SO, YOU WANT TO LEARN JAVA?

10 helpful skills to develop before you start!

Computer Literacy

• This may seem obvious but you need to know how to manage and use your computer

• Not just for file management and downloads

• But also for basic command-line operations• And for configuring computer settings

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EditingSkills

• Fluent text editing is essential for coding efficiency

• Selecting text, copy/paste, find and replace, and managing multiple documents on multiple screens all help with Java

• Keyboard dexterity – including keyboard shortcuts – will reduce the learning complexity2

EditingSkills

• Java can be challenging with multiple code pages open concurrently - in multiple folders

• Finding and fixing errors is ongoing in Java due to its rigid syntax

• Experience with multiple code editors and IDEs will assist in your Java development

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Programming Fundamentals

• Learning object oriented programming at the same time as basic programming syntax (as well as the IDE) can be overwhelming

• Programming in any previous language can assist

• Lynda.com (10 day free trial) – offers a Foundation of Programming series which will assist a deeper dive into Java3

Object Oriented

Programming

• A primer in OOP can help with both terminology and concepts before starting Java

• Again, learning these along with syntax and IDE can make Java more difficult to learn than with some prior familiarity

• Lynda.com (10 day free trial) – offers a Foundation of Programming series – including in OOP – which will assist a deeper dive into Java 4

Web Developmen

t

• Some basic web development skills will assist in developing all the previously recommended skills

• Text editing, managing multiple files/docs, and programming basics using JavaScript

• W3Schools (free tutorials) – is a good place to start

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Database Fundamental

s

• A lot of applications read and write data to a database

• A basic knowledge of SQL and database schema can assist making connections and understanding queries

• Lynda.com (10 day free trial) – offers a Foundation of Programming series – with database fundamentals – which will assist a deeper dive into Java6

ComputersScience

• Any introductory computer science course provides some useful background on information processing, analysis and design, and programming concepts

• edX (online university) offers a variety of computer related courses which are free to audit

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BasicMath Skills

• Math skills are essential to even basic programming – but even more so in developing some solutions

• The more math, the easier it is to develop solutions

• edX (free online university) offers a variety of Math related courses which are free to audit

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Logical Mindset

• The ability to think logically and to solve problems is important for analysis and design of solutions

• Also for understanding technical documents, cryptic language notation, and algorithms

• And for writing orderly code

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Self-Directed Learner

• Having an inquisitive mind and being self-motivated to find answers is the way of the programmer

• Looking up online docs, sample code, and tutorials is an ongoing necessity

• Staying motivated while “not knowing” is an essential skill1

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End Summary

• Java can be a challenging learning experience

• If you want Java to be more than console applications and static methods then gaining some practice with its many components first, will help in the process

• Good luck with learning Java!

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Slide Deck by Peter Rushton

@gmail.com