R
rfractal30
Hi
I jumped into a wide and deep ocean. That ocean is java!
Let me start by saying - I'm a hobbyist programmer.
Another thing - I've had no programming training. Everything I know
about programming is self-taught. Admittedly my knowledge is very
limited. So why do I program? The answer is because it is fun. I like
to create programs that do the things I want them to do. I love the
challenge. Oh, I nearly forgot to mention - my mathematical knowledge
is also very small ^^ (I know - it's not good).
And I love the concept of java. It is a beautiful language.
If I have learnt one thing about java it is this: IT IS A COMPLETE
NIGHTMARE TO LEARN!!!
And I think I have figured out why..
JAVA IS NOT A PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE - it is a tool for creating
programming languages. You use classes and interfaces (your own or
someone elses) to create your own custom made capabilities. So you can
then use the commands that are within these classes.
The problem for someone like me is that because I am a hobbyist
programmer, I do not have a set focus. I want to learn how to program
in java - to become familiar with it's syntax and capabilities. I also
want the satisfaction of creating applications.
But all the time I come up against the same problem: Java's sheer
vastness. Where do I start?
In other words: I need limitations in order to learn and gain
confidence. I need a programming language that has been created using
java, that cuts out all of the unwanted complexity. Maybe something
like visual basic.
Ok, you might tell me: 'go ahead and program in visual basic'. But I
don't want to. For one thing, it is very expensive - also I just prefer
java, it is multi-platform, and I find the concept of object oriented
programming fascinating.
So I need limitations. To begin with I achieved this by only creating
command-line programs. And this was fun for a while, and quite
fruitful. But after a while I just wanted to dip my feet into the
waters of graphical interfaces. To make the kind of applications that
are so easy with visual basic. This is when my headaches really
started.
If I am creating a visual interface - I just want to be able to put a
button onto a screen - and then write the code that goes with it when
it is clicked (or some other event applying to it). What is all this
crazy stuff about creating 'button listeners'? The button should
already have a listener. And if I create a message box, I should just
be able to enter in the values I need.(default values should be
provided for those less commonly used). I just thought of another
example. Why do I need to write some code so that the application will
stop running when I exit it?
What I'm really asking for is a programming language created using
java. That IS java - but without the unwanted complications. Something
that will allow hobbyist and casual programmers to create applications
without having to understand the finer and more complex features of the
language (but with those features still accessable if wanted).
In some ways this language might resemble visual basic. Especially in
terms of creating visual interfaces. Just a toolbox with some stuff
that you can drag and drop. Then resize and edit.
The key thing I am asking for is that all the most important features
of the language should be on top - ready and easy to use. All the more
complex/optional values should be given default values (and still
available if wanted). This new programming language would have very
clear and easy to understand documentation, as well as tutorials and
example programs.
Michael
I jumped into a wide and deep ocean. That ocean is java!
Let me start by saying - I'm a hobbyist programmer.
Another thing - I've had no programming training. Everything I know
about programming is self-taught. Admittedly my knowledge is very
limited. So why do I program? The answer is because it is fun. I like
to create programs that do the things I want them to do. I love the
challenge. Oh, I nearly forgot to mention - my mathematical knowledge
is also very small ^^ (I know - it's not good).
And I love the concept of java. It is a beautiful language.
If I have learnt one thing about java it is this: IT IS A COMPLETE
NIGHTMARE TO LEARN!!!
And I think I have figured out why..
JAVA IS NOT A PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE - it is a tool for creating
programming languages. You use classes and interfaces (your own or
someone elses) to create your own custom made capabilities. So you can
then use the commands that are within these classes.
The problem for someone like me is that because I am a hobbyist
programmer, I do not have a set focus. I want to learn how to program
in java - to become familiar with it's syntax and capabilities. I also
want the satisfaction of creating applications.
But all the time I come up against the same problem: Java's sheer
vastness. Where do I start?
In other words: I need limitations in order to learn and gain
confidence. I need a programming language that has been created using
java, that cuts out all of the unwanted complexity. Maybe something
like visual basic.
Ok, you might tell me: 'go ahead and program in visual basic'. But I
don't want to. For one thing, it is very expensive - also I just prefer
java, it is multi-platform, and I find the concept of object oriented
programming fascinating.
So I need limitations. To begin with I achieved this by only creating
command-line programs. And this was fun for a while, and quite
fruitful. But after a while I just wanted to dip my feet into the
waters of graphical interfaces. To make the kind of applications that
are so easy with visual basic. This is when my headaches really
started.
If I am creating a visual interface - I just want to be able to put a
button onto a screen - and then write the code that goes with it when
it is clicked (or some other event applying to it). What is all this
crazy stuff about creating 'button listeners'? The button should
already have a listener. And if I create a message box, I should just
be able to enter in the values I need.(default values should be
provided for those less commonly used). I just thought of another
example. Why do I need to write some code so that the application will
stop running when I exit it?
What I'm really asking for is a programming language created using
java. That IS java - but without the unwanted complications. Something
that will allow hobbyist and casual programmers to create applications
without having to understand the finer and more complex features of the
language (but with those features still accessable if wanted).
In some ways this language might resemble visual basic. Especially in
terms of creating visual interfaces. Just a toolbox with some stuff
that you can drag and drop. Then resize and edit.
The key thing I am asking for is that all the most important features
of the language should be on top - ready and easy to use. All the more
complex/optional values should be given default values (and still
available if wanted). This new programming language would have very
clear and easy to understand documentation, as well as tutorials and
example programs.
Michael