Section 1: The essence of Java programming
The best way to learn Java programming is to start doing it, and that's the
approach the chapters in this section take. So in chapter 1, you get started right
as you learn how to get Java on your system and how to compile and run Java
programs. Then, in chapters 2 and 3, you learn how to use the Java language
essentials as you write your first Java applications. At this point, you're using
some of the basic Java classes and objects, but you're not writing object-oriented
programs.
To develop programs the way the professionals do, however, you need to
write object-oriented programs. So that's what you'll learn how to do in the
next two chapters. In chapter 4, you learn how to write programs that consist
of two or more classes. In chapter 5, you are introduced to all of the object-oriented
concepts and skills that you need as you work with Java. These are
useful as you create and use your own classes and objects, and they are
absolutely essential for making effective use of the hundreds of classes that
Java provides.
Before you can write an effective object-oriented program, though, you
need to know how to design and test an object-oriented program. So that's
what you'll learn to do in the last chapter of this section. When you complete
it, you'll have the essential skills that you need for designing, coding, and
testing object-oriented Java programs. You'll also have a clear view of what
Java programming is and what you have to do to become proficient at it. That's
why we call this section "The essence of Java programming."
Chapter 1 How to get started with Java - Section 1
Before you can begin learning the Java language, you need to install Java and
you need to learn how to use some tools for working with Java. So that's what
you'll learn in this chapter. Along the way, you'll be introduced to some of the
concepts and terms you need for working with Java.
- Introduction to Java ........................................ 4
- Toolkits and platforms ......................................... 4
- Java compared to C++ ........................................... 4
- Applications, applets, and servlets ............................ 6
- How Java compiles and interprets code .......................... 8
- How to get Java on your system ............................. 10
- How to install the SDK ........................................ 10
- A summary of the directories and files of the SDK ............. 12
- How to configure Windows to work with the SDK ................. 14
- How to use Windows tools to work with Java ................. 16
- How to use Notepad to save and edit source code ............... 16
- How to use the DOS prompt to compile source code .............. 18
- How to use the DOS prompt to run an application ............... 18
- Common error messages and solutions ........................... 20
- Essential DOS skills for working with Java .................... 22
- How to use TextPad to work with Java ....................... 24
- How to use TextPad to save and edit source code ............... 24
- How to use TextPad to compile source code ..................... 26
- How to use TextPad to run an application ...................... 26
- Introduction to Java IDEs .................................. 28
- Why we don't recommend using an IDE when you're learning Java . 28
- Why we recommend using an IDE once you've mastered Java ....... 28
- Perspective................................................. 30
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