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Focus on Java: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Download Java 6 SDK
Here we have step-by-step instructions on how to download the Java 6 SDK.
What is Java?
If you want to learn about Java, why it is so unique, and what you can do with it, then read on. We'll highlight Java's special features, its capabilities, and what you can expect to accomplish with this powerful computing platform.
Java Vectors and Java Arrays
Are you wondering about the difference between Java Vectors and Java Arrays? This article will explain Vectors and Arrays and when to use each.
Java Tutorial: Linked List
Java has a Collections framework that gives programmers ways to easily manipulate lists, arrays, and other grouped objects. This tutorial will show you how to use the LinkedList class.
Brief History of Java
Java had a rocky start in the early 1990s, but today it is a ubiquitous platform that you are sure to encounter, in some way, on a daily basis. Learn more about the saga of Java and where you can find it today.
List of Keywords
An updated list of the Java keywords and reserved words. These words cannot be used as identifier names in your Java code, which is why they are called "reserved" words.
Java Tutorial: Exceptions
To handle exceptions in Java, you will need to understand the reserved words "throws","try", and "catch".
Set the Classpath
If you are getting the often seen NoClassDefFoundError, then it's most likely that you have not properly set the classpath. Setting the classpath is like giving the Java interpreter a written set of directions on where to find your classes. Learn how to manually set this environment variable here.
Java JFrame Application
Using JFrame and Swing, we will write a Java program that displays a window.
Your First Java Application
If you are ready to start using Java and want to see how the code, compile and test process works, give this step-by-step tutorial a try.
Basics of OOP in Java
Learn more about classes, objects, polymorphism, inheritance, and encapsulation in this article about the basics of object-oriented programming.
Java Autoboxing
Java autoboxing is one of the new features of Java 5. Learn more about this convenient feature.
Java AWT and Swing
In order to learn about Java GUI design, you will need to learn about the Abstract Window Toolkit (AWT) and Swing.
Passing Arguments in Java
This beginning Java tutorial covers how to pass arguments into a Java program at the command line.
Comparing Java Strings
Comparing Strings in Java is not just as simple as saying variableA == variableB. When comparing Strings you can be lulled into a false sense of accuracy if you choose to use the "==" operator.
Top 3 Sites for Java Beginners
Are you looking for the best web sites for learning about introductory Java programming? If you are a beginner or need to brush up on your Java skills, check out the Top 3 Sites for Beginning Java Programmers.
J2SDK
J2SDK
Images of Java Layout Managers
How do you use Java to arrange visual elements in a program window? Layout managers are the key to defining your user interface. But which one should you choose? Take a look at these visual representations of different layout managers, then decide for yourself.
8 Java Certifications
From Java Associate to Java Architect, we list and describe the 8 Java certifications that can help you to prove your skills to employers.
Java Releases and Versions
Java has been many things: Oak, J2SE, Java SE... With time the names have changed and acronyms have been fiddled with, leaving the novice programmer a bit befuddled. Here's a history of the Java releases and the associated name changes since 1996.
Java Acronyms
If you are new to Java then you may be a little overwhelmed by all of the acronyms that are floating around. What’s the difference between an API and an IDE? Do I want to pursue J2SE or J2EE, and how would I know the difference? What’s a GUI, and how do I create one? Before you can get the answers to those questions, you will first need to know what those acronyms mean.
Program Your First Java Applet
Are you ready to get coding? If you want to try creating your first Java applet, then follow these step-by-step instructions.
API
Application Programming Interface, or API
Studying for Certification?
Are you ready for Java certification? How can you prepare for the exams without investing a load of cash? Try free books, tutorials, and assessments before you take the live exam.
Install the Java 6 SDK
If you have already downloaded the Java 6 SDK, then you are ready to perform the installation. Follow these steps to get Java 6 installed on your Windows PC.
constant
constant
Java Conferences
Are you just itching to mingle with the high-class and savvy community of Java developers and engineers from around the world? If so, check out these conferences coming up in 2008.
data type
data type
Numeric Primitive Data Types
The numeric primitive data types that you can use in Java are listed here in order of their range size.
IDE: Beginners Beware
Beginning programmers should learn Java the old-fashioned way: in a text editor. Learn more about the integrated development environment (IDE) and why you may want to avoid it when you first start programming Java.
object-oriented programming
object-oriented programming
Java Days Old Calculator
The following tutorial shows you how to create a Java application that will illicit a response from the user and perform a calculation. The program will verify that the user input is the correct length, keep track of how many times the user has tried to enter input, and it will return a result of how many days old a person is.
conditional operator
conditional operator
.war file
.war file
List of Layout Managers
Following is a list of all of Java's layout managers.
Java Job Boards
If you are ready to start looking for a Java programming job, then it's time to visit the career web sites. Even if you are not ready for a Java programming career, reviewing the job requirements can be helpful. By perusing the thousands of Java jobs online you can get an idea of the technologies you'll need experience in. There are scores of sites, but here are a few highly recommended ones.
abstract class
A definition of abstract class
jar
jar
Servlet
Servlet
Find Your Objects
Thinking and designing programs in an object-oriented(OO) manner can be a bit confusing at first. How do you know what makes a good object for your OO program? Look for the nouns...
Text Editors for Beginners
After fiddling around with Notepad in Windows or your operating system’s equivalent text editor, you are bound to get frustrated with the program’s limited capabilities. This is the time to jump to a text editor with a bit more power and pizzazz. Check out this list of four popular text editors and compare their features.
pseudocode
pseudocode
Abstract Window Toolkit
Abstract Window Toolkit, or AWT
instantiate
instantiate
String
String
wrapper class
wrapper class
JavaBeans
Definition of JavaBeans, or Beans
Runtime Exception
Runtime Exception
GUI
GUI
Character
Character
applet
Defintion of a Java applet
super class
super class
UML
UML
static variable
static variable
Test Quickly with FlowLayout
If you just want to test the functionality of a button and don't want to get into the nitty-griity of designing a full GUI, then try FlowLayout.
IDE
IDE
boolean
Definition of the boolean data type
variable
variable
JDBC
JDBC
JIT
JIT
byte
byte
compile
compile
char
char
XML
XML
executable
executable
JRE
JRE
int
int
Vector
Vector
client server
client server
instance variable
instance variable
class
class
exceptions
exceptions
static
static
final
final
break
break
buffer
buffer
modifiers
modifiers
command-line
command-line
borderlayout
Definition of borderlayout
class packages
class packages
double
double
layout managers
layout managers
Math
Math
garbage collection
garbage collection
J2EE
J2EE
extends
extends
database
database
operators
operators
overloading
overloading
Focus on Java - StepBySteps
An index of StepBySteps for the Focus on Java guide site.
float
float
long
long
interface
interface
Focus on Java - QuickTips
An index of QuickTips for the Focus on Java guide site.

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