I wanna learn java

[Aerozord]

particularly for developing apps but in general is good. Does anyone have any suggestions as far as reading materials? Programs to run scripts and similar programs would be appreciated as I'm better with hands on learning.

Ideally I want free online guides but I'm willing to buy some books if I have to

[Sithdarth]

What do you currently know in terms of programming languages? For example things will be much easier if you already know an object oriented language. If not you'll probably want an actual book over anything online because online documentation is usually pretty bad at explaining complicated things like the concepts behind object oriented programming.

[Azisien]

I found Head First Java (http://www.amazon.ca/Head-First-Java-Kathy-Sierra/dp/0596009208) a slightly more interesting book than your average dry-as-fuck programming book. All the Head First books are pretty good actually. They aren't very technical until you get farther into the material, but I found their teaching style endearing.

[Red Fighter 1073]

Definitely agree with the fact that you should buy a book and I also agree that Head First Java is a really good book for you to learn from. If you find yourself not liking the particularly unorthodox teaching style of that book, you can try Absolute Java (either 4th or 5th edition should be fine) as that's another book that explains everything really well but doesn't shield you from the more complicated stuff.

[Aerozord]

Alright I think I will pick up that book when I get the chance.

Oh and I studied some visual basic and a long time ago some HTML. Thats about it. I was just given an overview, mostly programming theory than actual language study.