What to learn ?

[agnl666]

I started learning java a few weeks ago, and some of you may know that because of my posts over the past two weeks. I was wondering what are some key things I should try to understand and what are some things I should move onto learning to become a better programmer?

[MathX]

Is this your first language?

[alienkinetics]

Depends on what you want to develop (?), but I would say these are compulsory skills:

1) Solid problem solving skills and the ablity to manage your time.
2) All reserve words. Look though the list and read up on any that you dont know.
Java Reserved Words
3) Program layout. How to properly organize and document your source code.
4) All basic datatype methods. ie: Methods to edit/convert strings, int, floats.
5) All basic container classes. ie: ArrayLists, Stacks, HashTables.
6) File system functions. File reading, writing, directory reading.
7) Algorithm design and structured programming.
8) You need some advanced data storage. XML, SQL, Serialization

Behond that, I would start work on GUI design which can be very complex just on its own.

Programming is a never ending road. I never stop learning new ways of looking at old problems.

[agnl666]

Yes this is my first programming language and I always feel compelled to learn more because I love the problem solving aspect to it

[Balington]

Id suggest useing the Java.util.Scanner and playing around with if statements and loops , thats a good way of learning structure and algorithems in my oppinion.

[R3.RyozKidz]

Is there a list of basic container class..?

[alienkinetics]

Is there a list of basic container class..?

java.util (Java 2 Platform SE v1.4.2)

I would focus on ArrayList, Hashtable and Stack.

PS: LinkedList and TreeMap look interesting. I haven't used those.