[benschilke]

I just registered for a java course which comes with a cd that includes it's own development environment:

Java on Campus with Borland/Inprise JBuilder 3.5 Foundation
for Windows, Linux, and Solaris, plus Text's Programs, Icons,
and TextPad.

I have OS X, and I've been able to write programs in Project Builder and then compile & run programs in terminal with no problems. So I don't want to install the textbooks' tools & environment (assuming I could).

From what I understand, there are some common commands (like for reading text) that aren't part of java standard libraries(?) and that have to be found somewhere else. (For example, the text uses something like Savitch.ReadLn().)

Is there something I can find in the OS X developer environment or download from Sun that would be an equivalent for these kinds of commands?

[Kristoff]

you lost me there.

"Common Commands???"

J2SE API is a good place to start.

Check InputStreamReader, FileInputStream, FileReader, BufferedReader, etc....
It's all right there.


BTW, Are you required to use the IDE on the CD? IF so, why would any course force a particular development environment upon a student? That would be really lame--and has the effect of turning the course into a "How to use this IDE" course instead of a Java Language/Fundamentals course.

My opinion:
If the use of that IDE is required for the course, and for your major--find another school/program that focuses on fundamental concepts rather than implementation details. A teacher shouldn't care if you use an IDE or vi and javac!


If you are taking this on your own--you'd be better off traing for and taking the Java Certified Programmer Exam.

[absmiths]

Originally posted by benschilke:
From what I understand, there are some common commands (like for reading text) that aren't part of java standard libraries(?) and that have to be found somewhere else. (For example, the text uses something like Savitch.ReadLn().)

Is there something I can find in the OS X developer environment or download from Sun that would be an equivalent for these kinds of commands?

In almost every case, when there is some pet library that the author uses, they will provide it with the course (or book). I would look in the provided source (or maybe in the classes, since it might be a super-secret, proprietary ReadLn() method!). Just include it with you r other jar files at compile time and it should be fine.