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Java Newb

Discussion in 'Silicon (v)Alley' started by A AnoesisOrange, Jan 10, 2013.

  1. Just got started running Java programs in Eclipse. The intent is to take it in to a career, mixed with PL/SQL and Linux/Unix.

    That is the idea at least.

    Any warnings, suggestions?

    I don't care about how rigorous the work may or may not be. I simply mean in terms of the implications of the technology itself and as it pertains to career paths.
     
  2. Good luck without a degree.
     
  3. a lot of great programmers come from non computer science degrees. Just have to be really dedicated obviously... basic java isn't hard. I'd recommend starting by making a simple calculator without GUI to get down the basics and then going back in and adding JButton and text areas, etc.
     
  4. Could you wish me luck with a degree? Cuz I got one. I've had several hits on my resume for these types of jobs, I just can't get anywhere because after I talked to them they know I don't have the programming skills they require for associate positions.


    Thanks for the idea. I think, with the position I'm in, if I could just get good enough at Java to convince people I know what I'm doing I would be fine in trying to find a job.
     
  5. Good luck with a degree. If it's a Comp. Sci degree I'm not sure why you don't know object-oriented programming concepts. Learning Java is just learning a new syntax.
     

  6. Yes I know. Thanks for the help.
     
  7. Fuck man I use to love coding I got out of it because I was working on a big ads project and my bro erased my hard drive lol but hook with someone who designs graphic and make like a runescape/wow type game may take a few years to get going but look at jagex they got stacks on stacks
     

  8. I didn't mean to sound rude, I was just being honest.

    Being a software developer is not simply learning a new language. I would recommend you take the time to learn theory and design. Implementation/programming is the last step (besides testing).

    There is work writing Java, but I might suggest you consider web or mobile applications instead (i.e. JavaScript or C#, C++, Objective-C).\

    Is there a reason you picked Java as your language of choice?
     
  9. #9 A AnoesisOrange, Jan 11, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 11, 2013
    Now we're getting somewhere. Hey I'm as rude as they come so no worries.

    Main reason I chose it is because it's portability with the JVM and all. Fact is, I don't know much about this stuff but just enough to know that I have to get in to it somehow.

    My degree is in business and it also incorporates Information Technology Management. It's hard for me to fully utilize my degree unless I can do programming. I took a class on jython and that's about the extent of my writing. I've had some class on computing principles. These two hardly suffice as far as I, and for that matter just about any employer, is concerned.

    Javascript, C#, etc. sounds smart to me. I need to get to that point where learning a different language is "just learning a different syntax." You know what I'm saying? I'm trying to figure out the best starting point.
     

  10. I completely understand with you wanting to learn programming. It definitely sets you apart from the rest of the field and is a very valuable asset.

    If you have the ability to take any more quality comp. sci. classes, do that - learning stuff like data structures (efficiency, implementation) or algorithm design is very helpful when actually writing code.

    I've also heard employers ask questions about data structures/algorithms in interviews - such as how to write the add method for a doubly linked list or something.

    I might even say learning C would be a good start. Trickier, but learning a systems-level language will be very good foundation to then learn higher-level object oriented languages, like Java.
     
  11. Learn the concepts of OOP (classes, methods, inheritance, objects, logic, control flow, etc) and how to use them. Also try coding high and see how creative you can get.
     
  12. #12 A AnoesisOrange, Jan 11, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 11, 2013

    Great, thanks. I'm taking some online courses (legit stuff through University of Washington, London, and Ga Tech [my alma mater]) that cover functional programming and contrasting it with OOP, creative programming (using Processing), and a course called Systematic Program Design (pretty self explanatory).

    That being said, I might try C++ just to stay current and practical at first while I wait for these courses to start. What do you think about Jython? I've taken a course on it but I don't know enough to know what it's good for.

    I really want a good foundation. I understand the importance of that, I just can't afford the right schooling so I am going to have to take it upon myself to do it. I want to get in to mobile and web application development once I have a good foundation. Mainly because I want to start my own business a little down the road so I need to develop that stuff myself. That's were javascript and PHP/SQL and what not will be helpful.

    Wow, how much my plan has changed since my original post. I was thinking that way after I had a job lead that I had a foot in the door but I was certainly not qualified for. My own business is where my heart lies though.

    Any more thoughts maybe?


    Thanks, will do. The above rant was for you, too.
     
  13. #13 Broseph Radson, Jan 11, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 11, 2013
    I've never heard of jython (I'm assuming it's a mix of java and python?) but I have dabbled in c++. I prefer coding in c# to c++ because it's easier IMO, but both java and c++ are multi platform (well, kind of. You have to recompile c++ on other platforms to use it as it compiles straight to binary, whereas java uses the jvm to run which is available on most anything) while c# requires .NET to run as it compiles into IL (the windows equivalent of java bytecode) and is therefore not multi platform.

    If you're looking into mobile app development, java and/or c++ is for Android, c# is for windows phone, and idk what ios uses because I don't like it.

    I'm still working towards my degree and haven't a job in my field yet so I don't have much more advice to offer.
     

  14. You sound like you're on the right track with the courses. I don't know much about Jython, but it sounds like something you would learn after you have a stronger background in both Java and Python.

    Learning C++ might be a good idea to stay current, but as you said, you want a good foundation - that's where learning a language like C would be better since C++ is essentially "enhanced" C.

    You could always run through some online tutorials/resources like codecademy, codingbat, etc. to improve your problem-solving skills, and improve your programming abilities.

    I think if you are truly dedicated to becoming a programmer you will be successful. Just remember not to get ahead of yourself - concepts are more important than implementation...so start with some lower-level programming (closer to hardware) and move up.

    Oh, and learn how to debug effectively :hello:
     
  15. That and try to stick to console applications before doing a whole lot of GUI work.
     
  16. great guys. Thanks.
     
  17. Thanks for the rep :)
     

  18. +1 to this.

    One of my professors adamantly states "Learn how to build it. Then use it". I.e. use console text editors (VI is great) before graphical text editors, and console-based programs before using a GUI library.

    Thanks for the rep as well. Best of luck to you :)
     

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