Introduction To Java - MFC 158 G

Week 1 Lecture notes - Fall 2000

 

 

Class Format

 

1.       Introductions

2.       Description of the course

3.       Review the syllabus

4.       Class format

5.       The environments (NT, solaris, FTP, notepad, pico, xemacs, jdk1.2)

6.       Survey

7.       First assignment

8.       Lab – Park 143

 

 

Description of the course

 

What the course is about:

-          an overview of several areas in Java, from a programming perspective

-          learn various environments that Java can run in (NT and Unix)

-          review the various types of programs (applets and applications and windowing (Abstract windows toolkit, swing components)

-          will include hands-on experience programming in Java

 

What the course is NOT about:

-          will not cover Javascript

-          in depth HTML (enough to call applets)

-          not a detailed Computer Science course - emphasis is on the language, not the structure of the language, but how to use it.

 

Advantages of the study of Java:

-          latest technology / hot topic (employers may be looking for it)

-          fast changing evolution / a lot of new libraries becoming available - hard to keep up (bleeding edge)

-          build your marketable skills

-          prepares you for other languages (C / C++ / Perl csh) - similar syntax

 

What will be expected for you to learn:

-          gain fundamental understanding of Unix and NT from a simple user perspective (FTP, move copy, edit, Xwindow emulation - Exceed)

-          learn enough HTML to run applets

-          various editors in NT and Unix (at least one in each environment)

-          establish email account and learn how to send attachments when submitting assignments

-          able to run Java from NT and Unix environments

-          able to write different types of Java programs, and be able to modify other's applications.

 

Review the syllabus

-          questions

 

Class format

-          review homework / assignments

-          questions from homework, problems encountered, etc.

-          cover new material for the week from the book

-          any suggestions, interesting Web sites/Java programs  or revelations while working (extra credit)

-          Lab

-          Office hours (after the lab)

 

Discuss the environment

-          Windows (NT / 95 / 98) and Solaris Unix

-          JDK 1.2  or 2

-          Best scenario is to have JDK 1.2 on a machine at home under Windows.

-          pico, xemacs, wordpad

-          FTP for file transfer

-          Not using (although optional):  Microsoft J++, Borland and other programming environments

-          All code must compile for Sun Java JDK 1.2

 

 

Links describing differences between Java and Javascript

 

http://www.dreamink.com/html3.shtml

 

http://www.zdnet.com/devhead/stories/articles/0,4413,2391822,00.html

 

http://htmlgoodies.earthweb.com/beyond/j_vs_js.html