Learning Java

I've reviewed many of the Java textbooks on the market and have compared their coverage with the objectives of the Sun Programmer certification. I have yet to find another book that covers as much material in a well-explained manner. It does assume that you have programming experience. This is definitely not your Idiot's gude / for Dummies level of book. The book contains many, detailed examples which demonstrate effective use of code. If you want a reference book look to the O'Reilly series, if you want at textbook get Liang.

All of the reviews I have read were for previous editions. I usethis for my class text, and students have been very pleased. Itis easy to teach from, with good exercises (most), and the 4thedition has cleaned up errors mentioned in earlier reviews. I use it for a beginning and intermediate University level class.The text is managable and not as verbose at Eckel or as simpletonas Dietel. Better explainations than the Nutshells which are also good books. Covers topics often left out in intro books,Threads, Sockets and Networking.This is the fifth text I have used since I started teaching Java classes, and definitely best so far (but get the 4th ed!)

It seems people either love or hate this book. As a Java Instructor, I have used this book for several years, starting with the first edition. It seems to work well with students who have previous programming experience with a language such as C or C++. I like the way the book is organized - first the Java syntax, then OO fundamentals, then GUI design, then more advanced material such as threading and networking. I would rate it 5 stars except for the numerous typo errors. It does seem to be unforgivable to repeat some of the same errors from one edition to the next. Again there may be better books for self-study but in the classroom, this is still one of the best.

This is the standard text for the class I take at Hennepin Technical College.There are essentially two programming languages: those that are easy to learn but which are limited, and are in constant need of extension and revision (Visual Basic and JavaScript come to mind...) and those which are powerful but difficult to learn. Java clearly falls in the latter camp. If you are new to programming, I doubt any book on Java will be a help to you unless you are very determined. If you are an experienced programmer, this book makes it a snap to pick the language up. The examples are clear and with a little thought can be comprehended, there are no wasted pages filled with screenshots beyond what is necessary, and no padding of content. While it is an efficient introduction it also does not overwhelm you with more information than you can handle at any one time, remembering it is an introductory text.The author expects intelligence and experience from the reader: if you require step by step directions with screenshots at each point of the tutorial, you will get nothing from this book. If you do not require such assistance, then you will be very grateful that the author does not waste your time or his with "fluff", and gets straight to the point of teaching you what you need to know.

As a professor in computer science, I'd rate this book with five stars. It is a good text for a third-semester programming course where students have certain programming background. I have seen a number of Java texts. None of those texts have a clearer and more precise presentation of Java language than this book does. Consider learning Java from this book, if you want to learn Java not just to know Java superficially.