Learning Java progress for 2013

So I've been learning Java this year.

It was part of my goal for this year as I had taught myself BASIC, C, and C++ last year.

Well to be honest; I only halfway taught myself C++ last year.

I actually started learning C++ in November and  as I entered the area for Classes and Objects it got very pointer heavy and the new year came about and it was time to start learning Java.

I had to make a decision ; continue forward with C++ or dive into Java and set C++ aside.



Then I remember a quote I had read a while back which I think was from +Bjarne Stroustrup ( although at this point I can no longer find the quote so maybe not!) "C++ is a language that you should ease in to".

So I decided I had been on a bat out of hell super fast path to learning C/C++ and the diversion would be okay; more languages means more perspective and for someone learning as quickly as I am I think I need to broaden my horizons not narrow them.

So .. Java it is.

I started off slowly but then word came of a possible job opening at work so I have shifted in to super high gear for a while now.

I'm starting to feel very comfortable with Java; and in fact starting to like it better than C++

Java's approach for Objects , Classes, and most especially pointers .. they are all so much easier to deal with that I am super pleased with my decision at this point!

Where in C++ I was struggling with pointers and lets be honest - it just was not clicking or working at all ; in Java I am actively using pointers and they work very well and make total sense!

I would like to strongly recommend a book I purchased as an Amazon Kindle book Eclipse IDE 3.7 by Lars Vogel

One of my ongoing issues with C++ is I use Visual Studio 2010 -- which is certainly a fine product but I honestly feel like I am 'just getting by'.  Its complex and I suspect there dozens of simple things if I only knew that would dramatically enhance my experience.  But I just haven't found that resource that has turned me around in Visual Studio.

For Eclipse though; the Eclipse IDE 3.7 book has taken me from a stumbling around just barely getting it done kind of  experience to feeling like I know what I'm doing and have a lot of tools at my disposal.

So its going really well, I can't wait to see what I'm doing with Java in a couple of months!