This is a short guide for aspiring Java developers. Let’s talk about one of the most popular programming languages, find out why it is so remarkable, why many people want to learn it as their first language, what programs can be created using Java, and where to learn it. ‘Will you do my Java homework?’ You won’t google this request after reading this article because it will explain what you need to learn in order to do your assignments yourself.
The popularity of Java was brought about by the ability to create mini-applications for web pages. Previously, without Java, many sites or their functions were not available, and developers had to download the JRE utility to make everything work as intended.
Keep in mind the cons of Java while learning
It is much more difficult to highlight the disadvantages of a language as clearly as the advantages. The cons are pretty vague. The threshold of entry is the first thing that comes to mind. For example, Java is similar to JavaScript, but learning the second is much easier. Java, despite its huge community of fans and insane popularity, is still more difficult for beginners.
Learn Java instead of C#
From the close relatives of Java, the popular programming language C# can be distinguished. They are so close that some schools graduate Java programmers who later get a job as a C# developer. The point is not only in the approach to learning in such courses but in technical similarities. And this is not surprising because the Microsoft language was created with an eye on Java.
Therefore, C# is used to accomplish the same tasks for which Java was originally created. In general, you can even consider them interchangeable.
Should you learn Java or Python?
The sole advantage of Python is the simple syntax. Indeed, writing a simple script or trying out a new idea in Python is much easier. You don’t have to write and compile an entire program to get things done.
This manifests itself when working with any entity of the code. The same classes in Python and Java look different. In the latter, they are noticeably more massive and more difficult to understand than those offered by Python.
Unlike Python, Java uses strong typing, which forces developers to be disciplined and always declare the data type to be used in advance. The compiler will respond with an error otherwise. However, Python is less picky about this.
Python also supports more coding options, so most developers find it easier to read.
Why you should learn Java instead of C++
Despite the similarities between these languages in terms of syntax, Java and C++ have a number of significant differences. For example, C++ only uses the compiler. That is a mechanism that transforms all code into an object structure that is directly readable by the computer. Java, in addition to the compiler, uses an interpreter that reads each line and immediately executes the instructions described in it.
C++ supports operator overloading and method overloading, as well as types such as struct and union. Of the above, Java only supports method overloading. C++ is more commonly used to create music software such as sequencers or analog hardware emulators. Also, C++ code can be found in components of Windows and macOS operating systems.
Many developers compare C++ and Java in favor of the latter because it has similar capabilities but does not contain the disadvantages of the former.
Learn Java because it is popular
There is a demand for Java developers. This is a point to the fact that once you start learning the language, you do not need to worry that later you will not be able to find a job with a stable income. If you become a good specialist, you will definitely succeed.
Employees are required in banking organizations, in startups of all kinds, including AR/VR projects. Even large foreign companies invite Java developers, and they pay a good salary, providing a bunch of other bonuses.
Is it hard to learn Java from scratch?
It depends on the training format, of course. Learning everything on your own can be difficult. For those who are not proficient in programming, there are hundreds of courses and beginner-friendly tutorials. It’s better to pay money to Codeacademy or Coursera than to mess around yourself, not knowing which source of knowledge to join.
For those who already write in another language, there is a ton of literature and a huge loyal community of Java fans. It will not be difficult to learn everything on your own, especially if you have previously written in C++, JavaScript, or C#.
New Java developers are constantly coming from somewhere. This means that learning a language and starting to make applications in it is quite a simple task. You can do it too.
Where to learn Java?
There are a lot of options:
- Codeacademy is a service that offers online courses. Here they teach different specialties, including the one that interests us. They promise a great result.
- Coursera is an international school for learning all disciplines. There are many courses on programming, including the Java language, from the best universities in the world.
- Udemy is a specialized online platform that offers courses for those who want to succeed in Java and not only.
Instead of a conclusion
Try different programming languages if you’re not sure you want to learn Java. The realization will come after gaining experience in commercial development. Plus, going from one language to another is easier if you know how to write code in at least one. But if you decide to use Java, then you will definitely not regret it. It knows everything and is guaranteed to give a lot of fundamental knowledge that will help you become a good specialist in any development area.