What are some good Java tutorials?

Question

Hello, I am looking for a good place to learn Java, or to download e-books regarding Java. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

EDIT: I come from the C# world, so my main concern is learning how to use the Java / Swing API. My favorite format is a walkthrough-type tutorial where you learn by doing, not reading.

Answer 1

I would suggest http://java.sun.com/new2java/

Then for books might I suggest two of my favorites

• Effective Java
• Design Patterns - Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software

Answer 2

Java.com has hundreds of complete, working examples, and dozens of lessons, but for book purchases refer to JAVA section Language books tutorials for popular languages

Answer 3

In addition to the Sun Java Tutorial, I like the content at the java2s Java site.

Answer 4

I am a believer in the value of deeply understanding the language, its APIs, and the VM. To that end, I recommend you read the Java Language Specification, the javadocs for the Core API, and the Java Virtual Machine Specification.

Answer 5

Here is a good site:

http://www.javaranch.com

And go from there...

Answer 6

Maybe as you already have a bit of OO experience this might not be the best for you... But I find the "Head First" series from O'Reilly to be quite good:

Head First Java

Also see: "Head First Design Patterns" (using Java)

Answer 7

You know, I learned most of the important stuff in the java library from the javadocs. They are amazingly easy to navigate, and it's a really good idea to get in the habit of referencing them.

Just start here:

http://java.sun.com/javase/6/docs/api/

in the right-hand frame. It has a bunch of packages. Review each one and look at the package summary. This will get you the knowledge of what's available and about where to find it.

When you encounter an interesting package--click on it and explore. The package summary generally has a really good readable description of exactly what the classes does complete with class breakdowns, links to tutorials--I'm surprised they don't have circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one explaining what each one was to be used as evidence against us...

When you are coding, keep the screen up. You can search for any class by name, the classes are all listed in the lower-left panel.

Finally if you "Kindof" know what method you want, there is an "Index" link at the top that will show you all the methods by name (Only works if you know the first letter). Once located, you can figure out the classes that implement that method.

Answer 8

The JDK comes with a number of working examples which are worth trying.