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New-to-Java Programming Center

New-to-JavaTM Programming Center



The JavaTM programming language is robust and versatile. You can write software on one platform and run it on another, create small programs that run within a web browser, or write server-side applications to create online forums and process HTML forms. You can even write programs for Palm Pilots and other consumer devices. It's no wonder the Java programming language is attracting so many new developers.

The Java platform has many features. Which do you want to use? What do you need to learn to incorporate them into your programs? And what do you need to get started? If you're asking these kinds of questions, the New-to-Java Programming Center is for you. Here's a collection of links to software downloads, tutorials, articles, and online books to help you find what you need to start writing applications.

Contents

Learning Materials

Software Downloads
Quick Reference
Discussion Forums
Interesting Web Sites
Certification

New Additions

Learning Materials

There are many ways to approach learning JavaTM programming. Some people start by writing a simple applet or application, and go on to learn about servlets. Others need to learn about a particular technology area right away. These links take you to an overview of the Java platform and suggested paths for the specified technologies. More learning paths will be added over time.

JavaTM Platform Overview
Introducing the Java Platform This article introduces the Java platform and the tools you'll need to write applications.
Getting Started Learn to compile and run your first program.
Applications, Applets, and Servlets The basics of building an application, applet, and servlet.
JDBCTM Programming Discover how to connect to a database using JDBCTM.
PersonalJavaTM Programming Write programs for settop boxes, hand-held computers, webphones, smartphones, automotive navigation equipment. This article introduces you to PersonalJavaTM.

Step-by-Step Programming
JDC Tutorials Learn Java Beans basics, CORBA, collections, J2EE and more.
Introduction to Programming Using Java, Third Edition Learn programming by using the Java programming language as your introduction. This online text walks you through programming basics in 11 complete chapters and sample code.
Java for Beginners This series of tutorials from JavaBoutique can help guide you through the process of learning and using Java programming on your site.
Introducing JavaTM--Your First Applet Learn the structure, terminology, and steps to writing applets.
Trail: Learning the Java Language From the Java Tutorial, this trail covers the fundamentals of programming in the Java language in an easy-to-use format. A must-read for anyone interested in learning this robust platform.
The Java Language Environment A White Paper This paper, co-authored by one of the founders of the Java programming language, details the history, features, and structure of the Java programming language.

Articles from the JDC
Books to Shorten Your Learning Curve NewThis list of reviews doesn't address content quality, but instead categorizes the assumed level of experience of the reader.
JavaServer PagesTM (JSP): A Developer's Perspective This article provides an overview of JSP from a developer's perspective, and includes examples of JSP in action.
JDK 1.2 Roadmap: All Things New with JDK 1.2 What's in the development kit? This article explains Java 2, Standard EditionTM and provides links for more information.
JDK 1.2 Roadmap: Putting It All Together Learn the differences and definitions of JDBC, Swing, Cryptography as this Roadmap makes sense of these terms by introducing Duke's Bakery, a scenario mirroring real-world applications. See Java 2 platform features at work in easy-to-understand examples.
Duke's Bakery - A JDBCTM Order Entry Prototype - Part I Learn how to develop a database and a GUI application using Duke's Bakery as an example. This application applies JDBC features with Windows Access database to track customer orders and bakery products.
Introduction to the J2EE Architecture Learn the architecture of the Java 2, Enterprise Edition platform, including application development, APIs, and reference implementation.
Complete List of Articles Technical articles covering dozens of topics on Java programming from accessing databases to learning the usefulness of eXtensible Mark-up Language (XML).
Books Online
Essentials of the JavaTM Programming Language: A Hands-On Guide Each chapter defines a Java platform feature and provides easy-to-understand instruction on writing simple programs in many categories.
Note: Essentials of the Java Programming Language is available as a book from online book sellers.
The Java Tutorial As part of the Java Series of books by Sun Microsystems, The Java Tutorial contains the Getting Started trail and six Trails covering the Basics. This book walks you through the process of writing a variety of useful applications with explanation and code samples.
JSP Book in PDF Use this book to help you set up the Java Servlet Web Development Kit TM, then write applications by following the examples on writing JavaServer PagesTM.
Advanced Programming for the Java 2 Platform To help you navigate the Java APIs and fast-track your project development time, this book includes the design, development, test, and deployment phases for an enterprise-worthy auction application. It explores common situations and leaves you with a solid methodology for designing and building your own solutions.
Note: Advanced Programming for the JavaTM 2 Platform is available as a book from online book sellers.

For Webmasters

The Java platform is an excellent choice for writing web applications because of it's versatility, portability, and robustness. Servlets and JavaBeans allow client applications to communicate with the server and database; Project Swing provides classes for client GUI's; and JavaServer Pages enable web masters to build snippets of code (scriptlets) right into HTML.

Ba ckstage at the JDC: Session Management Learn how the JDC uses Java technology and the Java Web ServerTM to run the web site.
What's New in the Java Servlet API This JavaWorld article describes what's new in version 2.2 of the API, explains the decision-making process behind the changes, and demonstrates how to write servlets using API 2.2 features.
Enterprise JavaBeansTM Tutorial A JDC tutorial that demonstrates how easy it is to build server-side Java components using the Enterprise JavaBeans component model.
Java Servlet Primer This article from Java Developer's Journal, explains what servlets are, how to integrate them into web applications, and the benefits of using servlets.
Building Your Own JSP Components This article from iPlanet.com is written for developers who want to create their own Java Beans for use as JSP components, and for interested web designers who want to understand how these components are incorporated behind the scenes.
Building a JSP Form Handler From eScriptZone.com, this tutorial demonstrates how to use JavaServer Pages to process web forms, redirect site visitors to other pages, and to access databases.
Installing and Using the JSWDK These instructions from JavaBoutique.com walk you through installing and using the Java Server Web Development Kit.
An Introduction to Java Servlets From the Web Developers' Journal article, this article describes the overall servlet architecture and what's needed to develop applications with servlets. Several code examples demonstrate how to use the Servlet API, and compare it with CGI and proprietary server APIs where appropriate.
Java for the Webmaster: All Gain No Pain This article from JavaBoutique explains the many benefits of using Java programming for web sites.

Software Downloads

If you're ready to write applications, or develop in a different area of the Java platform, these downloads will get you started.

JavaTM 2 Software Development Kit (SDK) You'll need this download for developing most applications. (See the Micro Edition if you're interested in programming for consumer devices.)
JavaTMServer Web Development Kit Used for developing servlets and JavaServer PagesTM
Java 2, Enterprise Edition This package comes with Java APIs for the HTTP, HTTPS, and a database and deployer tool. Use this kit in conjunction with the J2SE to develop Enterprise JavaBeansTM, JavaServer Pages, Servlets, and more.
Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition Use this kit to develop applications for pagers, Palm Pilots, wireless phones, and other consumer devices.
Products and APIs A complete list on java.sun.com
JDC Early Access The JDC Early Access program gives you access to pre-released software as it becomes available ahead of the official software release.

Quick Reference

Java Software FAQ Index Glossary of JavaTM Technology-Related Terms NEW.gif Download or read online with the new PDF format.
JavaTM Standard Edition Documentation

Discussion Forums

You might have technical questions and insights from your own programming experiences to share with others. Discussion forums give you a way to connect and exchange information with other developers.

Start with this forum:

New-to-Java Technology

Then check the Forums' main page, which lists other topics, such as Installing JDKs, Working with JDBC, Writing JavaServer Pages, and Enterprise JavaBeans.

Schedule a discussion, join a discussion scheduled by another JDC member, or participate in a JDC-sponsored discussion.

All discussion forums take place in the JDC Forums.

Interesting Web Sites

There are many technical resources available on the Web. This section lists a few of them.

Site Description
CodeGuru.developer.com Provides code snippets, hosts Q&A discussion forums, and provides access to several news groups.
The Swing Connection An online magazine with up-to-date information about the latest Swing technology.
Web Monkey: The Web Developers Resource This site hosts several tutorials and articles on how to use the Java programming language for Internet applications.
iPlanet Developers Read articles, white papers, FAQs, and developer news.
jGuru Take self-paced courses, read FAQs, and get your questions answered.

Certification

Sun Microsystems offers several Certification courses. You can choose from the following Sun Certified Programmer courses for the JavaTM platform.

JavaTM 2 Platform
JDK 1.1
Sun Educational Services


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[ This page was updated: 21-Sep-2000 ]
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