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New-to-Java Programming Center

Books to Shorten Your Learning Curve

by Dana Nourie



Wave of Books


Want to read more about JavaTM technology? With the recent tidal wave of books published on the topic, it's hard to know know where to start. The right book for you depends on what you know. This article looks at some of the latest Java technology books, and who should read them.
Note: The following lists are not exhaustive. Books not mentioned here may either be appropriate for the advanced developer, or they just haven't made it into this author's hands yet. Use the Reader Feedback form to recommend your favorite book.


if (Programming Experience == 0) {
      Read from the following list:

The pseudo code above illustrates that the books listed in this section are targeted to new programmers.

book cover Java: An Introduction to Computer Science and Programming, Published by Prentice Hall
by Walter Savitch

This book uses clear, simple language to define computing terms, starting with variables and working into primitive types. It then explains flow of control, classes, methods, and programming with objects. Each chapter includes quizzes, exercises, and tips. The main focus is applications, with later chapters on creating applets. The book's strength is in its easy-to-understand language, with thorough explanations and code samples.

An Introduction to Computer Science Using Java, Published by McGraw-Hill
by Samuel N. Kamin, Dennis Mickunas, and Ed Reingold

While other books concentrate on the Java programming language itself, this text emphasizes the programming process. It explains algorithmic problem solving and other major concepts in computer science. By Chapter 5, the book details the complex areas of classes and methods, and debugging applications. Each chapter also includes exercises to reinforce learning.

Java GentlyJava Gently, Published by Addison Wesley
by Judy Bishop

Java syntax is explored through illustrations, diagrams, and sample code, which tends to focus on mathematical expressions, also serving as a refresher course in algebra. Concentration is on application structure. Interesting, easy-to-follow examples are given in each chapter. This book explains Java programming without references to C or C++.

}


if ((Programming Experience =< 3 Months) && (Java programming => 1 month)) {
      Read from the following list:

Deitel coverThe Complete Java 2 Training Course, Published by Prentice Hall
by Harvey Deitel and Paul Deitel

This package comes with the Java 2 How to Program book, which you can purchase separately, and a CD that includes a multimedia cyber classroom. The audio, which explains lines of code, is a great supplement to the book. The text teaches control structures, methods, arrays, and quickly moves into complex areas of programming a GUI, incorporating multithreading, JDBCTM, and much more. With an elementary understanding of basic programming, this course speeds you along into developing Java technology applications.

Sams Teach Yourself Java 2 Online in Web Time, Published by Sams
Stephen Gilbert and Bill McCarty

Though touted as a beginning programmers' book, you should at least be familiar with Java terminology and object-oriented concepts. This book focuses on implementing the AWT and Swing class libraries to create applets and applications, and includes tips on syntax and structure.

bookcoverThe Complete Reference: JavaTM 2, Third Edition, Published by McGraw-Hill
by Patrick Naughton and Herbert Schildt

This book is definitely a complete reference. Written in clear, simple language, the authors take you through the basics of programming on the Java platform and into the complex areas of AWT, SWING, servlets, and threading models. The comparisons made to C or C++ will help programmers make the switch to Java, but isn't obtrusive to new programmers. Easy-to-understand sample code is explained in great detail.

}


if ((Programming Experience > 1 year) && (Experience.equals("C") || (Experience.equals("C++"))) {
      Read from the following:

bookcoverJust Java, Fourth Edition, Published by The Sun Microsystems Press
by Peter van der Linden

The text is based on comparisons to C and C++. Aimed at experienced programmers who want to skip basics and get right to the details of how their programming will differ from other languages when writing applications inthe Java programming language. Includes code samples and illlustrations.

bookcover Thinking in Java, Second Edition, Published by Prentice Hall
by Bruce Eckel

Often recommended reading to accompany beginning Java programming courses, this author assumes readers have a background in C or C++ programming. The book focuses on object-oriented principles and quickly moves into advanced topics. Recommended for C and C++ programmers making the transition into Java technology.

bookcoverCore Java, Volume 1--Fundamentals, Published by Prentice Hall
Cay S. Horstmann and Gary Cornell

If you have a programming background and are used to reading technical material, Core Java, Volume 1--Fundamentals will provide a thorough introduction to Java programming language fundamentals. Comparisons to C++ and other programming language may prove useful for making the transition to Java technologies.

bookcoverBeginning Java 2, Published by WROX Press
by Ivor Horton

Medium to experienced programmers new to the Java platform can benefit from this book, as it focuses on the packages that make up the Java library. Each chapter builds on the next, detailing Java syntax from loops to defining classes and fully explaining object-oriented concepts and practical application.

}


while (Programmer == NewandVeteran) {
      Read Reference Books for Every Programming Level:

bookcoverEssentials of the JavaTM Programming Language: A Hands On Guide, Published by Addison Wesley
by Monica Pawlan

No matter if you're a new programmer or a veteran, the expanding technologies of the Java platform can be confusing. The author adeptly defines Java technology through straightforward explanation and sample code. The book starts with a simple program, then develops it and adds new features with each subsequent lesson, giving the reader an understanding of each of the Java 2 technologies described. Though the code may be a bit mysterious to the new programmer, or a bit simplistic for the advanced developer, samples succintly demonstrate how technologies such as servlets, RMI, JDBC, socket programming work on the Java platform.

Java 2, Complete, Published by Sybex Computer Books
by Sybex

Authored by several leading writers in Java technology, this book is made up of sections from other published books. Each section covers popular Java technology, and the back section lists the Java API for easy reference and a detailed glossary.

The Java TutorialThe Java Tutorial: Object-Oriented Programming for the Internet, Second Edition, Published by Addison Wesley
Mary Campione and Kathy Walrath

Once you're comfortable with basic programming concepts, this book walks you through the details of how to write applications and applets in the Java programming language. Illustrations, sample code, and explanation of Java syntax, helps readers move from simple applications to the more complex features of the Java platform. Note: The Third Edition will be released in the Fall of 2000.

Java in a NutshellJavaTM in a Nutshell, Published by O'Reilly & Associates Inc
by David Flanagan

This book gives a detailed overview of the Java platform with a complete quick reference for the classes, methods, and fields in the core Java 1.1 API. Serves as a fast paced tutorial and a language reference.

}

All books may be purchased online or at a local book store.

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About the Author

Dana Nourie is a JDC web developer and writer. She enjoys exploring the Java platform, especially creating web applications with servlets and JavaServer PagesTM, and has an obvious obsession for programming and books.


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[ This page was updated: 28-Sep-2000 ]
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