Rating: 
Summary: A definite improvement over the Second Edition
Review: I am usually the first one to tell you about how difficult it is to learn from the Deitel Series. However, i was surprised by the Third Edition. No longer is the JAVA series a cut and paste job of the C++ series. THEY ACTUALLY WROTE NEW EXAMPLES FOR THIS ONE. While it still uses only pink graphics with black text, they have managed to finally develop a comprehensive view of JAVA for beginners. Some topics aren't given the treatment they deserve, partially due to too much rambling text. Hey! They also managed to fix the binding so that it doesn't fall apart after three weeks. The bindings have always been a problem for the series. The inclusion af a CD with JBuilder 3 is a great plus...especially considering that the cost of the book was only increased by a few dollars. (The second Edition was CD-less) This book deserves only about 3 stars, but I gave them extra credit for the improvements.
Rating: 
Summary: Where's the beef?
Review: You know the "training courses" where, after an entire day, you think: "We've covered one hour of information so far and they have wasted 7 hours of my time." In reality, you have covered one hour on information packaged with 7 hours of fluff so that the it can be sold as a full day course. Pretty standard game played by consultants. That's what you'll get from this book. And the Java information you do get is just not that informative.
Rating:
Summary: UGLY!
Review: This book is comparable to the author's web site. Their web site's home page is gaudy and has a terrible user interface. Its a great example of what NOT to do. This book is of the same quality. If you want to "learn" to write software like that, then this book is for you. You'll find the same clueless approach throughout this book.
Rating:
Summary: Overpriced, verbose, confusing.
Review: After reading some of these review, I was a little suspicious of all those claiming this was the "best Java book ever." After reviewing the book, I heartly agree with previous reviewers who conclude that this book is poorly written, and demonstrates only a primitive understanding of Java.
Rating: 
Summary: Fabulous
Review: If you want to get the certification in JAVA PROGRAMMER easily, this is the best book. It's like a bible for me in the beginning.
Rating:
Summary: Learn to program fast and enjoy it !
Review: This review relates to the Deitel 'How to Program' series complete training courses (book + CD). While studying for an MSc Software Engineering, I needed to learn Visual Basic fast in order to complete project work I was involved in, so I bought a copy of 'VB6 How to Program' training course because of the multimedia training CD. I had already looked at many other programming books (mainly C++) but this was the first time that I had bought a Deitel book. It took me about 4 days (a long weekend) of using the CD to reach Chapter 8 by which time I had most of the information I needed to complete the programming required. By this time I found that I was the most confident and competent member of my project group, and consequently ended up writing nearly all the code required. Because of this, and the fact that this was the most enjoyable and informative book I have read, I decided to buy the C++ and Java training courses as well - and I haven't been disappointed. A friend of mine who has tried programming previously but gave up because he found it too hard and too boring, also bought a copy of 'VB6 How to Program' training course on my recommendation, and has for the first time ever found a course that he finds enjoyable and interesting - and that he hasn't given up on. I have not yet read the C++ course, although I did managed to complete the 'Java How to Program' 2nd Edition in about 4 weeks. After a further 4 weeks I completed about 70% of the programming required for my MSc project work, my first ever Java program, which is an Internet based client-server chess game (without the thrills). The combination of book plus multimedia training certainly works for me and helps information to 'stick'. There is a large amount of information covered in each of the books and the ability to run the programs and listen to audio commentary whilst viewing the code really helps speed up learning. Anyone interested in learning to program, should certainly take at look at these courses (book + CD) as they will get you up to speed fast, provide you with lots of good programming tips and information, and keep you interested. As for 'Java How to Program' 3rd Edition, I'll certainly be buying a copy.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent book for learning java
Review: If you want to learn Java. This book is for you. It clearly explains code, examples etc. Furthermore it reinforces learning through excellent exercises. I've read other books, which do not teach the language as well. So, if you want to learn the language, including some of the good stuff: Java 2d, JDBC, Swing, etc., this book is for you.
Rating:
Summary: Just not a good book
Review: Don't be fooled by the high price. In this case, price doesn't correlate into a well-written and informative book. This book seems like it was translated from C++. You won't learn how to think in Java from this book.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best books I've ever owned
Review: I want to summarize the review in the points below: 1. The books is very practicle 2. It is for the wide variety of audiences 3. Altough very differently organized than the counter-parts but very practically organized. 4. Wide variety of concepts are introduced and they are explained in depth. 5. Bang for a Buck 6. Accompanied CD has good software (JBuilder, Netbeans) 7. The examples used in the book for explanation deals with real life situations. 8. At the end of each chapter there are challenging exercises which opens new dimensions for you to see Java in different perspectives.
Rating:
Summary: Good book if you want to learn and you are a beginner
Review: Good book if you want to learn
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