Voodoo? No, Java

HunterTony · 28 Sep 2010 at 20:22

I'm just about to start learning Java, and was wondering what program's (preferably free ones!) are good to use.

Also, anyone have any Java tips in general? Have similar is it to C++ ?

Dj_Jestar · 28 Sep 2010 at 21:11

What do you mean by "programs" ? Integrated Development Environment (IDE)?

Eclipse and NetBeans seem to be the popular (free) choices. Eclipse is my preference.

Angelos_n · 28 Sep 2010 at 22:16

BlueJ , its the basic platfrom for building with java. im doing java at uni. well just finished my java modules, the biggest tip i can tell you is to really really look at your code a lot and see how it can be imprived, there is always more than one way to do things, but with java it seems like there is 10, so really look through your code. another piece of advice is to name your classes simple things, as once you have 100+ classes things can get out of hand.

Berserker · 28 Sep 2010 at 23:58

Eclipse + SCJP e-book. Worked for me (i.e. I'm productive, using web services and that sort of fun stuff, though huge amounts still to learn). Not sure I'd want to try the SCJP exam, though.

Another tip - use packages! Avoids having 100+ classes in the first place (well, not all in the same package, anyway)

helium · 29 Sep 2010 at 09:23

Netbeans is pretty good and free, i personally found Java easier than C++. But solid OOP principles will pull you through.

lemonade · 29 Sep 2010 at 17:51

I usually use Jcreator, lightweight, simple and well featured.

I also use dto use netbeans and geany.

HunterTony · 30 Sep 2010 at 12:54

Thanks folks, I'll have to try Jcreator, Netbeans, and Eclipse out. Any other suggestions or IDE's, let me know

numnutz · 30 Sep 2010 at 13:33

Moved from Netbeans to Eclipse. Try both and see what works for you, but Eclipse is good for customising it to just how you like it.

slylittlefox · 30 Sep 2010 at 20:44

Hate Eclipse with a passion - Netbeans all the way :cool:

GWillow · 30 Sep 2010 at 21:47

There's always IntelliJ IDEA 9 (community edition)

Smit · 1 Oct 2010 at 09:13

Eclipse or Netbeans IMO

If you want to use the built in GUI editors then Netbeans was better the last time I checked but that was a year or so back.

Wiggis · 1 Oct 2010 at 15:20

IntelliJ is the best one available for managing large code bases, but for smaller projects you cannot beat NetBeans.

Eclipse is slow and harder to use for a newbie.

HunterTony · 7 Oct 2010 at 13:00

I've now tried using NetBeans, not too hard to suss out the basics... the book i'm learning from wants me to use Command Prompt but it's sooooo long winded! Does anyone else use Command Prompt for Java?!

Dj_Jestar · 7 Oct 2010 at 13:08

The reason they teach using the command prompt is because it would be too much work for the author to detail how to do the same tasks in every flavour of IDE.

It's also so you understand the basics, and can relate to what the IDE you choose is actually doing for you.