Learning Java: Java Is Not Difficult

Java is not difficult, but there is a great deal to it. The language itself is fairly compact, but very powerful. To be able to program effectively in Java, however, you also need to understand the libraries that go with the language, and these are very extensive. The sequence in which you learn how the language works, and how you apply it, has been carefully structured so that you can gain expertise and confidence with programming in Java through a relatively easy and painless process. As far as possible, avoid using things you haven’t learned about already. A consequence, though, is that you won’t be writing Java applications with a graphical user interface right away. While it may be an appealing idea, this would be a bit like learning to swim by jumping in the pool at the deep end. Generally speaking, there is good evidence that by starting in the shallow end of the pool and learning how to float before you try to swim, the chance of drowning is minimized, and there is a high expectation that you will end up a competent swimmer.