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lewisbracey
719 PointsEclipse Editor vs TreeHouse Workspace for Java
I am a Junior in college and I am taking an Introduction to Programming class (majoring in Computer Science). We are learning Java in an editor called Eclipse. Some of the commands and methods are different than the ones in the TreeHouse course. For example, to print something on the screen, in Eclipse, is coded: (System.out.print), however, in this course to print something on the screen, in the TreeHouse Workspace, we code: (console.printf). My question is whether you think I should figure out the differences in Eclipse and write all my workspace code there or just continue on learning the syntax in the TreeHouse Workspace as I did in the Java Basics course.
5 Answers
Ken Alger
Treehouse TeacherLewis;
Welcome to Treehouse!
I think the question about how to print things in the console has been covered quite well in the previous answers.
In terms of an IDE, I would absolutely suggest you make yourself comfortable with one. Which one is going to largely depend upon personal preference and what your colleagues are using. The Eclipse IDE is very popular and several popular coding environments, like Spring are based upon Eclipse. My understanding is that after a few more console based Java courses here at Treehouse, the intention is to start working in Spring. As such, having a solid foundation in Eclipse will likely be helpful.
One of the other popular Java IDEs is IntelliJ. If you are interested in developing for Android, the Android Studio is based on the IntelliJ platform.
Like I said, much of the decision is based on personal preference and what those around you are using. If your college instructors are using Eclipse, you will be a step ahead with that IDE. I have found the learning curve to switching between IntelliJ and Eclipse to be smaller than learning IntelliJ was for me at the beginning. They are similar, just laid out a bit differently, have subtle differences in their menu structure, etc.
Excited to work with another Java enthusiast here on Treehouse. Hope to run into you again on the forum soon.
Ken
Harry James
14,780 PointsHey Lewis!
It's completely up to you which IDE you use and there are advantages and disadvantages to both. The console/system call should be the only difference you find as both are using Java.
Treehouse Workspaces
Pros
- All your work is synced online.
- Accessible from any device.
- No need to install/download additional software.
- Simple, easy-to-use design.
- You can follow courses exactly how they appear in the courses.
Cons
- You can't work offline.
- No autocompletion.
Eclipse
Pros
- Offers autocomplete.
- Works offline.
- Offers refactoring tools.
- Offers error detection before compiling.
- Offers warnings for deprecated methods/unrecommended actions.
- Supports use for Version Control (e.g: GitHub).
- Good practise for commercially producing applications.
Cons
- Requires installation of Java JDK, Java SE and Eclipse.
- If files are lost, they are unrecoverable.
- Can be resource-intensive.
- Some tools may be in different places than shown in the course videos.
- More things to learn about how the software works which could put off some beginners.
- Cramped design which could put off some beginners.
Hopefully, these will be able to help you decide :)
Maarten Tolhuijs
13,349 PointsHey Lewis!
The System.out.print, printf or println are just different ways in java to give a certain output. Look here for further reference: http://docs.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/essential/io/formatting.html
So it has nothing to do with the Workspace or Eclipse. Personally, I also think it is good practice to work with an IDE (like Eclipse) because it let you get used to the environment you will work with in the future.
jack hamilton
5,609 PointsI would reccommend to start using eclipse. As within Java the correct way is the System.out.println("");
It would also better prepare you for when you make your own applications outside of treehouse.
Dustin Matlock
33,856 PointsHi Lewis, Treehouse Workspaces are continually improving, but you might check out IntelliJ IDEA.
Maarten Tolhuijs
13,349 PointsIntelliJ IDEA is my personal favorite as well. And by the way, Android Studio is based on it, says a lot too...