Well, title says it all. I’m concerned that using libgdx, as a learning game developer, will miss out important java aspects that I should know how to do myself. I’m understanding that libgdx makes it easy for me by ‘skipping’ some programming problems and in the long run I will have missed important knowledge about java programming.
Opinions on this?
Just make some game plox.
Saying that you might miss out on something by using libgdx is like saying that you should start making games from byte code, since you might miss out on something.
Absolutely.
Now go and make some games. 
Opinions are very different at this topic, I myself am very happy I programmed the first year Java2D only, it has given me very much understanding how everything works, gameloops, rendering etc., but it also gives you a nice understanding of Java itself.
I see people on this forum making threads how to spawn enemies etc. It’s probably because of all those libraries kids think that you have to call an OpenGL method of some sort to spawn them. (Over-exaggerating, as always).
Here is an example (I just googled): http://stackoverflow.com/questions/23485190/java-2d-game-grid-movement
I don’t disagree with the general sentiment of “just try something out”, but I would argue that libGDX is NOT meant for absolute beginners.
If you don’t know basic syntax, OOP, how Java libraries work, etc, you’re going to have a rough time getting acclimated to libGDX.
I personally recommend starting with something like Processing, which is built on top of Java but eliminates all of the boilerplate Java code that confuses novices. Since it’s built on top of Java you’re learning all the right syntax though, and it’ll make the transition to Java and eventually libGDX much easier.
You should definitely learn the Java language first. Especially syntax, OOP, and Java structure like Collections (and all children). After you know all of this, then Libgdx will at least be workable. Without basic knowledge, you will basically be hitting a roadblock at everything.
Humm, sorry, don’t get me wrong, i’m actually quite familiar with Java language itself, although i’m not familiar working with the Java’s graphic stuff and game development itself that’s why I made this thread