Is Java easy or hard for a beginner?

Question

Well I'm considering taking some computer courses, but I haven't decided my major yet, so I would like to know what programming is. The course I might take includes basic concepts of data representation, user interface design, and software engineering; however, I have no idea what these are. Is there any way to know if I'm interested in these aspects? Also, is Java easy or hard for a beginner?

Answer 1

There's a saying, "Computer Science has as much to do with computers as Astronomy has to do with telescopes."

Computers, and all the languages that are used to develop software for them are really just a means to an end. Computer Science really deals with the SCIENCE of COMPUTING, which is not limited to any one particular language or technology.

Instead it deals with a fair amount of theory. It focuses on two main areas: How data is represented and how data is manipulated. Both of these categories are very broad and a good CS program will educate the scholar in all the different methods and principles.

So, to answer your question (so to speak):

Data Representation: Data is really just a bunch of 1's and 0's but how you interpret that is what makes it useful. Depending on how the data will be used (do you need a space saver, or something that can be found very quickly?) will have a big influence on how it is stored.

User Interface Design: There's another saying "Being a doctor would be great if it wasn't for the patients." Often times, it's very difficult for a programmer to develop software that is easy and intuitive to use. How do you arrange your interface that allows the user to accomplish his job as quickly and easily as possible?

Software Engineering: Ah, modern marvels. How to write software that runs fast (certain algorithms are better than others), uses the least amount of memory required, and correctly performs the tasks required (bugs suck!)

Finally, Java. I would say that most modern programming languages are easy for a beginner these days. Generally speaking, the more difficult a language the more control you have over your programs. Learning Visual Basic might have a small learning curve, but you really can't accomplish much with it, compared to, say C++. Java isn't the easiest language, but it certainly isn't the hardest to learn.

Answer 2

Is Java Hard To Learn

Answer 3

I can tell you that the future is Web 2.0. This means the web is going to turn into desktop applications. The user can't tell if what he is viewing is a web page. This is a very hot area of programming that is going to be the de facto future. Applications you use currently like Word excel and any other will and are currently transforming to web.2.0. Ajax a technique using javascript plays a major roll in this area. Ok so if you did learn java which is more like vb or oop then yeah, you should. You got’s to understand oop. It really does not matter which language you learn as long as you understand oop. From my experience using java applets is not a good thing. I have never used it and don’t see it promise or place.

Form my experience in being inside Web 2.0 development concepts, I am having to be proficient with the following.

Javascript
DOM
ASP.net 2.0
Vb.net
C#
SQL Server

It really comes down to what you want. Do you want to be a leader of redesigning the web era or just create applications?

Answer 4

The basics of java are pretty easy. You build on those basics as you learn, so it's not much worse than any other language. There is a LOT of stuff to learn (the java libraries, tools and methodologies go on forever), but don't let that stop you.

Answer 5

The first programming language is always the hardest to learn, and knowing about 6 of them myself, I dont think it really matters which one you learn first. If you are a good student and apply yourself, then you will learn it. If you find yourself slipping with some of the concepts in the class, just get some tutoring. There will be alot to absorb but half of it relates more to general programming concepts and not the actual programming language.

Answer 6

There's a lot to it. Any language in a sence is easy it jut depends on how much there is to it. There is a lot to learn with Java.

Answer 7

If your not familiar with ANY programming language/scripting language it may have a tough learning curve. Any HtML or VB or other would make it easier to adapt to conventions and syntax.

Answer 8

well java is pretty complicated so i suggest you try a java tutorial for beginners from sun java systems.