These days, when speaking about Web site development, all you seem to hear about is Java this, and Java that. This object-oriented programming language is on everyone's agenda, because it offers the ability to program and create applets that will work on any platform.
April 8, 1997
Learning how to program in Java is not an easy task, but there are a number of books and programs designed to aid you in your quest. Some of the best are from MindQ Publishing. MindQ has put out a series of Java programming tutorial CD-ROMs. An Introduction to Programming Java Applets is the first in the series. The CD-ROM presents a fast, easy method of learning Java basics, that will accelerate your comprehension of the program. Mastering the information on the CD-ROM will enable you to write Java applications and applets, no matter what your programming experience level is.
The MindQ Java programming series is designed to guide the user from Java basics through advanced Java programming topics and commands. In addition to An Introduction to Programming Java Applets, MindQ also offers Java Programming and Core Class Libraries and Hands On Java Programming Using Microsoft Visual J++, on CD-ROM.
Developed with Rapid Systems Solutions, a recognized leader in Java training, An Introduction to Programming Java Applets strikes an appropriate balance between content and presentation, to help novice and intermediate users master Java programming in an accelerated, effective manner. The MindQ multimedia interface enhanced with hot-linked topics, video clips and concise narrations, facilitates your grasp of Java concepts. Step-by-step visualizations help you understand objects, classes, methods and other key concepts of object oriented programming (OOP). Animated code examples show you how Java applets are written, line by line. With more than 120 subjects covered, each with animated graphics and voice over, An Introduction to Programming Java Applets promises to make your entry into the world of Java programming a pleasant one.
Using An Introduction to Programming Java Applets is in some ways similar to watching an extended animated presentation. The learning process is geared towards visualizing the given concept and makes extensive use of graphical illustrations and animation. By visualizing the concepts, they are made easier to follow. Each concept becomes an animated illustration, augmented by code samples. On any given screen, almost every object shown provides additional information when clicked on, or pointed at with the mouse.
MindQ offers several ways to interact with the program. You can follow guided tours on such subjects as an introduction to Java, an introduction to applets, objects and events, implementing classes, or an introduction to Visual J++. Tours introduce a topic, such as "the world of objects and classes." These topics are in turn, further broken down into several additional screens designed to give the user a detailed explanation. The user can choose to be mostly passive; sitting back and absorbing what the tutorial has to say, or active; examining the examples and code fragments in detail. Nearly every line of code is given a link to a keyword or explanation, which is but a mouse click away. For those favoring active learning, there are more than a dozen applets with source code included on the CD-ROM, as well as FAQs and an indexed and cross-linked keyword list.
Three versions of An Introduction to Programming Java Applets are available from MindQ: Standard Edition, including only the instruction on programming Java applets. A Sun Java WorkShop Edition, including instruction on Java, plus a discussion of the Sun Java Workshop development environment, and the Microsoft Visual J++ Edition, which includes instruction on Java, plus a discussion of the Microsoft J++ development system.
I chose the Microsoft J++ edition to review. The tutorial opens with an "Introduction to Microsoft Visual J++", which seems to be a bit inappropriate before the introduction to Java itself. I recommend that users skip ahead to the introduction to Java first, then return later to pick up the specifics of Microsoft J++. Another gripe I have is that, while most of the links lead the user to worthwhile information, some seem to add nothing new to what you are learning. Also, the few videos end up being mostly superfluous. I urge you to avoid viewing the videos when you first see the camera symbol and stay on tour until you see the "start video" button.
Priced comparably to tutorial books at $49.95, the program offers much more than still pictures/slide shows. MindQ combines good audio narration, highlighting of source code listings to trace the flow of a program, and animated movement of data values between on-screen representations of different data structures. By the time I finished the tutorial, some dozens of hours later, I felt that I had now learned enough about Java to move on to the next step in becoming proficient in Java programming.
A complete software development kit, and examples, are included in An Introduction to Programming Java Applets. In addition, the kit also contains a helpful appendix outlining the major differences between Java and C++, and numerous pointers to Java resources on the Internet.
If you'd like to learn more about this program and view other offerings from MindQ, you can visit their Web site at www.mindq.com. You can download free sample topics from An Introduction to Programming Java Applets at the site, and in effect, try before you buy.
System Requirements: 486 or Pentium based personal computer running Windows 3.1, Windows NT, or Windows 95. SVGA video adapter and monitor, double speed CD-ROM or better, 8 MB RAM, 3 MB hard disk space. A sound card and speakers are recommended but not required. Access to the Internet is required to use point-and-click access to Internet sites.
Tony Ardito
is the Managing Editor of Southwest Writer's Group, a news and article service based in Arizona. He is the former publisher of Tri-City Computing Magazine in Albany, NY. Tony has been working in the computer/Internet field since 1987.
