Technical Introduction to Java and NetRexx

Part One of a Two Part Course

The goal of part one of this course is to provide the beginner with enough background to understand Java and write trivial Java applications and applets. It should also provide enough grounding in Java to continue learning Java concepts independently or through more advanced classes.


Course Outline:
  1. Java background - optional!
    1. appliances - Java toasters, etc.
    2. C++ problems - pointers, bounds, garbage collection
    3. Internet distribution, SW distribution problems, machine architectures
    4. Security

      5.  
  2. JVMs and applets vs applications
    1. java.exe vs appletviewer vs Netscape/IE
    2. main vs init/paint/start/stop
    3. HTML applet tag and panels/sandbox

      4.  
  3. Java - The Guts
    1. objects - a way to hide instruction counters?
    2. classes - data/code obfuscation or "factories"?
    3. data elements - primitive vs object-type fog
    4. method elements - real code? mostly assignments and calls cuz that's all folks!

      5.  
  4. Java setup
    1. installing the JDK, SWING, and NetRexx
    2. environment variables
    3. compiling and running applications
    4. editors vs IDEs

      5.  
  5. Program Design
    1. "hello world" application in Java
    2. "hello world" application in NetRexx
    3. "hello world" applet in Java
    4. "hello world" applet in NetRexx

      5.  
  6. Review of 1st class day
      7.  
  7. Java Syntax
    1. statements, blocks, comments - semicolons vs NetRexx
    2. types, assignments and constructor calls - new vs ?
    3. method calls and member references
    4. conditionals
    5. loops
    6. operators
    7. a better brief tutorial comparing Java and NetRexx! (from the net)

      8.  
  8. The fantastic Web Browser

    9.  
  9. Homework from class 2

    10.  
  10. Review class 2 - creating objects

  11. The fantastic pencil applet/application

  12. Java entry point sequence example
      13.  
  13. Yucky Stuff - inheritance and subclasses, packages & visibility

    14.  
  14. PFE - a good Java text editor/IDE

    15.  
  15. Review class 3 - applets vs applications

    16.  
  16. The Framex extension

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  17. The new Java 1.2 features

The follow-on part two course of Java and NetRexx will cover more advanced concepts required to write real and practical programs (after Kermit learns enough to teach it). Topics to be covered will include:
  1. exceptions
  2. this
  3. super
  4. visibility
  5. packages
  6. threads & synchronization
  7. arrays
  8. I/O
  9. AWT/GUI
  10. layout managers
  11. handleEvent vs Action methods
  12. system.exit(0)
  13. graphics
  14. networking
  15. math classes/abstract classes