Java Lessons
The syntax of Java is very similar to C++. You'll be able to do selection, repetition structures, comments etc. the same way as you did in C++.
With Java you have to use classes and one of the functions of your initial class has to be "main". That's where your program will start.
We will be using "Introduction to Programming in Java" by J.N Patterson Hume and Christine Stephenson. This book was written with the Grade 12 curriculum in mind. It provides many programming examples. They also provide classes which will make I/O easier. We will first be using the console class. The documentation for that class can be found at Documentation of Hoyt Classes.
You will be learning by looking at examples and modifying the code, rather than building up all your applications from scratch. So you don't have to understand everything at once.
Notes:
Having the Java Software development kit at home will be very handy. Download 1.4.1 from Sun at http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.1/download.html. Also download the documentation at http://developer.java.sun.com/developer/infodocs/ . We are using JCreator as the IDE, a free version can be downloaded at www.jcreator.com. If you do not have a high speed connection to the Internet a CD will be provided.
The first PowerPoint presentation will give an introduction to I/O in Java.
Exercise #1 - Create an "Hello, World" program in Java. You can follow the steps in the "Your First Cup of Java" at the Sun Web Site. http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/getStarted/cupojava/index.html
Exercise #2 - Create a program that asks for you name and echoes it. EchoName.java. An example is shown in the PowerPoint presentation.
Look at the programs that use the Console class graphics; Chapter 4 of the Intro to Java Examples. Run these programs and review the documentation for the Console class.
Assignment #1 - Create a program that displays a checkerboard on the Console window with black and red squares in an 8x8 grid.