Java for Python Programmers

This set of lessons is for programmers that are comfortable with Python but are new to Java. They are unique in that they are written using an approach that builds on what you know about Python. Most concepts are introduced by first looking at an example of Python code, and then examining the relevant Java concepts. Along the way we will examine the strengths, weaknesses and differences between those two languages.

Contents

1. Introduction
   • Why Learn Another Programming Language?
   • Why Learn Java?
   • Getting Ready
   • Hello, World
     • Comments
     • Hello, World in Python
     • Hello, World in Java
   • References
2. Data Types
   • Static vs. Dynamic Typing
   • String
   • Primitive Types
     • Autoboxing
   • Example: The TempConv Program
     • import
     • Declaring Variables
     • Input / Output and the Scanner Class
   • Class Types
     • References
   • Arrays
   • Static Methods
   • References
3. Control Flow
   • Conditionals
     • Simple if
     • if-else
     • elif / else if
     • switch
   • Iteration
     • For Loops
     • While Loops
   • References
4. Data Structures and Collections
   • Ordered Data: Lists and Arrays
     • Gradebook (Python List Version)
     • Gradebook (Java ArrayList Version)
     • ArrayList Methods
     • Gradebook (Java Array Version)
   • Key/Value Data: HashMaps
     • Gradebook (Python Dictionary Version)
     • Gradebook (Java HashMap Version)
     • HashMap Methods
   • References
5. Introduction to Classes and Objects
   • A Minimal Class and Object
   • The this Keyword
   • Access Modifiers
   • References
6. Classes and Objects: Encapsulating Data
   • Encapsulation
   • Fields
     • Getters and Setters
     • Properties
   • Constructors
     • Overloading Constructors
   • Customizing Fields
     • Final Fields
     • Static Fields
     • Constants
   • References
7. Classes and Objects: Encapsulating Behavior
   • Calling Methods on Objects
   • Instance Methods
   • Static Methods
   • Special Methods
     • toString
     • equals
       • Components of equals
       • Characteristics of equals
   • Single Responsibility Principle
   • References
8. Classes and Objects: Inheritance
   • Inheritance in Java
     • Working With Constructors in Subclasses
     • Overriding Base Class Behavior
     • The Object Class
     • Abstract Classes and Methods
     • References
9. Class Diagrams
   • Diagramming a Single Class
   • Diagramming Class Relationships
   • References
10. Classes and Objects: Interfaces and Polymorphism
    • Polymorphism
    • Interfaces
    • Interfaces In the Wild
    • Comparison to Abstract Classes
    • Benefits of Using Interfaces
11. Naming Conventions

Some content from Java for Python Programmers by Brad Miller, used under CC BY 3.0.