One of the first and most important resources that you will need in your hungry pursuit of mastering programming in the Java platform is the API documentation. Trust me, it is even more important than that 2000+ paged book that you have bought to learn the language; yes that book on your table. With time, you will know what I am talking about.
First things first. Without knowledge of the Java API (Application Programming Interface), all your attempts to learn Java programming will come to naught. You are as good as finished. Anyway, not to discourage you, you have to find a way to getting your hand(s) on the Java API. If you have regular access to the Internet, then you may want to bookmark the Java API page from the Java website: check somewhere like http://www.java.sun.com/javase/6/docs. Make sure you bookmark it and view this page nearly daily. If you work in a busy office environment, you should probably spare extra time after work hours and read and "cram" the API.
If you are a student, you'd better rush to the Computer Labs early in the morning, cram a few classes in the API and go on for lectures. I wouldn't advise on cutting out on lectures unless you are doing a software programming course basing on the Java platform.
If you do not have regular Internet connection, do not get depressed. I, too, do not have regular Internet connection. The good thing is that the Java documentation, which contains the complete Java API, is contained in a compressed zipped format thereby making it downloadable. So, simply spare some good time( and money too), slope down to the nearest Internet cafe and start downloading the Java documentation. The last time I checked, it was about 33MB. 33BM? Yes it will take longer if the connection is on dial-up, but believe me, it will be worth every single cent that you spend on it. You may also need a program to uncompress the files. Windows users have it by default. Otherwise, you can acquire a free uncompressing program from http:www.winzip.com
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