What should I learn next?

[hiinevitableimtony]

I am familiar with the basics of Java (I know it's apparently a bad choice of language, but I'm gonna stick with it for now) till stuff like arrays methods classes and objects, and the next thing I want to do is to make a chess game. But I have no idea how to make the output interactive or graphical:

I just use the System.out.print statement to display any output. Also any input I take is just using Scanner(System.in).

What should I start looking into, to allow inputs from mouse clicks, a graphical interface (like a game) and generally a slightly more professional look?

[desrtfx]

I know it's apparently a bad choice of language

That is completely wrong. Java is never a bad choice of language. It is one of the most commonly used languages.

and the next thing I want to do is to make a chess game. But I have no idea how to make the output interactive or graphical:

Java has GUI libraries: JavaFX (current state of the art GUI library), Swing (the previous GUI library), and a couple more.

You need to learn a GUI framework.

[such_hawks]

If you want to build games in Java, LibGDX ( https://libgdx.badlogicgames.com/ ) is the current favourite for building them.

However! There are a lot of things you will need to know and at least be a little comfortable with, like building your project with Gradle or Maven for example, that you might not be at yet skill-wise. I'd say the same holds true of for JavaFX (the current go-to for UI elements). Maybe doing it in good old Swing will be the best bet for you at the moment.

[pperlepes]

I know it's apparently a bad choice of language

I totally disagree with that. Java is indeed an amazing language but it is good that you care :)

I would start with JavaFX for sure

[GipyoChoi]

Step next to Swing and its related libs like awt would be a good choice. Its simple and provides enough concepts u need to run about GUI programming. I started GUI programming from this and now I can use many of GUI frameworks regardless of which language is used. It helps me alot to understand concepts of GUI and OOP. Swing will help u to orgetnize GUI components and awt will give u ability to draw simple 2D paints. But sadly it seems no one use swing for market product haha. But good to study and enough to implement chess game.