I'm a complete beginner and have been learning Java for about two weeks using an older edition of Liang's Introduction to Java. I'm currently working through the exercises in Chapter 7.
I'm planning to return to university for a computer science degree, and the program begins with Java, so learning it first seemed practical. Personally, though, I'm more interested in eventually learning C or C++. My goal is to work through most or all of the textbook before the spring semester so I'll be reasonably comfortable with Java when classes begin.
Would it be better to finish the textbook and focus on building a solid Java foundation, or should I start learning C or C++ at some point while continuing Java on the side? The university's third programming course uses C, but that is probably about a year and a half away because I'll need to complete two Java courses first.
4 Answers
There isn’t really a point where you “finish” a language, especially something as broad as Java. Since your immediate goal is to prepare for university, staying with Java until you have a comfortable grasp of the fundamentals is probably the least confusing approach. Once variables, control flow, methods, classes, and basic object-oriented programming feel natural, another language will be much easier to approach.
Your situation makes Java the sensible priority for now. Try to get through at least the core material, including object-oriented programming, rather than stopping after basic syntax. The later data structures and algorithms chapters could also be valuable practice before implementing similar ideas in C. You probably don’t need to spend much time on Java-specific GUI material if your main interest is eventually moving toward C.
Learning C and C++ at the same time can be confusing. They overlap, but they aren’t simply two versions of the same language, and some similar-looking features behave differently. When you eventually reach that stage, start with one—probably C, since your university teaches it first—then move to C++ after you have a solid foundation. For now, continuing Java and writing small programs is a good plan.
You can switch whenever you want or whenever you have a practical reason to do so. There’s no universal deadline for starting another language, and experimenting with different languages can be useful. Just make sure you’re learning concepts and building programs rather than only collecting syntax.
By finishing, I meant completing the textbook rather than mastering the entire language. I’m planning to keep working through the exercises, probably doing around two-thirds of them so I get enough practice.