Discipline is the mother of all innovation…!

I’ve decided to dedicate one hour per day to learning Java. If I remember correctly, Jeremy did something similar, but I’m not sure it was for this language. Reasons for doing this are:

• A good intro-language for code-dummies like me!
• Built to be cross-platform: not only PC-wise, but on mobiles as well (I plan to write about the latter in a future post).
• Plenty of resources around (more in this in a sec)!
• The intellectual challenge!
• Necessity: remember my last mantra?

After looking around for resources, of which there is no shortage, I’ve decided on a three-pronged approach:

• A lecture-series, by Swinburne University of Technology, entitled “Object Orientated Programming” (free on iTunes U)
• A book, called “Head First Java, 2nd Edition,” which got good reviews on Amazon, and is co-authored by Kathy Sierra. The lecture above recommends, “Core Java, Volume 1,” which I have to see whether that would make sense to get, in order to follow what they are saying.
• Exercise-tutorials, to learn the basics, of which there is no shortage online. I am currently a third of the way with the tutorials on Javaomatic, and will see what happens afterwards.

Since I don’t like working solo on things, I think a logical next step is to take part in projects where I can practice my l33t haXing skillZ as well as contribute on the business developmental side.

My questions to the audience are:

1. Where do you stand on Java as a language and as a standard? Personally, I have yet to come across a Java-app that I actually use day-to-day.
2. What is the one Java app that I should check out to inspire me!?
3. How easy is it to build on top of Java and learn/use other languages? What web-languages are most related to Java (yes, I am aware that Java could be a considered a web-language also)?

Enjoy the weekend!
Vincent

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