Best approach for learning Java after C++?

Question

I've been using C++ for about 6 or 7 years now, and I consider myself fluent in it. I've never bothered with Java until now, but I find myself out of the job (company went under) and I need to expand my skill set. Someone recommended Java, so I am wondering if there is any advice for where somebody like me might start. I am also interested to know what the key aspects of Java are that are most likely to come up in an interview.

Answer 1

There are some popular areas that I think of when we talk about Java

• Concepts of OOP: I'm sure this will not be much different from C++: Class, Abstract Class, Interface, Polymorphism, Overriding, Overloading, Inheritance, Static member, ... Interface will likely be area that you might want to focus. Since this is not directly available in C++, I don't know.
• Core Java: Such as the basic syntax and the common classes such as Math, String, System.out, Scanner, Basic file I/O, Stream. Know the concept of Garbage Collection, Reference Type (since pointers are not available here.) Know the Java platform/technologies, J2SE, J2EE. Basic GUI with Swing and its layout managers. Web Applications with Servlet/JSP.
• Popular tools, frameworks, and libraries: This may not as important as above bullets. But maybe you should know what Eclipse, Netbeans, Spring, Struts, Hibernate, EJB, Ant, JUnit, JavaDoc, are for.

You can always search for "C++ to Java" in Google. I'm sure there will plenty of good start points. Don't forget not to put * in front of var name next time you code Java :)