Member Avatar for bo0ga

How did you learn Java? I just watched the basic and intermediary video tutorials from and I'm still not 100 percent. I've moved onto the android application development tutorials which deals with a lot of java, and I still don't totally understand it. It started off with a bunch of logic which I enjoyed. As he moved towards GUI, it just turned into a lot of memorization of the built in methods that are part of java. Does this sound familiar?

Other than that, how did you guys learn Java? Any particular video tutorials? A PDF guide? School?

I'm a senior in college and I want to get a job in programming and I'm worried about how good I actually have to be for them to hire me. I majored in IT instead of computer science (first mistake right there,) so I'm trying to catch up by getting as good as I can in a single programming language.

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A common pattern in this thread is exactly what described: the early logic problems feel clean, then GUI work suddenly looks like a forest of methods to memorize. That impression comes from how UI frameworks are structured — they’re event-driven, component-based, and full of small, orthogonal responsibilities. Learning the mental models (event loop, callback/listener flow, component lifecycle and separation of view vs. model) makes the API surface fall into place instead of being a list to memorize.

A practical, project-first path helps. Start with short console programs to lock in syntax and object-oriented design, then pick one small UI feature and build it end-to-end (for example: a single-screen CRUD list with persistent storage). Treat each feature as its own learning unit: inspect the API for the few methods actually needed, trace a real execution with the debugger, and refactor the behavior into small, testable methods. Repeat until the pattern feels natural.

Tooling and habits bridge the gap between theory and fluency. Use an IDE’s quick docs, auto-complete and “go to definition” instead of rote memorization. Run the debugger and read stack traces. Commit work in small, descriptive Git commits. Add tiny unit tests to guard behavior. Read short, well-written codebases (open-source samples or classmates’ projects) to see patterns in the wild.

For job-readiness: concrete evidence matters more than the diploma title. A portfolio of 2–4 complete projects with clear READMEs, source control history, and at least one live or installable build will open doors. Pair that with basic data-structure/problem-solving practice and an explanation of design trade-offs in interview conversations.

This advice builds on ’s and ’s push to program outside class and on ’s pointer to curated learning lists. Steady, focused practice on small, real features beats passive watching — it turns API surface area into familiar tools.

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Member Avatar for Syrne

I started with C++ and did relatively well, but I still didn't understand most of the concepts. I then switched schools and learned Java, it was much easier to pick up, but the more advanced stuff is tough for me.

I learned through books, Internet research, and school. I have one year of college left and I know for sure I am nowhere near good enough to make programming my profession. Luckily I landed a job as a generic IT guy which will give me some non-programming experience in my field.

I'm also worried about what I'll do once I'm finished my schooling. One year is not long enough for me to become fluent in either C++ or Java. My advice for both myself and you would be to program outside of school, when you have free time. Just make up some projects in your head and work on them. Experience is key, the more you do it the better you will understand it.

Member Avatar for TIM_M_91

How did you learn Java? I just watched the basic and intermediary video tutorials from and I'm still not 100 percent. I've moved onto the android application development tutorials which deals with a lot of java, and I still don't totally understand it. It started off with a bunch of logic which I enjoyed. As he moved towards GUI, it just turned into a lot of memorization of the built in methods that are part of java. Does this sound familiar?

Other than that, how did you guys learn Java? Any particular video tutorials? A PDF guide? School?

I'm a senior in college and I want to get a job in programming and I'm worried about how good I actually have to be for them to hire me. I majored in IT instead of computer science (first mistake right there,) so I'm trying to catch up by getting as good as I can in a single programming language.

Best way to get better and understand what you are doing is instead of watching videos on youtube is to actual do examples in practice. This will allow you to get a concept of what you are doing so you then understand what you are doing.

Here are a few topics that you should learn and put into practice just of the top of my head:

1. Variables & IO
2. Methods
3. Decisions & selections
4. Objects and Classes
5. GUI's
6. Auxiliary Classes
7. Loops & repetition
8. Arrays
9. Inheritance

Member Avatar for stultuske

looking at the sticky thread on top of the java forum could help you out. it's purpose is to show what books/ ... can help you start with (learning) java.

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