Learning Java: Promises and Pitfalls

CS-TR-97-2

Authors: Robert Biddle, Ewan Tempero
Source: GZipped PostScript (90kb); Adobe PDF (360kb)


In this paper we will examine the Java language, and consider how easy it is for beginning programmers to learn . We address primarily the issues that arise directly from the language itself, and discuss whether the promises are compromised by the pitfalls. This analysis is the result of our teaching of Java to people in industry, our consideration of whether Java is suitable as a first programming language for university students, and our earlier work involving similar issues with regard to C++.

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