[edit] So, what do I need to install to start playing? Is there a debian package that will get everything I need, or am I better off getting it direct from Sun? And are there tools that would help get up the learning curve, or am I better learning it from a text editor from the start?


Check out [link|http://www.javajunkies.org/index.pl?node_id=4117|this node on JJ] for a quick assist on getting Sun's Java 1.5 installed on your Debian box.

For learning Java stuff, I recommend using your commandline and text editor until you're comfortable with how to create and compile classes, packages, etc. Run 'em a few times, and make sure you have everything down pat. Then, if you want, switch to an IDE. I use NetBeans, and I've used Eclipse in the past. Scott's gotten me interested in checking out (I think it was) IDEA. Sounded interesting.