Java Programming/Introduction

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Introduction

Java Programming Introduction

Getting started

Before you begin reading any further, you need to know where you stand, watch before you tread. Computer programming is relatively easy if you know where to start and where to look for guidance. At times this book will test your patience and spirit, but are you sure you want to read ahead. There are various reasons why you would find yourself here.

• You have been working with your computer for a few years now and the only thing you can properly work is a word processor. You need to know more.
• You have started learning computer programming at a course in school or university and do not know how to proceed.
• You have just now realised that Java is one of the few computer programming languages that is highly sought for in the professional arena.

What ever be your fascination or motivation, you have come to the right place.

Contents 1 Why should you continue reading? 2 What can Java not do? 3 Conventions used in this book

[edit] Why should you continue reading?

Every thing you would need to know to write computer programs would be explained in this book. By the time you'd end reading this book, you'd find yourself proficient enough to write huge chunks of code or even read and edit other people's code. This book serves as the first stepping stones of many you would need to cross the unfriendly waters of computer programming. We have put a lot of emphasis in structuring this book in a way that lets you start programming from scratch with Java as your preferred language of choice.

Over the last decade, Java has become the most widely taught and used languages. Universities, colleges and schools all have courses teaching students the wonderful aspects of this language. On top of that, as marketing folks at Java love to say: Java is everywhere™ which actually implies the availability of the platform across a myriad of devices. From your phone to the Mars Rover (the wheeled robot on Mars), Java has pushed creativity and production to the next level. You are soon to be yet another person benefiting from this experience.

[edit] What can Java not do?

Well, to be honest, there is nothing that Java can not do. You can program just about anything in Java. This book would however get you acquainted with the basics of the language while you have to use your creativity wherever possible to create that masterpiece of a software you dream of creating one day. People have written operating systems in Java, they have programmed robots in the language and managed power stations and conveyor belts in factories. You can do anything and everything with Java.

If you are new to Java, the best place to start is by obtaining the necessary software to get started. Just be sure to check out the conventions used in this book to familiarise yourself with the way things are presented in this book first.

[edit] Conventions used in this book

Technical stuff is a bit tedious to write about. You have to ensure everything is in the right order for the mind to grasp, or else it would be a failed cause. Reading it however is even more cumbersome if you don't know what is what. Here is a summary of how information is presented in this book.

• Whenever a new terms is encountered in the text, it is usually in bold letters.
• Italicised bold font means you need to follow the certain instruction as said.
• The monofont typeface is used for code, file names, and URLs.
• If you encounter monofont typeface with angle brackets, e.g., File > New..., it usually refers to menu commands.
• Italicised monofont means you need to modify the text to include your own.