I found out that I am definitely in the java class this year. However, I have found out that one of the other kids in the class has already been exposed to java and has some practice (not sure how extensive this is). Being an egotistical goosedown, I have to be at the top. I have two weeks left until school starts and I want to get the Java syntax down as well as get a feel for the whole java environment.

Anyone here who has learned/is learning java and have some QUALITY resources (tuts, books, etc)?

"Beginning Programming With Java for Dummies." Find an e-book torrent or get it from your library.

Unless you want to get started on making applets, not applications. In that case try a tutorial made by sun here: http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/deployment/applet/

You'll still probably need the first few chapters of the book for good instructions on how to install the stuff you'll need to program in Java, unless you find good instructions somewhere else.

Got it installed as well as netbeans, eclipse and jcreater pro.

Also, a few minutes ago I was digging through my books because I remembered a java book and I have the 2nd edition of Beginning programming with java for dummies. So this is a good read (in your opinion?)

If you already know how to program don't waste your time. Classes are based on algorithim design, so memorizing stuff won't really help you.

I just want to be able to write the damned code. The syntax isn't as pretty as C#, Vb.net or python.

Yeah. I actually just started learning from that book last week, and it's pretty good. I like all the programming related Dummies books I've read so far.

It was too beginner level and slowly advancing for me, since I've already learned about 6 different languages (and forgot two because I haven't used them for so long) and started to learn 4, so I really know what I'm doing when I'm programming. And I wanted to program applets, not applications, so I started looking at the tutorial on that link I gave you. But the book is still real good for a first look at Java.

If you know any sort of object oriented language that supports including command libraries, Java should be real easy for you to learn. If not, it will be a little difficult to wrap your mind around some of the quirks of object oriented programming, but once you do, Java is a pretty high level programming language, which means easy to learn even if it is less powerful than something like C++.

I'm tempted to ask if you listed VB.net for laughing purposes. Vb has the most horrendous syntax of any language. C# is very similar to Java's syntax and functionality.

Vb is pretty (simple) haha.

As for the similarity between C# and java, thats good, but there are a few quirks.

I don't know what quirks you're talking about, but if you're doing an introductory Java course in college or something, you definitely won't learn more then classes.

More advanced Java courses will teach you linked lists, binary trees, recursion, stacks\queues, etc.

My java teacher has worked in the industry and apparently is pretty good at teaching, thats all i know
and unlike previous years, this class seems to actually have people that know what they are doing (somewhat) and want to learn, so i might get farther then that.

Ill look up these binary trees, recursion, etc. after i get into it a bit.

^Uh, there's more then just knowing concepts. You need to be able solve "programming puzzles". An example from a first year java class looks like:

Write a method called printSquare that takes in two integer parameters, a min and a max, and prints the numbers in the range from min to max inclusive in a square pattern.

printSquare(1, 5); prints out:
12345
23451
34512
45123
51234

and
printSquare(3, 9); prints:
3456789
4567893
5678934
6789345
7893456
8934567
9345678

This code is like 10 lines, but it's not an easy question under time pressure. It requires some thought-- illustrating the lack of importance of just knowing the concepts. You need to be able to apply them. You're given what, like 10-15 minutes for the question. If you're naturally good at solving these puzzles, you're set, but otherwise, it'll be a fun learning process.

Good sources, I'd recommend these too. Remember, you have to also create Java programs for expereinces as well as reading the tutorials. If you don't, the tutorials won't be a lot of good