Learn Java through Javalin Stamp

Demothesis

Greetings

The next computer language I would like to learn is Java, but I have always found robotics to be an interesting way to practice my coding. Given that, I was wondering if getting the Javalin Stamp and playing around with that would be an effective way to learn actual Java, knowing that I would eventually apply my·skills to actual computer programs. Would this plan work, or should I go directly to Java because programming a Stamp is so different that programming a computer?

Thanks, Demothesis

Joss

Learning the basics of Java on the Javelin is a good idea, in my opinion.

It provides a very small set of classes from which to choose, and you learn the basic construction of the language, while having fun with the electrons at the same time.

Java is a great language. The fully implemented version supports classes for just about anything you can dream up. The class reference runs to 3 bound volumes, at this point. That's important once you have the basics, but only gets in the way when you are learning them.

Regards

Kevin Wood

You may be interested in this website:

www.bluej.org

Demothesis

Thanks a lot guys. It sounds like the Javalin Stamp is just the thing for me then! And thanks for that link to BlueJay; I think I will do that in combination with the Stamp.

Demothesis

Demothesis

I took a look at BlueJ and I am really intrigued. The only question that I felt the site didn't answer was, is a teacher necessary to reap the full benefits of BlueJ, or does it "teach" Java to you? I hope this question doesn't sound too stupid.

Demothesis

Kevin Wood

BlueJ goes about teaching Java in a different way. It starts by teaching objects, which are the building blocks of your Java program. You really need this understanding of (if you don't already have it), since everything in Java is an object. You have to approach the language differently from something like Basic, Pascal, or C.

If you decide to try BlueJ, you may want to use it along with the book listed on the site. Here is a link to the sample chapters for the book: www.bluej.org/objects-first/evaluation.html

As for the Javelin, personally, I wouldn't suggest it for learning Java, especially if your goal is to write PC applications in Java. The subset of Java that it uses is different than what is current on the PC, and as a beginner, you need to learn the standard, not the variation. This doesn't mean that it isn't Java, just that it is modified to accomodate the limitations of running on a microcontroller.

However, you could still do a robotics project. For example, using a Boe-Bot with a wireless module, you could create a PC-based Java control panel that would let you control your Boe-Bot remotely.