[news.eclipse.newcomer] Re: Newbie Question

["Donovan" <donovan.dillon@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

thank you ulrich.  i have adopted your suggestions and have been working 
through "head first java" using the console.  i am now 1/3 through 
(interfaces and polymorphism).  my biggest challenge is to resist the urge 
to jump into eclipse before I finish the book.  best regards,

donovan.


"ulrich" <uac.medint@xxxxxx> wrote in message 
news:opslzd2grnn2mgp5@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> On Wed, 9 Feb 2005 19:02:18 -0600, Donovan <donovan.dillon@xxxxxxxxxxx> 
> wrote:
>
>> Hello.  I am interested in learning about and using the Eclipse framework
>> and Java -- both of which are new to me.  I have prior programming
>> experience with VB.NET and c#.NET; but not Java.
>>
>> As such, I am trying to find the best approach to learning Java and 
>> Eclipse.
>> My current approach is to first focus on learning Java, then approach
>> Eclipse after nailing down Java fundamentals.  I'm currently working my 
>> way
>> through "Head First Java", then intend to turn to "Eclipse 3.0 Kick 
>> Start."
>>
>> However, I just discovered the Eclipse versions of CodeRuler and Code 
>> Rally
>> with stated objective of teaching Java and Eclipse simultaneously.  I 
>> would
>> like to believe that this is a practical path for a Java novice as it 
>> could
>> conceivably shorten the time it takes to learn and become proficient in 
>> both
>> Java and Eclipse.
>
> i do not think that learning both at once shortens your overall learning 
> time. imho, learning is faster if one concentrates on one problem domain 
> at a time.
>
> however, when trying exclipse as a java-ide, i discovered no difficulties 
> during the first steps (i had some java experience before)
>
>
>> Here is where I would really appreciate the perspective of those who are
>> knowledgeable of both Java and Eclipse.  Is this really feasible?  Is 
>> this a
>> realistic path for a Java and Eclipse newbie?  All thoughts are 
>> appreciated.
>
> nevertheless, imho, the best way of learning java is to start with editor 
> and console. it is not too clumsy, you learn the fundamentals, and later 
> you will always be sure whether it is the ide (eclipse), or your use of 
> java which causes problems.
> (my experience lies in teaching java: i gave four 64-hour-eveneing courses 
> on java, and 3 quarters of the time we did not use any ide)
>
>
> -- 
> have a nice day
> ulrich