[Charlie IronGleet]

Hello,

I'm new to Java, about one month into an introductory course and trying to branch out and learn as much as possible on my own. I'm at a low-level intermediate level with actionscript 3.0 games programming and I want to do the same sorts of casual games with Java. I have access to a whole bunch of great java texts: the issue is -- some date back as far as 1999 or 2000, to jdk1.2

Can I rely on the information in these texts to still be applicable to jdk 1.6se? If not, is there a resource for looking up deprecated methods and finding alternatives? Or is it better just to avoid old books altogether?

If it's safe at all, how many versions of the jdk is it safe to go back in with a book? I mean, say I find a great book written for jdk1.4? I see that most of the code compiles -- but I want to be sure before I risk wasting my time.

Thanks for your help,
Charlie IronGleet

[NeoTifa]

It is good for getting the basics of syntax and flow, but after you learn that, I would take a look at the current API to check.

[mostyfriedman]

its best to follow the latest texts as you will find some features and classes present in the newest version of jdk that werent supported in the older versions...so its better to be updated

[Charlie IronGleet]

mostyfriedman, on 8 Feb, 2009 - 05:07 PM, said:

its best to follow the latest texts as you will find some features and classes present in the newest version of jdk that werent supported in the older versions...so its better to be updated

I understand that -- but what I want to know is: Regarding the old material, does it all still apply?

[mostyfriedman]

yea of course it applies, the syntax is the same and the conventions and everything, the only difference is that some stuff in the newer versions of the jdk arent supported in the older ones...

[Charlie IronGleet]

mostyfriedman, on 8 Feb, 2009 - 05:17 PM, said:

yea of course it applies, the syntax is the same and the conventions and everything, the only difference is that some stuff in the newer versions of the jdk arent supported in the older ones...

Thanks -- that answers my question. If I could afford new books I'd buy them -- for the most up to date info I rely on my textbook and class. My concern was that older stuff might not be supported in the newer versions of the jdk.

[mostyfriedman]

if you cant afford new books, you got free tutorials all around the web and also you got us here at DIC if you need help

[pbl]

Charlie IronGleet, on 8 Feb, 2009 - 05:20 PM, said:

mostyfriedman, on 8 Feb, 2009 - 05:17 PM, said:

yea of course it applies, the syntax is the same and the conventions and everything, the only difference is that some stuff in the newer versions of the jdk arent supported in the older ones...

Thanks -- that answers my question. If I could afford new books I'd buy them -- for the most up to date info I rely on my textbook and class. My concern was that older stuff might not be supported in the newer versions of the jdk.

Old stuff akmost always work but for some exceptional execptions like "enum"
I wouldn't be scared o much to use old features