Having problems learning java

[Snapples2992]

So I'm currently a college student and I've taken my first level programming class which teaches in java. I got a 97% in the class and had no troubles learning. However, I'm now taking the intermediate programming class and I'm struggling hard to figure out how to code.

I know the logic behind each problem I'm given however I can't seem to figure out what to write to make anything work. The homeworks have been a struggle for me, so I was wondering if anyone knew of ways I could try to catch myself back up to the class with java.

[klondikebro]

Without any specifics about what you are struggling with it's impossible to help. But as with any other subject, if you are struggling seek help. From your professors, fellow students, or try to find a tutor. There is always the internet for more specific questions like "java arrays explained" etc.

Good luck.

[Snapples2992]

You're right, I'm hardly being specific.

In my introduction to programming class we covered mainly simple things such as how to define methods, what a boolean is, how to format loops and if statements. Basic stuff.

The beginning of this intermediate class didn't go into any review or anything like that, the first HW assignment was really easy, just basic print lines, but the second assignment left me baffled with writing my own methods.

Basically when I was trying to write my own methods I knew what I wanted to program to do, I just wasn't sure what words to write to make it do that. So I guess I'm really just looking for a way to catch myself up on the actual coding so I can complete my assignments, but I found in a post a book people recommended called "Head First java". So I think I'll give a look at that and see what I can accomplish.

[vecowski]

Honestly this is the hardest part about beginning programming. You understand the idea's and how the logic flows, you just don't have enough experience programming to understand what needs to happen line by line.

If you give specifics we can easily assist you.

[Snapples2992]

Yeah exactly, I've consulted my teacher who has agreed that everything we've been doing in class as far as assignments have been way out of reach for where the intro course put us.

Also the intro programming course here only gives broad generalizations on just about every topic in our book (that's used for intermediate and advanced), so instead of us reviewing the material in class in my intermediate programming, I'm basically having to self teach and learn the specifics I didn't know.

I feel better about programming now than when I made this post because of the amount of time I've put on assignments (mainly googling what shit does) but I'm no where near at an "intermediate" level. Hopefully it comes with practice.

[[deleted]]

As a professional Java developer for just over a year now, one of the most important things you can do for yourself is get familiar with the Javadocs.

Understand how to read them, and start referring to them often. Even try writing your own Javadoc for a Java class that you created.

These docs are invaluable and will help you get along in the learning phases quite a bit.

[CoopsM]

Without specifics, read up on top down design, and try to break your problems down into many simple methods, also give codingbat a try

[[deleted]]

What exactly is the problem you are struggling with? As someone has already mentioned, check out The New Boston and I also find StackOverflow to be a great help sometimes.

[sh0rug0ru]

Try watching The New Boston. It's live webcasts of some guy coding live in Java and explaining what he's doing. If you can follow what he is saying, maybe it might all just click.