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Thread: Next step in Java

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    Question Next step in Java

    Hello all,

    I'm a few chapters away from finishing the book I'm using to learn Java programming. And I am not sure where to go once I've read the last page. I've looked for somethings online, found some free books, some tutorials(video and text); about the same things in my book. I'd like to improve, test, and build what I know; but I don't know how or where to start. Keeping it short, I've quite confused with what's next?

    -Mel
    Last edited by Melawe; October 13th, 2011 at 05:58 AM.


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    Crazy Cat Lady KevinWorkman's Avatar
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    Default Re: Next step in Java

    There is no definitive "this is the next step". Different people are going to have different opinions.

    But the best way to learn how to program is by programming. Start a collection of little programs that do interesting things to you. Build on those programs, and you'll pick new knowledge up as you hit roadblocks and google the problem and ask questions here. You don't learn how to program just by reading books, any more than you can learn how to play a sport by reading books about baseball.
    Useful links: How to Ask Questions the Smart Way | Use Code Tags | Java Tutorials
    Static Void Games - Play indie games, learn from game tutorials and source code, upload your own games!

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    Default Re: Next step in Java

    Quote Originally Posted by KevinWorkman View Post
    There is no definitive "this is the next step". Different people are going to have different opinions.

    But the best way to learn how to program is by programming. Start a collection of little programs that do interesting things to you. Build on those programs, and you'll pick new knowledge up as you hit roadblocks and google the problem and ask questions here. You don't learn how to program just by reading books, any more than you can learn how to play a sport by reading books about baseball.
    Okay I'll try that. Do you know any websites with source code I can learn from?

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    Crazy Cat Lady KevinWorkman's Avatar
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    Default Re: Next step in Java

    Quote Originally Posted by Melawe View Post
    Okay I'll try that. Do you know any websites with source code I can learn from?
    That really depends on what you're looking for. There are plenty of open source projects, but many of those are a bit overwhelming.

    I've tried to throw together some smaller open-source example programs, and you can check them out at code.KevinWorkman.com, if you feel like it. They might not be in the field you're interested in though.

    The best way to go from here might be to start from scratch instead of trying to work from existing code.
    Useful links: How to Ask Questions the Smart Way | Use Code Tags | Java Tutorials
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    Default Re: Next step in Java

    To add to Kevin's advice, depending upon how far advanced your book has taken you, a few avenues you might wish to explore that are relatively language independent:
    1) Algorithms. Sorting algorithms seem like the typical examples used, and a good place to start learning recursion.
    2) Data structures. LinkedList, trees, graphs, and algorithms to traverse the structures
    3) Design Patterns. Software design principles that in my view are extremely important to have knowledge of.

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    Melawe (December 10th, 2011)

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    Default Re: Next step in Java

    Nothing can beat a real world experience , build something which can be used by some one else and if not than at least build which you can use. Real world application brings lot of small points and learning experience. you can build a question answer application something like Whizlabls mock exams etc if you are interested in Swing, of do the same in JSP , spring if you want to go on web site.

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    Default Re: Next step in Java

    Okay thanks.

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    Default Re: Next step in Java

    Hey!

    I'm grumpy. You can be one of the other Dwarfs.
    Improving the world one idiot at a time!

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    Default Re: Next step in Java

    Sorry, what do you mean?

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    Default Re: Next step in Java

    I'm also hungry person in java programming.I followed C,C++,C sharp by my self.So i understood the best way of programming is always thinking and thinking.how i solve this problem.that is the best way to solve this problem.then you can understand what is the part that you want to apply in java.like that lean step by step.I folowed this technique and got good results.try,try..keep enthusiasm...you can do it.Thanks!!

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    Melawe (November 5th, 2011)

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    Default Re: Next step in Java

    Quote Originally Posted by KevinWorkman View Post
    That really depends on what you're looking for. There are plenty of open source projects, but many of those are a bit overwhelming.

    I've tried to throw together some smaller open-source example programs, and you can check them out at code.KevinWorkman.com, if you feel like it. They might not be in the field you're interested in though.

    The best way to go from here might be to start from scratch instead of trying to work from existing code.
    Thanks! You have some very nice interesting apps there, I liked wind and escape form monster city.

    Quote Originally Posted by copeg View Post
    To add to Kevin's advice, depending upon how far advanced your book has taken you, a few avenues you might wish to explore that are relatively language independent:
    1) Algorithms. Sorting algorithms seem like the typical examples used, and a good place to start learning recursion.
    2) Data structures. LinkedList, trees, graphs, and algorithms to traverse the structures
    3) Design Patterns. Software design principles that in my view are extremely important to have knowledge of.
    Sorry, I didn't see this before. Thanks!

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