few ideas. Its one thing to know what the code does but a whole different issue of actually coding from scratch. I figured this is the best place to get ideas.

Its good to write code that will help you learn different aspects of Java.

Do you feel you understand arrays enough now?

How are you with the different loops? for loop, while loop etc?

You could try to incorporate the use of an array and a for loop into one program.

Create an array of Names and use a for loop to print them all to the console.

Relating to your other question yes I understand the basic loops and array concepts now. The problem is I looked at the candidate program that was very recently posted here and saw very clever use of loops and arrays. That is what I am aiming toward.

I guess it will come with time.

ah yeah I can see why you would think this code is more complicated when it actually isnt.

This is still a String array and for loop printing its content.

Array values can be stored like this:

This is the same as:

I think this concept first came into Java in version 4/5. They both work the same, its just down to personal preference to which one you use.

The basic for loop was extended in Java 5 to make iteration over arrays and other collections more convenient. This newer for statement is called the enhanced for or for-each loop. Again its down to personal preference which one you use but keeping with the times makes it more readable.

so the reason I thought the candidate program was hard was because of the fact that he used a different method of array?

would it be more beneficial to create a standard for loop and have it iterate over the length while I print the arrays?

Yeah the reason it looked hard was because they used a different method of array.

As far as im aware, there is no difference in performance between the for and for-each loop. But if you want to print the content of an array I would get used to learning the for-each loop as its more convenient and no doubt you will encounter it alot in the future.

Yes the easy part is over.

Classes and objects seem to go through one ear and out the other...

It will take time to sink in. Classes and Objects are the base of Object Oriented Programming.

Spend some time to read through the Sun Java tutorials about Classes and Objects. Even if you have read it 5 times before, read it again.

Lesson: Classes and Objects (The Java™ Tutorials > Learning the Java Language)

You need to keep reading even if you don't understand. Each time it will gradually sink in more and more. Try to write code that will help you to understand. For example, try to pass a variable between 2 different classes..

I remember it took me a while to get my head around OOP too. The key really is just to keep writing code.

I havent done anything related to java in 2 days. I got so stressed out and just played games. I feel so incomplete so I am going to do something worthwhile.


Ok so I think I came upon a good project to start out with. I found out how to pass variables through different methods.

What if I passed variables through methods like 'addition(i,j)' while taking input from the user. It does require me to jump a head a little bit but a calculator is something that is very easy to make. I could use the beautiful if-else ladder. The process I have to take to make it is a bit harder then in c++. Not comparing or anything.