Java

This book is an ideal introduction to Java. It's short (only 200 pages), concise and clear. Considering its size, the book's scope is amazing. I runs from the introduction of syntax and data types, to classes and inheritance, applets and applications, GUIs and graphics, threads, IO and communications. When you've read it, you can write useful code, and more important, you have a good feeling for the "Java mindset." Since Java programming is as much about finding code (i.e., existing APIs) as it is about writing code, a book that provides the big picture is an invaluable first start in getting your head around 2,000 classes and 40,000 methods. This small, easy to read, and inexpensive book is a real value. My only criticism could be that that more graphics illustrations would be helpful. But then, I guess the book wouldn't be small and cheap, would it?

This is not the definitive Java reference but it is a great book for anyone just coming to Java and who doesn't want to get buried in one of the typically massive works that are on the market. In just over 200 pages Chris very nicely covers the basics of Java to the point that anyone should feel comfortable writing a modest application or applet. I would recommend this as the "first book" on Java that anyone reads.

Wright provides explanations on progamming basics such as loops statements, methods, class and objects. Gives simple to follow examples that can be implemented and expanded.Easy to read and light in weight so you can read on the bus or subway. He even gives little assignments (with answers on the web) so that you can practice what you have learned in the book."You tell me and I forget, You show me and I remember, You involve me and I learn."Which is what I have with this book ...

Top banana book, easy to follow, detailed where necessary but not too geeky. This book was the only way for me to understand what was going on in my Java for beginners course. If you are new to Java but know even a tiny amount of programming then this is the book for you.

Chris Wright managed to put aside the complexity and time-consuming process for understanding java. This book is a great guide for those like me who has no clue what java is about. Step-by-step about how it should be made, quizzes that aren't designed to be hard. I owe it to the author that I'm doing well in Java course at college.