Introduction Java

The Java™ language, and the ever-growing Java platform, have revolutionized programming. The goal of this tutorial is to introduce you to the Java syntax you're most likely to encounter professionally, and to expose you to idioms that will help you avoid trouble. Follow along with Java professional Roy Miller as he guides you through the essentials Java programming, including the OOP paradigm and how it applies to Java programming, Java language syntax and use, creating objects and adding behavior, working with collections, handling errors, and tips for writing better code.

Multiple editions of the Java platform
Three editions of the Java platform make it easier for software developers, service providers, and device manufacturers to target specific markets:

• Java SE (Java Platform, Standard Edition). Java SE lets you develop and deploy Java applications on desktops and servers, as well as embedded and real-time environments. Java SE includes classes that support the development of Java Web services and provides the foundation for Java Platform, Enterprise Edition (Java EE). Java SE 6 ("Mustang") is the current version of the Java SE platform. Many Java developers use Java SE 5, also known as Java 5.0 or "Tiger."
  • The Taming Tiger columns provide an excellent overview of Java SE 5. Many existing Java applications are based on Java SE 5, and most of the concepts in this series are relevant to Java SE 6 programming.
    
    
  • "Monitor and diagnose performance in Java SE 6" describes performance and monitoring enhancements in Java SE 6.
    
    
  • "Create rich applications with JavaFX Script" introduces a scripting language that runs on top of Java SE 6 and makes it easy to code sophisticated user interfaces.
    
    
  • The two-part article "Invoke dynamic language dynamically" introduces a Java SE 6 API that enables Java code to execute dynamic scripting code, and vice versa. (See How does Java technology relate to dynamic languages and functional programming? below, for more information on using scripting languages with the Java platform.)
  
  
  
• Java EE (Java Platform, Enterprise Edition). The enterprise version help you develop and deploy portable, robust, scalable, and secure server-side Java applications. Building on the foundation of Java SE, Java EE provides Web services, component-model, management, and communications APIs for implementing enterprise class SOA and Web 2.0 applications.
  • "Get to know Java EE 5" and "Java EE 5: Power and productivity with less complexity" introduce you to the latest version of the Java EE platform.
    
    
  • Check out The Spring series to learn about a popular framework for building build lightweight, robust Java EE applications.
    
    
  • The J2EE pathfinder columns add to your knowledge of Java EE.
    
    
  • The Getting on the open road: Migrate to the Java platform article series is designed to help developers of .NET, Windows client/server, and ASP applications make the jump to the Java EE platform.
  
  
  
• Java ME (Java Platform, Micro Edition). Java ME provides an environment for applications running on a broad range of mobile and embedded devices, such as mobile phones, PDAs, TV set-top boxes, and printers. The Java ME platform includes flexible user interfaces, a robust security model, a broad range of built-in network protocols, and extensive support for networked and offline applications that can be downloaded dynamically. Applications based on Java ME specifications are written once for a wide range of devices yet exploit each device's native capabilities.
  • Learn more in the comprehensive four-part series of two tutorials and two companion articles that focus on J2ME and the Mobile Information Device Profile (MIDP).
    
    
  • Another helpful resource is the two-part tutorial "Build smart J2ME mobile applications."