New-to-JavaTM Programming Center New-to-Java Programming Center

References

Java^TM Standard Edition Platform Documentation
Documentation for the Java 2 Platform, Standard Edition and its predecessor JDK versions.

Java Software FAQ Index
Over a dozen FAQs to answer your questions about Java related topics.

Glossary of Java^TM Technology-Related Terms
Download or read online with the new PDF format.

Java Developer Connection Newsletters
Subscribe to newsletters produced by the JDC.

New-to-Java Technology Forums
Then check the Forum main page, which lists other topics, such as Installation, JDBC^TM, JavaServer Pages^TM, and Enterprise JavaBeans^TM technologies.

Resources

When you're ready to write applications, or develop in a different area of the Java platform, these downloads get you started:

Java^TM 2 Software Development Kit (SDK)
You'll need this download for developing most applications. (See the Micro Edition if you're interested in programming for consumer devices.)

Java^TM Servlet Technology - Implementations & Specifications
Download the Java^TM Server Web Development Kit for developing servlets and JavaServer Pages^TM technologies.

Java 2, Enterprise Edition
This package comes with Java APIs for the HTTP, HTTPS, and a database and deployer tool. Use this kit in conjunction with the J2SE^TM to develop Enterprise JavaBeans^TM, JavaServer Pages, Servlets, and more.

Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition
Use this kit to develop applications for pagers, cell phones, and other consumer devices. (Downloads are at the bottom of the J2ME page.)

Products and APIs
A complete list on java.sun.com.

JDC Early Access
The Early Access program gives you access to pre-released software as it becomes available ahead of the official software release.

Books & Exceprts

The Java Series This is our authorized series of books on the Java 2 Platform and APIs, directly from those creating the technology.

The Java Tutorial A practical guide for programmers with hundreds of complete, working examples. The Tutorial is organized into trails--groups of lessons on a particular subject.

Essentials of the Java^TM Programming Language: A Hands-On Guide This book walks through how to use the Java 2 Platform software to create and run three common types of programs written for the Java platform-applications, applets, and servlets.

Beginning Java 2: JDK 1.3 Version Presenting two chapters specifically for new Java programmers. Learn the basics of how to use threads and how to program your applications to interface with databases.

Professional JSP Two chapters from this popular new book, one covering JSP Architecture, and the other giving a case study using J2EE^TM, EJBs^TM and Tag Libraries.

The Complete Java 2 Certification Study Guide Wondered what it takes to be certified? Check out this chapter excerpt on Objects and Classes--then test yourself with its accompanying quiz.

Core Java 2 Volume II This excerpt, Chapter 2, "Collections" shows you how to take advantage of the standard collections prebuilt for you.