The bookstore approach

If you've never used Java before, there are several ways to get started. One way, of course, is to go down to your local bookstore and find every book you can about the subject. You can also go down to your local library and do the same thing. There are many, many books available for people interested in learning how to program with Java.

The Internet approach

Of course, this being the Internet, there is a second way. One of the great things about Java is, assuming you already have a computer, you can learn all about Java and obtain the compiler for free!

If you're completely new to Java, the first thing I'd recommend is go to the source of all things Java, Sun Microsystems. Their main Java link is:

http://java.sun.com

From this link you'll find wonderful things, like:

The Java Developer's Kit (JDK)

The kit includes the Java compiler and Java Virtual Machine (JVM). If you're on a bare-bones budget, you can use your PC, an editor, and the JDK to create Java applets, applications, and servlets. (If you have more money, there are many great tools to help you create Java software more easily, but this is how many of us got started.)

Sun's Java Tutorial

A very nice intro to Java software development.

The JavaSoft FAQ Index

A collection of FAQ's about Java topics.

Using Sun Microsystems alone as your information source, you can:

1. Download the Java JDK
2. Install the JDK on your computer
3. Learn how to compile Sun's sample programs
4. Read the tutorial and learn how to write your own programs
5. Read their FAQ's to learn much more about Java

Now, outside of Sun and their Java Division, there are many other places you can go to freely learn more about Java. These sites include:

Developer's Daily Q&A Center

Our own "Question-and-Answer" center features answers to frequently-asked questions about Java.

Developer's Daily Pure Java Center

Our educational center for learning about Pure Java. Provides many tutorials and examples.

Developer's Daily JavaWarehouse

Go to our Warehouse when you want to "Learn Java by Example". Go here if you already know the name of a class or method, and want to see how it's used in a real-world software application. Includes well over 2,000 source code files.

The Java Programmer's FAQ

A terrific FAQ from the Java news groups.

JavaWorld

A monthly online magazine for Java developers. Includes feature stories, news, and monthly tips.

Dick Baldwin's Java Programming Tutorials

Very nice course material for learning Java online. Written by a college professor for the Java classes he teaches.

Of course there are many other interesting Java-related places to go to learn about Java, or see examples of Java in action. Here are just a few of the many possibilities:

Gamelan

The official Java directory. A very large listing of Java resources around the world.

Java Applet Rating Service

The main alternative to Gamelan.

DevDirectory

Our own directory of Java resources (also includes Perl and General Programmer resources).

Java Report Online

The independent source for Java development, from SIGS publications.

If this hasn't been enough to get you started, you can also try the search engines like Excite and directories like Yahoo. They contain links to many terrific freely-available resources around the world.