[Just Josh]

So i'm starting a computer science degree in september.

Not got any experience in programming, or computer anything really.

My course uses Java. Found this book:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Introduction...0908379&sr=8-2

Worth going through before starting? Anything else I should do before starting?

Thanks

[mailmerge]

(Original post by Just Josh)
Worth going through before starting? Anything else I should do before starting?

If you can stay motivated enough to make it through, then yes, it will probably do you some good. It might be more helpful to buy the core text if you can find it out in advance -- at the very least you'll be able to sell it on more easily.

But much more worthwhile is to do something that actually interests you and gives some context as to why you're studying the degree. Build something with an Arduino that _______ {tracks your pet, turns on music when you enter a room, is a digital eggtimer}. Make an app/program that logs and plots your runs/rides/trips/food/money/sleep. Program a game or a website based around your favourite hobby.

They're daunting projects that I don't even know the best way to start, but the more important skills are to learn how to solve problems, how to learn by yourself and where to find help, etc. because they're things that are not* taught to you on your course.

Also, you don't ever want to be in a conversation where you tell someone you spent your last summer programming Java.

* -- mostly

[lex25288]

I think this should be better:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/0077...0913556&sr=8-1

It's the perfect book for who doesn't have any previous programming experience in java.

This was posted from The Student Room's Android App on my Galaxy Nexus

[EMMOH55]

yes deifantly............when i started last year i never had done programming, and i really struggled

[cookhazel]

Python is a brilliant language to learn for first-time programming! I'm in the same position as you..!


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

[A.J10]

Might I recommend http://www.thenewboston.com/ instead of a book? It's free I learned java from there for when I needed it for an A level project.

[kkid106]

Don't learn Python first if your course focuses on Java!

It will just confuse you, maybe learn some python afterwards.

Search online for some free Java books, I am in a similar position to you. I am learning Java in this way.

Also, a thing i have learnt. A hard copy is far better than a screen based tutorial!

[kkid106]

I've just looked at that thenewboston link and it seems a good website but the videos are a bit ametuerish. Try it out though.

This was posted from The Student Room's Android App on my Blade

[Just Josh]

Lots of great replies. Thanks for the links and advice, i'll check them out

[hypercaine.]

Have you asked the uni for a reading list? At my uni we used a textbook for Java and it was really useful but its based on BlueJ and Java, im not sure how many places use BlueJ, so if yours doesnt ignore me completely. But do ask the uni about a reading list!