Sunday, August 11, 2013

Java Skills Acquired: Declaring Variables/ Multiple Variables, Local Variables, Initializing Variables, and Final Variables (Or Constants)

Today in JFD (Java for dummies), I learned the following

Declaring variables

Example: String example;

Declaring Multiple Variables

Example: String ex1, ex2;

Declaring class variables

(Hints-Must include static in the declaration before the variable type;
must place declaration within the body of the class but not within any of the class methods)

Example of declaring a class variable

class HelloApp
{
    static String hellomessage;
    public static void main(String[] args)
    {
        hellomessage = "hi";
        System.out.println(hellomessage);
    }
}

and this is the output

run:
hi
BUILD SUCCESSFUL (total time: 0 seconds)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm using the Netbeans IDE 7.3.1 from here on with my tutorials unless otherwise specified by JFD.

I keep having the same problem with the example in the JFD. It specifies each example with "public class HelloApp" It won't build properly unless I take away the "public"

Not sure what public does exactly..

The JFD says that public indicates that a method being declared here should have public access.
Meaning that classes other than the HelloApp class can use it.


Placing the variable at end of class

class HelloApp
{
    static String hellomessage;
    public static void main(String[] args)
    {
        hellomessage = "hi";
        System.out.println(hellomessage);
    }
}

run:
hi
BUILD SUCCESSFUL (total time: 0 seconds)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Declaring Local Variables
(HINT: is picky about where one places the declaration - Before the first statement that actually uses it)
Example:

class HelloApp
{
    public static void main(String[] args)
    {
        String helloMessage;
        helloMessage = "hey";
        System.out.println(helloMessage);
    }
}

run:
hey
BUILD SUCCESSFUL (total time: 0 seconds)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The next to last part of JFD in the variable section is Initializing variables.

class testApp
{
    public static void main(String[] args)
    {
        int i;
        i = 0;
        System.out.println("i is " + i);
    }
}

in the example given the variable is initialized to a value of zero and this happens before the println outputs the variable's value.

this was the output of the example in the book.

run:
i is 0
BUILD SUCCESSFUL (total time: 4 seconds)

Last example of a initialized variable... initializing variables with initializers... (initially)

The book states that this is so we can combine a declaration and an assignment statement into one statement.

class testApp
{
    public static void main(String[] args)
    {
        int x = 2;
        int y = 1;
        String lastName = "Lowe";
        double radius = 15.4;
        System.out.println(x + y);
        System.out.println(lastName);
        System.out.println(radius);
    }
}

run:
3
Lowe
15.4
BUILD SUCCESSFUL (total time: 2 seconds)

Now this example has me confused a little.
It was this initially

int x = 2;
String lastName = "Lowe";
double radius = 15.4;

this is a combination of a declaration and an assignment statement...

I tried to compile this to state what each variable is in the println method but, only got an error.

I guess that I can't mix variable types? Because it was able to build after I had did three separate println statements.

(Any clarity on this would be greatly appreciated)

I only think this is correct because when I make a statement of just int variables this happens....

class testApp
{
    public static void main(String[] args)
    {
        int x = 6;
        int y = 8;
        System.out.println(x * y);

    }
}

run:
48
BUILD SUCCESSFUL (total time: 2 seconds)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

phew okay, Final Variables (or constants)

this is easy enough to understand, just declaring a variable that can't change after it has been initialized.

this is done by adding final to the variable declaration.

class FINALVARIABLE
{
    public static void main(String[] args)
    {
        final int WEEKDAYS = 5;
        System.out.println(WEEKDAYS);

    }
}

run:
5
BUILD SUCCESSFUL (total time: 2 seconds)


TO create a final class variable add static before final when declaring a variable.


I doubt there are many still reading this. I still have to mention that this blog is mostly to demonstrate
that I am learning about Java from online resources as well as JFD (Java for dummies) as well as a reference for me in the future.

I'm sorry that this is a long read but, I am still working on a easy to read layout.

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Tutorial One - Testing the Compiler



I bought Java All in one for Dummies to begin learning more about java ISBN: 978-0-470-37172-5

Stuff packed in my brain on 8/4/13

Previously I have installed everything I have used in the past while dabbling in JAVA. I still have 0% experience.
I already have Java Runtime Environment installed on my computer as well as a Java Development Kit and Netbeans
(I used for a few beginner tutorials earlier this year)

Tutorial #1 - Test the Java Compiler

The dummy book began with the Hello World! java example.

Before The tutorial began the book asked me to set the path in system properties > advanced > Environment variable
> PATH > click edit > semicolon after what is already in box > copy and paste the java bin directory then

The Program to test the compiler

The Dummies book was not a step by step in this process and so I had to google what a cd was in a command prompt



This video was great. It directed how to use the CD - Change directory, change class, and how to test run the Java Compiler (Javac in the prompt)

cd\ > dir > cd\test (A folder I saved in C:\ that holds my test java files) > javac HelloApp.java (converts to class file) > java apples > (OUTPUT) Hello Youtube!


Here is the code used on the video

class apples{
public static void main(String args[])
{
System.out.println("Hello youtube!");
}
}

and a picture of my output


Java for Dummies or JFD also noted that javaac *.java can compile all the files in a folder 


Feels good to take my first step into Java. Any tips would be appreciated, thanks!

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Hey everyone,

This is my introduction post and I'm not going to post about clothes, make up, hair, religion, politics or anything like that. This blog exists to record the continuing of my education.

I want to keep track of the things I'm learning. So, I'm making this a live resume of my skills in programming and IT skills.

Please check back often and if you have any questions, tips, or tricks that would help me out. I would appreciate it, thank you!