Easing into Processing: Java books/articles for experienced programmers?

bob97086

My recent interest in Java is completely due to Processing. I am an experienced programmer -- almost exclusively in C but with some exposure to C++, Lisp, Fortran (!). I have browsed Amazon book offerings for Java but find little that offers a C-to-Java transition. (One exception is Deitel's book.)

Anybody recommend such a book or online tutorial (also searched there with little luck)?

SiriusCG

Frankly, I'd go with learning Java straight out. Why? There's not a whole lot of practical language translation between Java, C and C++. (Especially C as a non-object oriented language). Personally, I found it easier to approach Java as a new learning experience and left my C/C++ skills at the door, so to speak. That being said, here's a fairly good introductory paper for experienced C/C++ programmers to Java: https://www.seas.upenn.edu/~cis1xx/resources/JavaForCppProgrammers/j-javac-cpp-ltr.pdf

And if you'd like a good environment for learning Java, I heartily recommend BlueJ. It's free and constantly maintained: http://www.bluej.org/

Cheers

quark

I don't know which Deitel book you are considering but be warned if it is like their C++ book then it makes a very good language reference book but not one to learn the language from.

BlueJ provides an excellent environment to learn object orientation with Java. If you are coming from C to Java the biggest difference is OO. Many think OO is about the syntax of classes but in reality it requires you to think differently when designing your software and is well worth the effort in getting to grips with it. When looking for a Java book get something that explores OO principles in some depth.

GoToLoop

I too recommend BlueJ, or even its game cousin GreenFoot: http://www.GreenFoot.org/home
C's syntax is followed by many languages, like C++, D, C#, Java, JS, Vala, etc.
And C already got structs & unions. Classes are nothing more than structs w/ methods thrown in!
But of course, that opens up a new paradigm style called OOP. Since you've already been exposed to C++, you know the drill!
BlueJ & GreenFoot's IDEs got something called "Inspect", which allows us to look into an object's fields and its current values!
And we can also invoke an object's public method on-the-fly by right-clicking on it.

bob97086

Thanks for the tips.

And, as a footnote, BlueJ is in use by a nearby (PacificNW, USA) high school for their programming class.