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 Java Basics Getting Started with Java Introduction to Your Tools

Quinten Carnellie
Quinten Carnellie
1,683 Points
Posted by Quinten Carnellie
Quinten Carnellie
1,683 Points

Should I learn the command line before diving into java?

I am looking to learn android development so I am starting with java and right out of the gate I am told that I need to know and understand the command line and how it works. Does this mean I should do the "Console Foundation" course before even jumping into the "Java Basics" course or can I simply do the "Java Basics" course and I will pick up on it as I go?

Additionally, can I learn this on my windows pc or do I need to use linux or another operating system?

2 Answers

nsay
nsay
6,709 Points
nsay
nsay
6,709 Points

As a fellow beginner Java & Android learner, I can tell you that the command line is mostly used for compiling and executing your Java program. They are only two different lines of code so it'll be easy to remember them as you go along the course.

Also, you can use any Operating System you wish!

Quinten Carnellie
Quinten Carnellie
1,683 Points
Quinten Carnellie
Quinten Carnellie
1,683 Points

Ok thank you and also, do you think its necessary to even learn java for android development anymore with react native being a thing? just using js?

nsay
nsay
6,709 Points
nsay
nsay
6,709 Points

The simple answer is no. The long answer is yes you should!

You can build a thousand apps for android using React Native without ever needing to write a single line of java code. You will only need to code java if you want to make some native code that does not exist yet. The great thing about React Native is that you can be productive without knowing native code, and learn java only when you actually need it. Even though learning java is not a pre-requisite, learning a little bit about Android development in general (what an intent is, what is an activity and how activities communicate, etc. ) will help you make better apps. Not to mention that in reality, knowing java in the android mobile market will help immensely in terms on getting a job or at your job.