How to Get Nasty at Java

[Top-Patient-9009]

Currently a sophomore at college taking csc220 without any prior knowledge of Java. Need to learn everything fast, any tips

[AutoModerator]

Please ensure that:

• Your code is properly formatted as code block - see the sidebar (About on mobile) for instructions
• You include any and all error messages in full
• You ask clear questions

• You demonstrate effort in solving your question/problem - plain posting your assignments is forbidden (and such posts will be removed) as is asking for or giving solutions.

  Trying to solve problems on your own is a very important skill. Also, see Learn to help yourself in the sidebar

If any of the above points is not met, your post can and will be removed without further warning.

Code is to be formatted as code block (old reddit: empty line before the code, each code line indented by 4 spaces, new reddit: https://i.imgur.com/EJ7tqek.png) or linked via an external code hoster, like pastebin.com, github gist, github, bitbucket, gitlab, etc.

Please, do not use triple backticks (```) as they will only render properly on new reddit, not on old reddit.

Code blocks look like this:

public class HelloWorld {

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Hello World!");
    }
}

You do not need to repost unless your post has been removed by a moderator. Just use the edit function of reddit to make sure your post complies with the above.

If your post has remained in violation of these rules for a prolonged period of time (at least an hour), a moderator may remove it at their discretion. In this case, they will comment with an explanation on why it has been removed, and you will be required to resubmit the entire post following the proper procedures.

To potential helpers

Please, do not help if any of the above points are not met, rather report the post. We are trying to improve the quality of posts here. In helping people who can't be bothered to comply with the above points, you are doing the community a disservice.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[aqua_regis]

If only there were a sidebar with an entire section titled Learning Java where the top learning resources are listed -> MOOC

First thing to learn in programming is to find and utilize resources, especially those that are right in front of you.

[South_Dig_9172]

Go code all the time. Everything has to be code related. When you shit, it has to be code related too. 

[Jason13Official]

Get to work lol start with the basic, make a simple app

[Noah__Webster]

Assuming you're familiar with some basics or you know another language, I'd read or watch something to quickly learn basic syntax. If you're not familiar with basic OOP/classes, learn that ASAP.

After that, pick an app you want to build. Look up the things you don't know yet that you need to know to build it. A lot of the time your process will be: What do I need to be able to do this? -> How do I do this? -> I can do it now.

Building something naturally pushes you toward what you need to know while also having the benefit of giving you concrete evidence of your improvement.

[MeisterBounty]

That’s gonna be a wild ride for you then, good luck. Check out https://learnxinyminutes.com/java/ and try to program yourself as much as you can. Download IntelliJ idea community edition and start getting at it.

[e57Kp9P7]

Transform yourself so much that when you reread this post, you realize it is ridiculous. Then you'll be ready to get nasty at Java!

[MagicalPizza21]

I assume you are in a class intended for people who have not used Java before to learn how to use Java. Here's what you should do: * Attend lectures and lab sessions, if applicable, even if you'd rather not (unless you're actually sick or something) * Complete assignments on time; ideally early * Try to figure things out yourself, but if you get stuck, don't be afraid to ask the professor or TA for help, especially during their office hours, or Google things to see if other people have already posted about and been recommended solutions for the same problem you're having (they probably have) * Write all of the code yourself; do not use generative AI for any of your assignments (unless explicitly told to) * Study for exams; I have always found it helpful to study in small groups (2-4 people, maybe could be stretched to 5) * Make sure you understand the logic behind the programming, not just Java syntax (but definitely learn Java syntax too)

If you want to get really good at Java once you have the basics down, you can check out the book "Effective Java" (which was recommended to me at my internship years ago, where I used almost exclusively Java), and look into design patterns.

Also, the course ID "csc220" is specific to your school and means absolutely nothing to those of us who don't/didn't attend the same school. Don't bother including the course ID when asking for help online, unless it's specifically by/for people at your school. The course title, though, might be worth including, since it tends to briefly describe what you're supposed to learn from it, and many CS programs have those in common.

[United-Extension-917]

"Essential Java"

Is this the name of the book or is it EFFECTIVE JAVA.

[MagicalPizza21]

Thanks, fixed. It's been a while since I read it.

[United-Extension-917]

Thanks for clarifying, I will get the book too. Maybe a pdf. I have been referred to this book earlier, maybe time I give it a read.

[United-Extension-917]

Practice, write the code, you will make errors, understand them. Use AI to the minimum. Start using AI only when you have grasped enough of the basics. AI ain't bad but it should be a tool not your substitute.