Core Java, Volume II--Advanced Features

Like volume I, very thorough and very well done. Example are good, the text is good. Comparisons with other versions and other languages puts Java out there for the reader to grasp. Good job Cay.

I am now using this book for the second semester in an Advanced Java course I teach at the local community college. The purpose of this book is not an in-depth discussion of each topic, but rather a look at the essential features of many advanced features in Java. I like the authors' stlye of starting with the simplest possible program that illustrates some concept. For example, in the RMI chapter a simple console application is used to present a complete RMI client-server application. A similar application is then written using CORBA. The database chapter is similar. Simple programs illustrate basic concepts.So the book is not intended for say the JDBC specialist or the CORBA specialist who needs to understand every facet of the technology. Instead this book is for those who need to know the major features of the advanced Java technologies. The book is not for Java beginners. This volume assumes you know the Java language, with knowledge equivalent to having passed the Sun Certified Java Programmer exam. Those who have difficulty with the text and with the examples may be blaming the authors when the fault actually rests with the reader.I have found the examples to work although the configuration of your system must be precise. All in all a 5 star book. I'm looking forward to the 5th edition, since I admit the binding on my book is broken and pages are falling out - a tribute to the fact that I refer to this book daily.

I am professor of Java technologies at University of Palermo Buenos Aires. I found this book a very complete guide to professional developement. Many cross-reference tips included for those people who already write code in another OO-language. Clear examples and notes about what happen behind the scenes below the underlaying platform. Very good for experienced programmers. Not for beginners.

This book is great for it's intended purpose, but some seem to have confused what that purpose is. Some feel that because the subtitle is "Advanced Features", this book would unravel the mysteries of the most advanced features of Java 2. Not so! You have to understand that this is nothing but a volume 2 of the Core Java 2 duo! The volume 1 has the fundamentals and this volume 2 goes to MORE advanced topics, compared to the first volume. This talks about JDBC, Corba, Swing, etc, but not very deeply, just advanced for those who have just finished volume 1.I think the two books are the best option if you don't already have other similar books. If you have the previous 1.1 edition, or other very similar books like Just Java or Thinking in Java, then you'd probably get very little for your money from this one.After finishing both Core Java 2 vols 1 & 2 you have a very good basic knowledge of using Java 2 for different purposes and then you can buy a more indepth book on some aspect that you especially need (JDBC, Beans...).A Very good book when combined with volume 1.

I am a professional developer, recently switched from C++ and VB to Java. For my purposes, as an experienced OO programmer this book, and its companion volume could not be bettered. Every subject is covered sufficiently for me to write code, at a professional level. I cannot recommend this book highly enough as a reference. I would not suggest that anyone try and learn Java (much less OO) from it - that is not its purpose.