Rating: 
Summary: The best learning Java book on the market
Review: "Just Java" is still my favorite learning Java book. This new edition now covers JDBC, threads and the future of Java. All are welcome additions to the book. This book continues to be fun and I still highly recommend it
Rating:
Summary: JJ5 is for those who already know one language
Review: ...The cover of the book clearly states Just Java is for people
who already know how to program in some other language.
Any language - VB, C, Fortran, Perl. JJ5 is not for people who
are trying to learn Java as their first ever programming
language...There isn't a single line of C++ anywhere in JJ5... This text is about Java... I'm very accepting of feedback from readers, and have made many improvements over the 5 editions of this book based on suggestions from readers... But don't take my word for it -- look at the chapter on networks that is extracted here on Amazon. See for yourself if you like the writing style and can learn from this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Readable introduction flawed by a terrible index.
Review: A readable, entertaining book, but by no means a comprehensive reference. The index is world-class bad. Just try to figure out how to concatenate strings, convert integers to strings, or identify the logical operators in Java. This is definitely Java decaf-style.
Rating:
Summary: Just Superb!
Review: An all round inspiring, well thought out fantastic book, including jokes as well - what more could you ask for? Not aimed at beginners, which is clearly stated on the reverse, but gives those who hope to become professional programmers a clean grasp of Java. I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone. Certain ideas are high in complexity, but with a an all-round blend of technical knowledge and humor, this book should prove positive reading for any would-be Java programmer. To Peter van den Linden I say thank you very much!
Rating:
Summary: Another hit from Van Der Linden.
Review: Any trip to a half-worthy bookstore will have hundreds, if not thousands of computer-related books. The difficulty is in sorting through them to find the ones worth reading (and sadly, there is a paucity of ones worth reading!). It is hard enough doing this as a computer professional. The newcomer to the field must resemble a deer in the headlights.
Here is a big clue to help you out: If in the place where they put the author's name, you see Peter Van Der Linden's name, you should buy this book.
Mr. Van Der Linden has consistently raised the bar on what is considered to be a great computer book (at least in the two books I've read of his). Not only is he one of the most knowledgeable authors out there, he conveys this knowledge in accessible, engaging, and humorous ways.
"Just Java" was not a disappointment. As preface to his first example, he quips that it is time to evolve beyond "Hello, World". Instead, he describes the problem of the Intel Pentium flaw and includes an example that demonstrates the problem. (That is, unless the compiler used to compile your Java VM has a work-around -- also explained)
There are so many bad Java books out there that are only worthwhile as recycling fodder. Mr. Van Der Linden does a good job of setting the standard for what these other authors should strive to achieve.
Buy this book so he is encouraged to write more. Look also for his "Expert C Programming : Deep C Secrets" and "not Just Java".
Rating:
Summary: Lively and comprehensive
Review: As a book for people with some programming experience but no Java, this book is ideal. I bought it to learn Java, but found I kept dipping back in as there was so much covered and in just the right amount of detail. I've just "upgraded" to the Fifth Edition, and it covers even more, with new stuff on networking, database programming, XML and JavaBeans. The book is intelligent, amusing and clearly written. If you've done some programming and are thinking of switching to Java, this is the book to get.
Rating:
Summary: Best book purchase I've made in a long time
Review: As many of the other reviewers have already stated, the author does make the assumption that you're familiar with programming and OOP. Having said that, this is one of the finest programming books that I've ever purchased. In fact, I like the idea that he doesn't try to cater to absolute beginners. It clears the path for him to talk about all the good stuff like swing, XML, JDBC, Beans, and so many more of today's most relevant topics. This book covers just about all the import aspects of the Java language as well as all the important things that people are doing with Java. Aside from the content, the book really is a joy to read. It's smooth and easy to understand. The important points of the topics are emphasized and the not-so-important points are covered but not stressed. All in all, you end up feeling like you have a really good idea of how Java works and what people are using it for today. I really can't recommend this book enough.
Rating:
Summary: No Hello World - yipeee!!!
Review: At last a book aimed at the professional level entry reader. This is NOT a book for those that are new to programming, but rather is aimed at those who already know and are aware of programming concepts such as loops, variables, constructs etc etc. I found the book to be of great value....and no 'Hello World' example - fantastic!!!
Rating:
Summary: change of heart (somewhat)
Review: Coming back to this book after some time elsewhere...I still feel that it occupies a functional 'dead zone': not so good for the beginner...not complete enough for the advanced programmer. It is a more philosophical/ abstract journey through Java than a concrete one. It is has some merit as a reference (as in somewhere to look to find out what other book or documentation you need to look at-> like a prof who wont help you with your assignments but will tell you where look for answers...which I find a little annoying). I think the author needs to make a choice: what exacty is he trying to accomplish and what is his audience??? However, I will say this: whether intentional or not, this book actually gets better the better you get. Strange (and almost contradictory) I know. But the more accomplished you become programming java, the more useful this book because its guidance can be quite useful and occassionally its succintness is very helpful: who wants to wade thru hundreds of pages of crap on a topic? However, sometimes we need more than just a paragraph on a concept as well. Hence the concept of getting better as you get better. The better you get, the less you need. But that means you need other books to get better...It's a bind (pun intended)
Rating:
Summary: A must have for any serious Java developer
Review: Definately not for newbies, this book is packed with _USEFUL_ information for the intermediate to advanced Java developer. A big plus for me was that the author has a great sense of humour in discussing somewhat theoretical (and more often than not boring) as well as practical problems. Simply adds to the experience :)
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