Are the (Official) Java Tutorials the Best?

Hi guys,

So I'm completely new to Java but not new to programming. As primarily a web designer, I know all the OOP oriented languages, I've done some work with C++ and some with Python... so that's just a little bit about my background.

I was looking through the official Java tutorials (the trail tutorials) and I found them to be a little strange. I completed the beginner one and then it took me to something that completely threw me off..

So my question: is there a better set of tutorials that can thoroughly take me through the basics (beyond a "hello world" script)?

I'm familiar with classes, and like I said I've done some stuff with C++ so I'm also familiar with the main method and things like that (looks similar to me).

Thanks

Mike

In my opinion the official Java tutorials are the most comprehensive, but they aren't exactly the easiest to read.

My personal favorite way to learn Java (well, most things actually) is to do a Google search, but you'll need to have at least some idea on what you want to accomplish.

Another resource I use a lot is the Java API documentation. Again, it's best used once you have at least an idea of what it is you're looking for (kind of like a dictionary), and I usually access it by doing a Google search.

Okay thanks. So it looks like I'll be using the Java "trails" after all :P

Basically I just need a tutorial to get me to a starting point where I can learn by doing, and mostly learn by myself.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mjaredburt

Okay thanks. So it looks like I'll be using the Java "trails" after all :P

Basically I just need a tutorial to get me to a starting point where I can learn by doing, and mostly learn by myself.

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Well, according to me, Sun official tutorials are nicely written and you are given with exercises to see your progress. Can you tell, what track did you follow while reading those tutorials? Track sometimes matter a lot. You must follow the right track to get the right output of your input.

I did the "Getting Started" trail, then I skipped to the "Essential Classes" trail because it told me that if I had a background in other programming languages that the second trail, "Learning the Java Language", wasn't needed...

Apparently I did need it! :P I'm going to go back and look the "Learning the Java Language" one today if I can.

Mike