Where to Learn Java

[jjmcquiad]

I was wondering if anyone new of any good resources to learn Java? I want to get into modding Minecraft, and just coding in general, but I don't know where to start. I know google and youtube and all that. But most of the stuff I come across assumes you have some knowledge of programming. So I want to know if anyone knows of a good tutorial series or site that can teach a complete beginner. I'm pretty smart, and a real quick learner. So it doesn't have to be written for a child or anything. I just need something that assumes you have no knowledge of coding at all. Any suggestions would be great, thanks.

[larsgerrits]

[lmgtfy=java tutorial]First link[/lmgtfy]

[jeffryfisher]

To learn your first programming language, sign up for a class. If you're not in school, then try a local community college, which probably has at least one programming class at night. The class will not only show you basic programming concepts, but also introduce you to tools like IDEs.

 

After you have some programming foundation, then the best way to add a new language is to pick up an existing program in that language and read it, then try to change it a little bit. The existence of various code and data structures shows by example how to accomplish certain things that you can file away in memory to do for yourself when you write your own programs.

 

Therefore, I think that the ideal environment in which to learn Java is to get into modding Minecraft (that's how I started Java programming last year). Make sure you install your Forge to give you access to all of the source code. Spend some time exploring. With a handy tool like Eclipse for Java, you can learn a lot just by tracing definitions and references of variables and functions.

 

Then imitate a simple mod. Then try to do something new. When you run into a "how does that work?" mystery, use Eclipse to jump into the Minecraft code that actually does it. Trace it. Take careful notes on 9-digit obfuscated variable and function names so you can decrypt their likely definitions. Curse the private final enum that stands between you and your long-sought mod. Then learn "reflection" so you can sometimes work around even such a hurdle.

 

Then you'll know some Java.

 

PS: To give you an idea of the learning curve -- I started with programming experience but zero Java. I finished my first simple mod in 4-5 days (half of that learning installation, gradle and Eclipse), but it was about two months before I learned enough Java, Minecraft code, and Forge before I used a little (brute-force) reflection successfully in a mod.