Emacs is a very good program to write Java in! We use it at the university og Oslo

[cjolley]

Originally posted by az
Doesn't the Java Sandbox hinder me when I try to do really USEFUL things?AZ

You can even call dlls from java and back.
I don't know if this code will still work.
I wrote this 4 years ago & Java was in flux.

http://home.swbell.net/cjolley/native.html

Also, one of the sites mentions practice and theory.
I highly recomend that you not skip that part.
Maybe there are some classes you could take.
Chuck

[az]

OK, I think I'll go Java

Now I only need some time and a free brain and I'll start reading

(can only post on late evenings because my girlfriend's PC is the only one on the net at the moment and she uses it most of the day, so when I get to post, I can't think anymore )

AZ

[Duty]

I forgot. If you are in windows I recomend JCreator.

They have a free version.

https://www.JCreator.com

Jeff

[Marshmallowman]

go to

http://gcc.gnu.org/

there you will find free compilers for c,c++,java,ada,fortran...etc
there should be a win32 version somewhere(cygwin).

[mdhome]

Hello Az
Visit Java.sun.com. It has a wealth of free information about Java and java initiatives. It may not be the easiest language but it will put you in good stead and will make it relatively easy moving over to VB.net and C#. I just recently received the full Java site on DVD from Sun, along with the full SUNONE initiative (Application server, Apache web server, Forte Enterprise ed development package, LDAP server etc) free along with a 1 year developer license.

.NET may also be worth looking at and should be easy to learn. Not only that but it has one of the better IDE on the market. I think you can still get the latest beta off some of the pc mags. C# has so much in common with Java and it is/will be used for writing common Windows apps.

I have a spare copy of the Java DVD which I can send you and I believe a spare copy of .NET beta. You are welcome to both.

Best luck on your future.

Regards MD

[rugger]

Be warned,

Windows C++ (especially with GUI) programming is not for newbies. It is tricky, fiddly, and you MUST know and understand the basics of C/C++ before you will be really successful. The windows API uses C/C++ features extensively.

The C API under linux on the other hand, is much simpler than the windows counterpart. It is easier to learn and better documented.

[az]

I'll take some time to read thru the links and post about my thoughts when I get some time, that means after reinstalling windows on my and my girlfried's machine (so I can hopefully finally access the net from mine )

Thank you all for your answers so far, and MD: If there's a way to get ahold of the sun DVD from sun for free, I'd save you the hassle of sending it, if not, it'd be really appreciated

AZ

[EDIT: fixed stupid typo]

[mdhome]

Originally posted by az


If there's a way to get ahold of the sun DVD from sun for free, I'd save you the hassle of sending it, if not, it'd be really appreciated

Hello Az
Unfortunately I believe that you have to pay for the Sun DVD. Mine should be renewed every 3 months and I have a copy from last autumn that I no longer need. If you are interested then email me a delivery address and I'll put it in the post.

Regards MD

[az]

You've got a pm

AZ