Should I use NetBeans IDE for learning Java?

Question

Hey,
I'm looking to teach myself a programming language and have decided to learn Java. I've read various articles and posts about what you will need and I'm getting mixed opinions whether I should be using NetBeans in conjunction with the Java Developers Kit or if I should just use the command prompt/Notepad.
Anyone who has had experience learning Java from the very basics I'd like to hear your opinion whether you used an IDE or not, or maybe tried both, and which you think is better for me.

P.s. I'm a complete beginner with no previous programming experience if that makes any difference to your answer.

Answer 1

You should build a few projects "from scratch." You'll hear that a lot...use a text editor and the command line. I agree with that advice, but it doesn't necessarily have to be right from the beginning.



I think it might be as good or even better to get an easy introduction with an IDE, until you have the skills to develop mutliple-class, multiple source file projects. Then, go back and quickly retrace some of those steps purely from the command line and an editor. The reason for this is to get a better understanding of how the pieces of an application are organized.



Do not use Notepad, though. That's not a programmer's editor. Use something like Notepad++ (free) or TextPad (under US$40, free to try).



NetBeans is fine for learning, particularly if you use the official Java Tutorial trails at oracle.com to learn GUI development. The Swing/AWT tutorials there are all designed for NetBeans.



If you plan to work in Enterprise Java, or develop Android apps, Eclipse is a must--though Google has a new home-grown app-development tool either out or in late beta, so Eclipse won't always be the preferred tool for Android app development. It is now, though.

Answer 2

Netbeans is good for making interfaces. You can drag your buttons and text boxes and they line up nicely and you can change properties in the boxes without having to worry about organizing the code as this is done auto. For learning though you would be better of making functions which fire variables to each other and work up from there, you can do that with a basic text editor.

Netbeans is a giant program and has too much stuff (same with eclipse) and will probably be too daunting for a beginner. You'll feel like a small fish in a big lake and probably drown while pulling your hair out. Once you get your variables, functions and classes under your belt you'll start to want to speed things up with an IDE, in the meantime stick with notepad++ or similar

Answer 3

Suppose instead of wanting to learn Java, you wanted to learn how to cut down trees. You can make a living cutting down trees, if you are good at it, just like you can make a living programming in Java, if you are good at it.



What tools would you want to learn about first for cutting down trees:

Chainsaw?

Handsaw?

Ax?

I want to learn how to build an ax from rocks and sticks first, then cut down the tree.



If you look around, I think you'll find that all the professionals are using chainsaws. Learning how to use a chainsaw takes a bit more time and effort than learning how to use a handsaw, but that extra up front effort more than pays off.



For Java programming, Netbeans and Eclipse are the chainsaw. They are the tools professionals use because they are the best tool for the job.



Notepad is, at best an Ax. You'll work really, really hard, but eventually the tree will fall down. Eventually your code will compile and run. The ax will make your muscles ache. Notepad will give you a headache.



So: Netbeans or Eclipse, take your pick, or try both.



Unless you really want to build the ax from rocks and sticks first. In that case, don't learn Java, learn Assembly Language and write it using vi.



Good luck and have fun.

Answer 4

You can choose either Netbeans or Eclipse. They're both great and they're both of comparable power. I tend to use Eclipse when I'm writing for Android, and Netbeans when I'm writing desktop Java, but that's really so I don't get too rusty with either of them. I wouldn't say that one is significantly better than the other, but whichever you choose you'll be happy.

Answer 5

Yes netbeans is good editor for learning java but you can also use eclipse for this , I think its better compare to netbeans

Answer 6

Ya netbeans is ok but i say GO with Eclipse also check out buckysroom.org or thenewboston on youtube he has some pretty good videos about Java.

Answer 7

better watch a movie,than read a book.Of course,it is easier to get a better picture by watching the action(images),then looking at each one of these portrayed words.

Answer 8

reading is much better the book will keep u thinking and you get more detail in what people are thinking and you also get more imagination and you may picture it in your mind

Answer 9

if you are a beginner to java you should try blue j (an ide)its just simple, but if you want to get more features go for netbeans