[Lrr]

i have learned a little c++ and thats all i know, how hard would it be to switch to java and are there any good free compilers (just a hobbby).
i am very new to programing. plese use laymans terms

[ZoneFire]

if you know C++, it will be helpful for you to learn Java.
I am learning Java now but i do not learn C++ before.

you can download the Java Virtual Machine,like a compiler for Java from sun microsystem official website

[BlazingWolf]

Switching would not be hard. It's just a matter of learning another programming langauge which isn't always easy in the first place.

[Vormund]

I'm sure not everyone will agree: but I've found it about 3,000,000% easier to learn a new language after you've learned one already. Most things have the same basis for an idea, just some will allow extra 'things'...just a little different formatting. C++ is a fun language to learn...once you get past the basics. At least, visual

[Iron_Cross]

Learning Java if you know C++ should be a breeze. And the Virtual Machine is NOT a compiler, it's an interpreter of sorts. But you can get both the virtual machine and the compiler (JavaSDK) at http://java.sun.com/ both are free.