Java & Open-Source Development [Need Assistance for Beginner]

Hi ,

I am planning to start learning Java Programming and getting into Open Source Development specially android.
Prior to this I had some experience in developing applications based on C#/.NET.
The reason I am looking to switch from .NET to Java is because of Open Source and stability of Java language in the market[Enlightmen me about this plz.].

I tried to code couple of small test applications in Java using NetBeans and found it pretty similiar to .C#.
I was wondering if its wise to go for Java instead of C#. ??? Considering the fact that I would prefer to develop Open-Source apps and community support.

Please provide some sequence for learning Java and getting into Open-Source dev. [ Also some help about improving and learning algorithms ]
Link to Resources would be good.

, as I would be learning on my own. /

Additionally , I want to know about the prerequisites for getting into it.

Thanks ,
Rishi.

As you keep mentioning Open Source, it is wise to go with Java. You will get plenty of options, good community support. And it will help you to learn Android.

Prerequisites :

1. Knowledge about programming(You already have)
2. OOPS (Guess you already know)
3. To learn algorithm, you first need to find what kind, type and what type of usage-pattern, you want.
4. Google for some good java tutorials and if you need a book, get Head First Java book. it is easy to learn and fun.

Since you already know C#, i wouldn't suggest you to go through beginner tutorials. So start with Intermediate tutorials like THIS.

furious_gamer said:
As you keep mentioning Open Source, it is wise to go with Java. You will get plenty of options, good community support. And it will help you to learn Android.

Prerequisites :

1. Knowledge about programming(You already have)
2. OOPS (Guess you already know)
3. To learn algorithm, you first need to find what kind, type and what type of usage-pattern, you want.
4. Google for some good java tutorials and if you need a book, get Head First Java book. it is easy to learn and fun.

Since you already know C#, i wouldn't suggest you to go through beginner tutorials. So start with Intermediate tutorials like THIS.

Thanks .

For Algorithms , I meant I was recently trying a book "Algorithms : Computer Programming". - But it was full of mathematics and sets and F(n)s. I am not so good at mathematics , but logical approach is good. Is it wise to master those algorithms for Practical/Real World Programming ??

Also I was wondering , should I switch to Linux distro rather than using Windows for Java ?? IS the Linux environment more helpful ??? IF yes , please suggest a Distro.

^^ Well, for algorithms, for real world, you will not encounter such scenarios very often. Even if you do, it will be after few years of your career, by the time you would have some idea on how to do.

And linux is good for java, and you can go with Ubuntu or Cent OS(personally i feel any of these distro will be good), but there is no need to switch OS just for Java. Java is good in Windows too and requires minimal configuration and you can have hell a lot of apps and tools that help you with development.

G

You have lot of tutorials in youtube.Its better than books in case you wanna learn quickly.

S

Thinking in Java - Bruce Eckel. Best book for Java..

Thanks guys , I have started it.