Welcome Programmers

Java Programming Tutorials and Lessons

Welcome to this new Java tutorial. I hope you like it and learn to program in Java really fast.

Very soon I will also include some Tutorials and Lessons about C++.

I have decided to start this blog as a way to reinforce what I have learned through the years and share with other people the knowledge. Learning Java is the best way to begin in the Object Oriented Programming world, since it is very intuitive and somehow easy to learn.

If you are wondering why learning Java is an important matter you can go ahead and check this article about the Top 10 Programming Languages and the Top 10 Programming Languages to keep you employed. Java is one of the most used programming languages for enterprise custom-application development, and one of the easiest to dive into the object-oriented-programming.

Finally take a look at this graph:

Programming Language Popularity

These are normalized results taken from several 

different result sets featured onLangPop.com

With Java you can also create fast and useful applications for yourself or anyone who needs a specific task to be automatized. I have used Java to create some cool stuff from small games to time-saving applications.

Now here you can find the lessons created until now. I will leave this post on top of the blog so you can continue with the lesson you left the last time:

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter to get the latest updates.

-Java Tutorial & Lesson 1 - Getting Started

Set up the required components to start programming in Java, including the Java Development Kit (JDK) and the Eclipse IDE.

-Java Tutorial & Lesson 2 - Setting up a Project on Eclipse

Create a Java project to start using the infinite possibilities of the Eclipse IDE for Java.

-Java Tutorial & Lesson 3 - Writing the first program: Hello World!

Say Hello with these simple steps and create your first Java program.

-Java Tutorial & Lesson 4 - Understanding Variables and Data Types

Learn about storing information with certain variables depending on the type of that information and then learn how to use it. Some examples are included in this and almost all the following posts.

-Java Tutorial & Lesson 5 - Understanding Methods and Attributes

Create the first methods to group functions that you will reuse in the future. Attributes are very useful for these kind of global functions.

-Java Tutorial & Lesson 6 - Making decisions with Conditionals

Let your program make the right decision when confronted with a set of possibilities.

Please feel free to comment and ask if you have any questions, your feedback will be greatly appreciated.

Java Tutorial & Lesson 2 - Setting up a Project on Eclipse

Set up The Eclipse IDE for a Java Project

Once you have installed the required software, open the Eclipse IDE. Once started, it will ask you for a working directory. Select any empty directory and continue.

Now let's get to the programming!

How to create a Java Project

Right-click the Package Explorer (Left Panel of Eclipse) and create a new Java Project:

(Note: if you can't see any of the panels mentioned here, just go to Window>> Show View and select the missing panel. You can also relocate it by dragging and dropping wherever you want)

In the next menu I recommend no using the default location (it's just a personal preference) but instead saving your project to a different folder, this way you can keep all your projects organized:

Java Tutorial & Lesson 1 - Getting Started

Introduction to Java and Eclipse IDE

At the end of this level the reader will be able to:

• Explain the global process of solution to a problem using a computer program. This includes the steps that must be followed to solve it and the different elements that should be produced while the solution is build.
• Analyze a simple problem to be solved using a computer program, building a model with the elements involved in the problem and specifying the services the program must offer.
• Explain the structure of a computer program and the role played by each of the elements that compose it.
• Complete a partial solution to a problem (an incomplete program written in Java language), using simple expressions, method assignments and invocations. This implies understanding the concept of parameter and object creation.
• Use a software development environment and a predefined workspace, to complete a partial solution to a problem.

So let's get started...

Download and Install The Java Development Kit (JDK)

First you need to download and install the Java Development Kit (JDK) for your Operating System. I would recommend downloading the latest version available.

Download and Install The Eclipse IDE

We also need an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) which will help you make the coding experience much more better. I highly recommend Eclipse IDE for Java Developers because it's very intuitive and will help you have a faster learning curve.