Are there any good sources for learning Java as an experienced C++ programmer?

[Jocko Homo]

I'm an experienced C++ programmer looking to learn Java SE 7. Because of the similarities of the language, you'd think there would be a tutorial out there suited for such people but I'm having trouble finding one. I've looked at a couple of Java tutorials that are tailored to C++ programmers but, from what little I do know of Java, they all seem to be out of date...

Does anyone happen to know of a good up-to-date Java tutorial for C++ programmers?
Thank you!

 

[chiro]

Hey Jocko Homo.

I had to learn Java a very long time ago, and my background is in C/C++ and Assembler just so you know where I am coming from.

I think if you have a fair bit of experience in C++, Java will be an easy transition.

The biggest obstacles I see for you is memory management especially for how things are created and deleted (this is a big change) and how they are represented, the keyword differences for OOP, some other differences with inheritance, and apart from other syntax differences, the flow-control (you can't do function pointers quite like you can in C++) and the actual API.

Any decent references book that allows you to just go to these particular issues will do the job in my opinion, and there should be tonnes of things out there that are well organized (e.g. chapters are contained in a way that cover what you need).

I don't think you really need something highly customized: you probably have enough experience to have a gut sense of what you need to look for. The issues I stated above are the ones that I can remember off the top of my head, and I did Java a very long time ago, so if there are fundamental changes like in syntax and other features since then, they would have to be taken into account.

 

[bcbwilla]

There are many books titled something like "Java for C++ programmers" which would probably be helpful.

Unfortunately, I can't recommend any specific books, because I'm actually going in the reverse direction :) I've recently picked up "C for Java programmers" and "C++ for Java programmers", and they are very helpful because they focus on simply the differences between the languages, without wasting time covering general concepts that are the same in most languages.

 

[AlephZero]

Have you looked at http://download.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/index.html ?

They are certainly up to date, accurate, and concise. They don't assume you know any Java, but they do usually assume you already know how to program and you know what you want to do.

For example, compare http://download.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/collections/interfaces/index.html with the analogous classes in the standard C++ library...

 

[LudusRex]

I understand the importance of finding reliable and up-to-date sources for learning new programming languages. Java and C++ do have similarities, but it is important to understand the unique features and syntax of Java in order to become proficient in the language.

One good source for learning Java as an experienced C++ programmer is the official Java documentation provided by Oracle. This can be found on their website and includes tutorials, guides, and reference materials for Java SE 7. Additionally, there are many online courses and tutorials available on websites such as Coursera, Udemy, and Codeacademy that are specifically designed for experienced programmers looking to learn Java. These courses are regularly updated and provide hands-on practice and real-world examples to help you understand and apply Java concepts.

Another helpful resource is the book "Java: A Beginner's Guide" by Herbert Schildt. This book is specifically geared towards programmers with experience in other languages and provides a comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to Java.

It is also important to actively participate in online communities and forums dedicated to Java programming. This will allow you to connect with other experienced programmers who can offer insights and advice, as well as provide a platform for asking questions and getting help with any challenges you may encounter.

In conclusion, while it may take some effort to find the right resources, there are many good sources available for experienced C++ programmers looking to learn Java. By utilizing a combination of official documentation, online courses, books, and online communities, you can successfully make the transition to Java and expand your programming skills.