mmmm programming

[foxhoundmac]

hi all.

i want to learn how to program in java, does anyone have any suggestions as to where i should start.

i mean like decent books or do i need to take a course etc?

thanks, fox

[Nikki]

http://www.javacoffeebreak.com/
http://www.programmingtutorials.com/java.aspx
http://www.freejavaguide.com/

anymore let me know

[blacksheep]

have you programmed before?
is this just a whim?
how good's your maths?

[foxhoundmac]

no i have never programmed before... hopefully not a whim... maybe a career change in the making, maths is okay 2+2=3

[blacksheep]

If you want to be a career programmer, make sure your maths is up to scratch - learn about group theory, set theory and algorithms.

I'd then take a general look at object orientated design and learn how that works and the methodoligy/design patterns that go with it.

[foxhoundmac]

thanks mate... (hears a whooooosh noise overhead)

[blacksheep]

google is your friend

[OrangeJuicey]

Here there are tons of free ebook sites out there on the net just google for Top 20 free ebook sites.

My recommendations are:

Head First Java - very easy book to read and follow
Head First Design Patterns - easy style to read but about design patterns in Java
Effective Java (2nd Edition) - best practises for Java coders. (read this last)

These should all be quite easy to follow for the beginner.

You might want a more in depth book also but I wouldn't read this one cover to cover

which is O'Rielly Java in a Nut Shell - much more detailed

If your talking a career change then also have a look at the following tools for Java

Hibernate
Spring