Beginner Java where to start

The path to learning the Java platform is not smooth. There are so many technologies that you can choose to use. However, you must first know what you want to do and where to start. This article will introduce you to several tools for learning the Java programming language. Choosing which tools to start learning depends on how well you currently know the programming language. After you have identified the tools you have selected, you will learn more about the technical and programming languages through resources.

Figure 1. Greenfoot Lunarlander

Learning the Java platform should be fun, simple and exciting. When you are ready, choose one of the following tools and begin our advanced path. It won't be long before you can create exciting Java programs.

Before you start

Before you start learning tools, you need to install the Java Standard Version (Java SE) to ensure that the following tools work correctly.

Download Java SE

After you have installed your Java SE, you need to consider which learning tools to use.

Tools overview

What tool you choose depends on how well you now know about the program, especially the Java program. The tools listed here will show you the program clearly, rather than throw you some confusing code. These tools will show you the relationships between objects (which will be learned in the tools) and how to make objects work together to get things done. Of course, each tool is suitable for a specific level of learners.

If you do not have programming experience, you need to step through the Basic Learning path: greenfoot > BlueJ > The NetBeans IDE bluej Edition, see Figure 2:

Figure 2. Tool Learning Path

Perhaps most learners already have some solution to Java (or other programming languages), or have taken some similar courses and want to learn more. The following will help you determine how to choose the right learning path and the tools that work best for you, based on your current learning situation.