New-to-Java^TM Programming Center

The Java platform has many features. Which do you want to use? What do you need to learn to incorporate them into your programs? And what do you need to get started? If you're asking these kinds of questions, the New-to-Java Programming Center is for you. Here's a collection of links to software downloads, tutorials, articles, and online books to help you find what you need to start writing applications.

Contents

• Java^TM Platform Overview
• Step-by-Step Programming
• From the JDC
• Books Online
• For Web Masters

Software Downloads
Quick Reference
Discussion Forums
Interesting Web Sites Certification

Learning Materials

JavaTM Platform Overview
Introducing the Java Platform	This article introduces the Java platform and the tools you'll need to start writing applications.
Getting Started	Learn to compile and run your first program.
Applications, Applets, and Servlets	The basics of building an application, applet, and servlet.
JDBCTM Programming	Discover how to connect to a database using JDBCTM.
PersonalJavaTM Programming	Write programs for settop boxes, hand-held computers, webphones, smartphones, automotive navigation equipment. This article introduces you to PersonalJavaTM.

Step-by-Step Programming
JDC Tutorials	Learn Java Beans basics, CORBA, collections, J2EE and more.
Java 101	Learn Java programming basics in this nine-part tutorial from Gamelan.com.
Java for Beginners	This series of tutorials from JavaBoutique can help guide you through the process of learning and using Java programming on your site.
Introducing JavaTM--Your First Applet	Learn the structure, terminology, and steps to writing applets.
Trail: Learning the Java Language	From the Java Tutorial, this trail covers the fundamentals of programming in the Java language in an easy-to-use format. A must-read for anyone interested in learning this robust platform.
The Java Language Environment A White Paper	This paper, co-authored by one of the founders of the Java programming language, details the history, features, and structure of the Java programming language.

Articles from the JDC
JDK 1.2 Roadmap: All Things New with JDK 1.2	What's in the development kit? This article explains Java 2, Standard EditionTM and provides links for more information.
JDK 1.2 Roadmap: Putting It All Together	Learn the differences and definitions of JDBC, Swing, Cryptography as this Roadmap makes sense of these terms by introducing Duke's Bakery, a scenario mirroring real-world applications. See Java 2 platform features at work in easy-to-understand examples.
Duke's Bakery - A JDBCTM Order Entry Prototype - Part I	Learn how to develop a database and a GUI application using Duke's Bakery as an example. This application applies JDBC features to interact with Windows Access database to track customer orders and bakery products.
Introduction to the J2EE Architecture	Learn the architecture of the Java 2, Enterprise Edition platform, including application development, APIs, and reference implementation.
Complete List of Articles	Technical articles covering dozens of topics on Java programming from accessing databases to learning the usefulness of eXtensible Mark-up Language (XML).

Books Online
JavaTM Programming Language Basics	Each chapter defines a Java platform feature and provides easy-to-understand instruction on writing simple programs in many categories.
The Java Tutorial	As part of the Java Series of books by Sun Microsystems, The Java Tutorial contains the Getting Started trail and six Trails covering the Basics. This book walks you through the process of writing a variety of useful applications with explanation and code samples.
JSP Book in PDF	Use this book to help you set up the Java Servlet Web Development Kit TM, then write applications by following the examples on writing JavaServer PagesTM.
Writing Advanced Java Applications for the Java 2 Platform	To help you navigate the Java APIs and fast-track your project development time, this book includes the design, development, test, and deployment phases for an enterprise-worthy auction application. It explores common situations and leaves you with a solid methodology for designing and building your own solutions.

For Webmasters

Backstage at the JDC: Session Management	Learn how the JDC uses Java technology and the Java Web ServerTM to run the web site.
What's New in the Java Servlet API	This JavaWorld article describes what's new in version 2.2 of the API, explains the decision-making process behind the changes, and demonstrates how to write servlets using API 2.2 features.
Enterprise JavaBeansTM Tutorial	A JDC tutorial that demonstrates how easy it is to build server-side Java components using the Enterprise JavaBeans component model.
Java Servlet Primer	This article from Java Developer's Journal, explains what servlets are, how to integrate them into Web applications, and the benefits of using servlets.
Building Your Own JSP Components	This article from iPlanet.com is written for developers who want to create their own Java Beans for use as JSP components, and for interested web designers who want to understand how these components are incorporated behind the scenes.
Building a JSP Form Handler	From eScriptZone.com, this tutorial demonstrates how to use JavaServer Pages to process web forms, redirect site visitors to other pages, and to access databases.
Installing and Using the JSWDK	These instructions from JavaBoutique.com walk you through installing and using the Java Server Web Development Kit.
An Introduction to Java Servlets	From the Web Developers' Journal article, this article describes the overall servlet architecture and what's needed to develop applications with servlets. Several code examples demonstrate how to use the Servlet API, and compare it with CGI and proprietary server APIs where appropriate.
Java for the Webmaster: All Gain No Pain	This article from JavaBoutique explains the many benefits of using Java programming for web sites.

Software Downloads

JavaTM 2 Software Development Kit (SDK)	You'll need this download for developing most applications. (See the Micro Edition if you're interested in programming for consumer devices.)
JavaTM Servlet API Downloads	Used for developing servlets and JavaServerTM Pages
Java 2, Enterprise Edition	This package comes with Java APIs for the HTTP, HTTPS, and a database and deployer tool. Use this kit in conjunction with the J2SE to develop Enterprise JavaBeansTM, JavaServer Pages, Servlets, and more.
Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition	Use this kit to develop applications for pagers, Palm Pilots, wireless phones, and other consumer devices.
Products and APIs	A complete list on java.sun.com
JDC Early Access	The JDC Early Access program gives you access to pre-released software as it becomes available ahead of the official software release.

Quick Reference

Discussion Forums

Start with this forum:

New-to-Java Technology

Then check the Forums' main page, which lists other topics, such as Installing JDKs, Working with JDBC, Writing JavaServer Pages, and Enterprise JavaBeans.

Schedule a discussion, join a discussion scheduled by another JDC member, or participate in a JDC-sponsored discussion.

All discussion forums take place in the JDC Forums.

Interesting Web Sites

Site	Description
CodeGuru.com	Provides code snippets, hosts Q&A discussion forums, and provides access to several news groups.
The Swing Connection	An online magazine with up-to-date information about the latest Swing technology.
Web Monkey: The Web Developers Resource	This site hosts several tutorials and articles on how to use the Java programming language for Internet applications.
iPlanet Developers	Read articles, white papers, FAQs, and developer news.
jGuru	Take self-paced courses, read FAQs, and get your questions answered.

Certification