Course VJ101: Introduction to Java for Visual Basic Developers

Audience
Course Length
Prerequisites
Goals
Outline
Format
Materials
Substitutions
Other Information
Payment Method

Audience

This course was created specifically to help Visual Basic programmers transfer their knowledge to the world of Java.

Course Length

5 days: Daily from 9:00am - 4:30pm

Prerequisites

• Required: A solid working knowledge Visual Basic, 1 year recommended. If you have more experience in another language, please consider taking our more general Introduction To Java course.

Course Goals

This course will help you move to Java by:

• Translating the Visual Basic syntax and semantics into Java
• Discussing the similarities between the goals of VB and those of Java, such as:
  • No pointer manipulation or manual de-referencing
  • Automatic memory management (garbage collection)
  • True arrays and strings
  • Run-time error checking
• Exploring the similarities and differences between object-based (VB) and object-oriented (Java) programming
  • Object-Based Programmers know about:
    • Creation of objects
    • Accessing properties of objects
    • Invoking methods on objects
    • Creating new data types
  • To become an Object-Oriented Programmer, youíll learn about:
    • Inheritance
    • Polymorphism
    • Encapsulation
    • Interfaces
    • Composition
    • Delegation
• Showing specific code examples translated from VB to Java
  • Converting code by hand
  • Using tools to automatically convert current VB code to Java

Course Outline:

Java Applets vs. Java Applications

Running Java Programs

• Running Java Applications from the command prompt
• Running Java Applets in the AppletViewer
• Running Java Applets in a browser

Java Language Syntax

• Tokens
• Keywords
• Identifiers
• Literals
• Data Types
• Variables
• Operators and Expressions
• Program Structure: Blocks
• Looping/iteration statements
• Decisions statements
• Comments
• Procedures/Functions vs. Methods
• Program Structure: Modules vs. Classes

Java Object Concepts

• Class vs. Object
• Instantiation
• Class Fields
• Instance Fields
• Object References
• Constructors
• The "this" Object Reference
• Java Packages: Grouping Classes

Java OOP Concepts

• Subclassing and Inheritance and Overriding
• Polymorphism and Overloading
• The "super" Object Reference

Class and Field Modifiers

• Access Protection
• Private
• Public
• Default (Package)
• Static
• Final
• Abstract

Interfaces vs. Classes

• Why Interfaces are Powerful
• Composition vs. Inheritance

The Java Abstract Window Toolkit

• Structure Of The AWT
• Containers
• The Applet Class
• Graphics Contexts
• The Repaint/Update/Paint Cycle
• Components
• Layout Managers
• The AWT 1.0 Inheritance/Containment Event Model
• The AWT 1.1 Delegation Event Model

Exception Handling

• Unchecked Exceptions
• Checked Exceptions
• Try, Catch, Finally
• Program Flow

Multithreading

• The Thread Class
• The Scheduler
• The Runnable Interface
• Synchronization

Streams And Files

• Streams
• Filtered Streams
• The File Class
• Directories
• JDK 1.1 Reader/Writers

Networking

• Class URL, URLConnection
• Communicating With Sockets

Java Beans

• Reflection and Introspection
• Naming Patterns for Events and Properties
• Persistence and Serialization
• The BeanBox
• ActiveX Bridge
• ActiveX to JavaBeans Migration Kit

Format

The course is a hands-on, interactive class of no more than 8 students per instructor. We have found that only through exercises and labs can you truly learn and absorb the information presented. You will have your own networked-PC hooked up to our high-speed Internet connection and our own Web server.

Materials

You will receive a complete course workbook which includes exercises and solutions, and a set of disks containing all code and other information covered in the workbook.

Substitutions

Substitutions are allowed at no additional charge provided that we are notified, by phone, at least 1 business day prior to the start of the section.

Other Information

UNIF/X reserves the right to substitute speakers or to cancel any class with a minimum of five business days notice to enrollees with confirmed registration. If the course is not held for any reason, UNIF/X's liability is limited to refund of the paid course fee.

Payment Method

Checks and money orders are accepted as payment in full. Purchase Orders are accepted, but registration will not be complete until full payment is received. If payment is not received at least 2 weeks before the first day of the section, the registration will be automatically canceled.

Please contact us for more information.

We welcome your questions.