<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: Very thorough treatment of Java and OO programming
Review: I bought this book specifically because it did NOT assume that the reader had already used an object-oriented language, when many other texts assume that you've already dabbled in C++ to some depth.This book explains not only how to program in Java, but elements of OO analysis and design, as well as good programming habits, areas that few other books bother to cover along with the language. The book assumes little or no previous programming knowledge, though of course it helps to have some familiarity with C or C++. It has a dry, straightforward (and occasionally witty) presentation, which is to be expected given its origin as a textbook for undergraduates learning to program. That said, it does not claim to teach Java and OO concepts in a month (any book that does should be binned), and if you have the time and patience to work through its 850-odd pages, you'll be well rewarded.
Rating:
Summary: Good practical mix
Review: Quite a nice resource. One thing that hasn't been mentioned, I think, is that this book covers data structures. I looked around for some time for an enjoyable book that showed how to implement the standard data structures in Java, till I found this. I also like the case studies later on. Very useful!
Rating: 
Summary: A good book for programmers
Review: The author of this book obviously knows his subject and it shows in the style of the book. It doesn't delve too deeply into areas, but covers all the essentials of the programming language. A good coverage of the Java libraries is avaliable, although the abstract java toolkit is barely touched on - a minor gripe with the book. From the content of the book it is clearly written as an educational book, with a big emphasis on data structures which many readers might skip. The best part of the book is worked examples of medium scale programs at the end in 'case study' section, a welcome change from other books which give a single class example of somthing unchallenging. A mail merge program or trafic light simulation show just how Java can be implemented. I'm sure a new Java 1.2 version is in progress, which will cover Swing and User Interface Components in detail, which would have meant five starts and not four. Buy it!
Rating:
Summary: Good practical mix
Review: This book provided a very good introduction for me to Object Oriented programming. Although I had previous knowledge of other programming languages, I never knew anything about Object Oriented programming. The authors give an OO approach to the language, explaining what objects are and why we use them instead of linear programming. Java seemed to me as one of the hardest languages to learn when I was 13, but last year when I got this book (I was 15 then), I was able to master Core Java and basic AWT/Swing in a matter of weeks (3 to be precise). I recommend this book to anyone who hasn't had any luck learning Java well before. Since I DID have programming knowledge before, I'm not in a position to recommend it for starters -- but please give it a try.
<< 1 >>
| 
