Plugin Professor Wanted!

STOP! READ!
I do apologize for the topic, but I needed to get you here didn't I?
Here's the deal. Over the past few months I have developed an interest in developing plugins. I am currently in school for CIT (computer information technology) and have taken a couple of courses that have given me the confidence to try my hand at plugin development. Not the least of which was Visual Basic. I know java != visual basic. However, since both are OOP, I'm thinking the experience will give me a good base to start learning?

The steps I've taken thus far:

1. I have installed both eclipse and netbeans, and "fiddled" with both to get a feel for them. Eclipse is the one I have chosen.

2. I have watched and followed along with a variety of plugin tutorials ranging from DinnerBone's VIP carpet tutorial to more recent tutorials featuring the new api. I have been able to properly follow the tutorials and get a working version of each plugin running on a testbed server.

3. I have done some studying of java in general. I found that a lot of things, while syntax and other little things are slightly different, I had a slight understanding of them to begin with. Variables, data types, If logic, etc. I have NOT mastered any of these! However I have a decent base to work from I think.

4. I have created an account on github. Installed the github software, created a very basic plugin that does nothing but enable with a console message and disable with the same. Basically just to learn the github interface.

Now we come to the reason for my post. Following tutorials is great. I have picked up a lot of things that will be common throughout most plugins. I am pretty confident I could start any plugin project and get through the setup, get the package and class files setup, and get the onEnable and onDisable methods running. I feel like, at this point, if I just continue to watch tutorials and read guides, I won't accomplish anything except creating someone else's work. I have picked up the general skills I need but I want to move on to creating something people need and want.
If someone just had an overwhelming desire to work with me, start guiding me on creating my own work, giving me tasks for a plugin to accomplish and kind of pointing me in the right direction, I would be extremely grateful. I understand that all of us have our own lives that keep us busy. I also understand that I'm asking a lot with nothing to offer back. However, I can promise that I do have the capacity to learn, will be dilligent, and will happily work with anyone in any way, to give back to the community once my skills have reached the point where I can be asset.

I know this was long. Thank you for taking the time to read it. Let me know if there is any more information you would like from me. If you don't have the time or inclination to be a mentor, but have suggestions for improving my understanding and skills, feel free to lay em on me! Be nice, though!
I am not asking for any hand holding here. I tried to demonstrate that with the list of steps that I have taken on my own. I just feel that a little help person to person, wouldn't go amiss here!

 

djl0st12 I can get you familiar with the bukkit API. I can do a lot. I will guide you in the right direction with nothing in return. I want to give back for all the people who helped become who I am today, a Programmer.

 

I think the basic idea of this forum is to help each other, so just look for a plugin request that looks manageable. If you should run into trouble we are here to help =)

 

It would be nice to have a second hand on my project. If you wish you could join in. The project is basically for me and my friends server. Our community isnt big yet but we are growing. The project is all about server automation and gamemode development. Ive been soloing this for quite some time now and would be nice if you would like to join PM me and we could talk some more if it sounds interesting.

If you would like to see how far i am right now you can take a look at the latest repository commit:
https://sourceforge.net/p/letsplayb...f44b8ac6e61bde/tree/src/nu/letsplay/letsplay/

 

Feel free to add me on skype: ninjafrosken

 

thank you all for the replies. I will be replying back sometime day. Unfortunately, last night as I was going through the javadocs for the api.. i forgot something... sleep is kinda necessary. SSSSSSoooo..Here's a specific question. At what point am I better off making a myPluginCommandExecutor class to handle commands, rather than just using onCommand in the main class file?

 

pretty quickly, the tricky thing is actually the OOP part of it, sort of

 

I know something that might help you understand java a bit, because if you know how to solve problems, which i don't, you should just have a look at: http://docs.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/java/TOC.html
That's a nice site in my opinion if you want to learn to program in java.
greetz blackwolf12333