Java Jargon Buster
When exploring Java resources, you may come across phrases or words that you may not be familiar with.To help you better understand the information you find, the following list contains some basic definitions and explanations that you may find useful:
- Applet-A small program designed to be executed within a larger one. Java applets run within Web browsers. Applets are designed for and work well with small Internet applications accessible from a browser. Java applets perform interactive animations and many other simple tasks without having to send a user's request back to the server.
- Bean-Small reusable software components that can be joined to create an application. These JavaBeans can be developed only in Java, however, they can run on any platform.
- Hotjava Browser-A browser developed by Sun Microsystems that is written in the Java programming language.
- Java Virtual Machine-The program that actually executes the Java programs. This virtual machine is what allows the same Java code to run on different computers and platforms. The virtual machine is basically a software program that converts the Java language into machine language and executes it.
- JavaScript-A Java based scripting language developed by Netscape. Even though it shares many of the features of the Java language, it was developed independently. JavaScript is supported by both Netscape browsers and Internet Explorer.
- Sun Microsystems (http://java.sun.com/docs/glossary.html)
- Tech Web (www.techweb.com/encyclopedia)
Many books are available for those already using Java and those interested in learning Java programming. Such books can become an important reference and resource for all levels of programming knowledge. Below is just a few books to get you started.
Beginner Book Titles
- Pawlan, Monica. Essentials of the Java Programming Language: A Hands-On Guide. Addison-Wesley, 2000. ISBN 0201707209.
- Holzner, Stevenjawi Black Book.Thc Coriolis Group, 2000. ISBN 1576105318.
- Chapman, Stephen J. Introduction to Java. Prentice-Hall, 1999. ISBN 0139194169.
- Berg, Daniel J., and Steven Fritzinger. Advanced Techniques for Java Developers, Revised Edition. John Wiley & Sons, 1999. ISBN 0471327182.
- Wigglesworthjoe, and Paula Lumby. Java Programming Advanced Topics. Course Technology, 1999. ISBN 0760010986.
- Hunt, John, Alexander McManus, and Alex McManus. Key Java : Advanced Tips and Techniques (Practitioner Series [Springer-Verlag]). Springer-Verlag, 1998. ISBN 3540762590.
- Reference Books
- Haggar, Peter. Practical Java Programming Language Guide :Tfie Addison-Wesley Professional Computing Series. Addison-Wesley, 2000. ISBN 0201616467.
- Winston, Patrick Henry, and Sundar Narasimhan. On to Java. Addison-Wesley, 1998. ISBN 0201385988.
- Flanagan, David. Java in a Nutshell :A Desktop Quick Reference (Java Series). O'Reilly & Associates, 1999. ISBN 1565924878.
The Internet provides a seemingly endless number of Java links and resources. Everything from programmer support, newsletters, columns and workshops can be found. The following sections contain just a few of the online resources available for those wanting more information on Java.
Newsgroups
Start with these Java newsgroups if only because you have to start somewhere:
- comp.lang.java.advocacy
- comp.lang.java
- comp.lang.java.programmer
- comp.lang.java.help
- comp.lang.java.security
A wealth of resources available on Java programming is provided in the following list. Some sites also provide links to other Internet sites of interest.
- Javaworld Magazine (www.javaworld.com)-Contains loads of articles, tips, hints, and tricks as well as information relevant to Java developers of all levels.
- Java Boutique (http://javaboutique.internet.com/other.httnl)-Contains a searchable library of Java applets, a free email newsletter, and a wide range of useful information.
- Java Developers Journal (www.sys-con.com/java/index2.html)-Contains the latest Java news, upcoming Java events, interviews, and articles. This type of resource is valuable before and after you become a Java programmer.
JavaRanch (www.javaranch.com)-This site provides interesting and entertaining information and is an excellent place to start for those interested in familiarizing themselves with Java.
- The Java Tutorial (http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/index.html)-This site is part of the Sun Web site and provides detailed tutorials that will help you learn the Java language and write your first Java program.
- Programmers Source (www.progsource.com)-This site is a good resource page offering Java documentation and other literature, tutorials and training, as well as some Java employment resources.
- Teamjava (http://teamjava.com)-This site offers some employment information and links to other programming and Java related sites.
- DevCeutral Learning Center (http://devcentral.iftech.com/learning/ tutorials)-This site offers tutorials on Java and JavaScript programming.
Professional associations provide a means of communicating with other programmers. The IPG (www.ipgnet.com) is a good resource for those wanting to connect with other programmers. It is not specific to Java, but rather is a site for programmers in general. It may, however, provide links to Java related Web sites. The site also includes a newsletter and a job search index. It appears to be a good site to bookmark and provides good links to further programming resources. There is a fee for membership.
Summary
The early 1990s saw the introduction of Java, a new OOP language. Within a short amount of time Java has become a popular choice for programmers for both application and Web development. Due to the versatility of the language, employment demand for skilled Java programmers has increased and is predicted to continue to rise. Because of Java s increasing marketability, those interested in pursuing programming as a career choice should explore and consider Java as their primary programming language.
