other than framework and java syntax, what else is a must to master?

Other than learning java, spring, hibernate, servlets, jsp's, how to use eclipse/netbeans, databases like mysql/oracle/postgresql, JMS, JUnit, etc.

What other skills are essential?

Coming from a MS background, and I am just a little overwhelmed by all the things going on in the java world! (btw, you guys have TONS of dl开发者_JAVA百科ls also, a big eye-opener for me in my java pursuits)

Other things I can come up with so far are solid linux skills, maybe how to use a mac.

Other than that, there are so many of these tools that I see referenced, which so far I am pretty much clueless how to use:

• ant
• maven

what else is there that are common or important to know?

• Debugging techniques
• XML technologies (SAX, DOM, XPath)
• How to find libraries that do what you're attempting to accomplish, rather than writing them yourself.

The number #1 tip for you:

• How to research.

• Debugging techniques
• How to learn a new API/framework
• Java concurrency API
• The standard tools (JConsole, jmap, VisualVM, etc.)
• Profiling techniques
• GC tunning
• The Java memory model.

As well written/well thought Java code to read and learn from I would suggest Google-collections (or Guava) and maybe Functional Java and Guice.

It depends. When you are experienced with the foundations (automated testing, design, know how to 'learn' generally, modeling, working well with other programmers, etc.) you are lucky :) Technologies change often but you can adapt extremely quickly if you have the much less changing concepts in your head and fingers.

Still the frameworks + techs are different. So get used to new tools (Java has different tool-set and IDEs as MS-tools), this also includes build-envs like maven or ant. For getting used with new tools find a little private project (with small scope). And then step by step puzzle together + solve your technology todo-list.

Parallel to that download a little open-source project based on Java and see how they did the stuff. And read a lot of code done by others!

how about documentation - javadoc