Welcome to the Treehouse Community

Want to collaborate on code errors? Have bugs you need feedback on? Looking for an extra set of eyes on your latest project? Get support with fellow developers, designers, and programmers of all backgrounds and skill levels here with the Treehouse Community! While you're at it, check out some resources Treehouse students have shared here.

Looking to learn something new?

Treehouse offers a seven day free trial for new students. Get access to thousands of hours of content and join thousands of Treehouse students and alumni in the community today.

Start your free trial

Java The Thing About Strings

Nancy Melucci
PLUS
Nancy Melucci
Courses Plus Student 36,143 Points
Posted by Nancy Melucci
Nancy Melucci
Courses Plus Student 36,143 Points

Java Courses

I would like more courses in programming in Java.

For my needs specifically, I would like to get a better grasp on complex logic. I've been studying for about 14 months now. Last night I was able to right a simple recursive program that cubed numbers and summed them up while waiting for an order from my local Chinese restaurant.

But I still feel quite shaky and I know that doing real, applied programming requires a grasp of much more complex logic-based tasks. Like building apps and games.

Thanks. I appreciate the availability of this resource.

Nancy Melucci Huntington Beach CA

3 Answers

Andrew Winkler
Andrew Winkler
37,739 Points
Andrew Winkler
Andrew Winkler
37,739 Points

Hey Nancy,

Sorry that nobody answered your question earlier, but as an up-and-coming developer myself I've bumped into a lot of different resources that may supply a solution. I have my learning track basically mapped out and am in mid-grind, doing exactly what I'm going to recommend to you.

1) If you're still a beginning java developer do all the courses on teamtreehouse.com and codecademy.com. These will give you badges and hands-on coding experience.

2) Start an online portfolio that you regularly post independent projects and blog post to regarding your learning exploration. Employers are looking for people who are passionate, competent, and who can communicate efficiently. If your website displays time stamped demonstrations of these characteristics, employers will see you as a reliable candidate with a track record of quality work.

3) Start reading and long handing out code. I know this seems like a total pain, but the mechanism of application triggers different parts of your brain. It's a completely different way of thinking that can be highly beneficial if honed. The head first book series are especially good for doing this type of work.

4) Start moderating coding websites such as teamtreehouse.com or Stackoverflow.com

5) Begin creating simple android apps or java games that you and your friends can utilize and post them to your site.

6) Learn how to use APIs and integrate them into server technologies. At this point it's beneficial to learn advanced algorithms which there are several books about if you go to amazon. Generally the people who enjoy advanced algorithms don't like to talk much. They would much rather type or communicate via the written word. Therefore, I think the best tutorials concerning advanced logic will likely be found in books which you can find on amazon.

Well, that about wraps up the track which I'm personally pursuing. It's working for me, but everyone's different so take what you will from this.

If my answer helped, please vote it best answer! Until next time, happy coding!

Martin Gallauner
Martin Gallauner
10,808 Points
Martin Gallauner
Martin Gallauner
10,808 Points

Hi Andrew

I want to ask you about point 2)

how does you online portfolio look like? Do you write a blog or just have a GitHub?

Andrew Winkler
Andrew Winkler
37,739 Points
Andrew Winkler
Andrew Winkler
37,739 Points

Glad to hear it! I hope you really consider making a blog to journal your learning progress though. Doing so offers several benefits: 1) proof to employers that you're consistently making strides as independent learner 2) it prepares you to communicate what you've achieved more effectively which is super valuable concerning interviews 3) it provides a map of everything you've learned in case you ever want to go back and find something 4) it's just plain fun and exciting

Best wishes! Happy coding!

Nancy Melucci
PLUS
Nancy Melucci
Courses Plus Student 36,143 Points
Nancy Melucci
Nancy Melucci
Courses Plus Student 36,143 Points

Thanks!. I keep working on everything and anything to which I can get access. It's still a struggle but I am making small, sporadic strides forward...

Don't feel ready to start handing out advice (here or at SO) as of yet. Hope to be good enough for that online portfolio before the end of the year. I still have a ways to go.

Nancy M.