Re: Java starting point

[Terrell Deppe <terrell@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Don wrote:
> 
> Actually guys, the idea of starting with C then going to Java came from
> non-other than John Sears at the NEIBM Conference this past spring.  I
> usually figure that he knows what he's talking about...:)

Sorry, but credentials or not, I must profess my sternest disapproval.  

I've made a living writing C/C++ code for over 10 years now, and Java for just
over three.  I also teach courses on these languages.  C and C++, though very
powerful and useful, clutters the Java learning curve with unnecessary artifacts
(pointers, memory allocation/deallocation, templates, multiple inheritance, sep.
header/source, scope issues, etc).  Dare I say that this is similar to having to
learn to use punch cards before learning to use a keyboard?  DOS before
Windows?  Horse and buggy before a car?  Index finger before middle finger? 
8^o  <DOH!> (sorry, I was on a roll there :-)

C has no concept of objects.  C++ is just plain overwhelming (the Wasa in
Stroustrup's words).  Java is clean, simple and very straight forward.  Learn
what you need to learn with fewer distractions, and become productive as quickly
as possible.

Personally, I tell any one interested in learning C++, to learn Java first.  I
tell anyone interested in learning C, to learn russian roulette first.

-T




> 
> Don in DC...
> 
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