Teenagers Getting Started with Java

My son turned 16 a few days ago, he has done some Java programing, and JavaScript programming. JavaScript is the computer language used to make web sites highly interactive; Facebook and Google Maps use it.

For Java programming,
An excellent beginner book: Java in Easy Steps by Mike McGrath.
* I had my son do a number of programs from this book to learn the basics of programming: variable types, if and while loops, etc. To write Java programs, my son started by using Bluejay (http://www.bluej.org/). There is a book with a description on the web site; I have not seen the book. When I looked at the description, I would stay with Java in Easy Steps.
Since I can sit with my son and help him because I am a Java programmer, I have taught him to use NetBeans(http://www.NetBeans.org). He is fine with it.NetBeans also works for JavaScript.

Recommendation,

• Use the Java in Easy Steps book to get started. After learning the basics, can move to the Bluejay book.
• If you have an experience developer use NetBeans, else use Bluejay.
• Once started with the basics of Java, have a look at the Greenfoot site, http://www.greenfoot.org/. This was recommended to me by James Gosling. It is a bit of game or scenario type learning environment for Java.

Posted at 01:11PM Jun 11, 2008 by Stacy Thurston in Computers  |  Comments[0]