Apps Android as mode for learning java?

[logan]

Hi I am keen on learning java,

Is working on an android project going to help in this regard. Given that I would be using the google provided libraries as opposed to the ones java provides....Is this a good project to take on to improve my java skills...
What are pros and cons of this??

Your advice would be immensely helpful.

Thanks.

 

[Chad]

I can't really say whether or not Android is a good means to learn Java, as I have yet to learn Android myself... but I did happen to stumble across an article today about some neat Java tools that Carnegie Mellon researchers have developed...

They're useful for anyone in need of guidance when using the Java APIs. So in your case, they may help you out while learning Java in general. The standard Java APIs are obviously very helpful, but they can be difficult to use if you don't know where to look. That's where these Java tools come into play...

Link:
June 17: Carnegie Mellon Develops Java Programming Tools Employing Human-Centered Design Techniques - Carnegie Mellon University

I only briefly looked at them today, so I can't really vouch for them yet. The concept seems pretty solid though. Anyone else have any thoughts?

 

[DaveInNYC]

My 2 cents - I am a big believer in learning new technologies in isolation, if possible. Then, when you run into a problem, you will know which technology you are having a problem with. For example, if you learn Java by developing for Android, you will not know if you need to ask an Android group or a Java group for help. If you learn Java "on its own," however, there are a ton of resources out there to help you.

That being said, different people learn in different ways. But I remember trying to learn Ruby on Rails by making a Facebook application, and it was just a hassle trying to learn the quirks of both of them at once.