I am completely new at programming and of course I pick Java as my first language. Somethings are just curiosities to me. The main thing that I am getting hung up on is; how do I know what to use if I don't know it exists? or when I do find out something exists, what is the main name of that type so I can look up things later?

I know this sounds confusing, but I really don't know how to ask it.

This all came out when doing some codingbat work and the solution said to use a .substring()? or an .indexOf()? or what ever (.)(type)()? I understand that "()" is a method, and there are Java specific classes. But what are these called? Are they called Java methods? because they are assigned by Java to be used by Java? or just methods of a class?

I also understand that I can look things up on documentation from Oracle. But to be honest it really isn't the best site to navigate, especially if you don't know what you are looking for.

I am sure that some of these "Java methods" are more important than others for beginners. SO, how do I determine which ones I need to use and when I need to use them?

I am taking online courses and I am in a Java bootcamp. I understand most of the concepts of structure. I am also doing codesignal, codewars, udemy, solo learn and youtube but none have really gone over this.

I basically have an empty bag of tricks and I am grasping at air. I'll sit there for a while, finally give up, and have them give the solution. Then, it's like they are saying... " Silly goose! why aren't you using this "java thing"? "... "BECAUSE, I didn't know it existed in the first place!"

Any suggestions on how to fill my bag of tricks? It is hard to know what to use. Remember... I am completely new to programming with no other experience.

I am sure there isn't an easy answer to this, please be gentle. Please HelpI