The Java Programming Language

If you are already a developer and wanted to learn Java then this is the book for you. This book clearly explains the language its nuances (this book is not verbose). The examples used by authors to demonstrate the concepts are excellent. I programmed a lot in C/C++ and the books I used to learn those languages are "The C Programming Language" and "The C++ Programming Language" respectively. Ironically, when I started learning Java I did not take up this book. Instead I tried several books and there are some good books out there but nothing that suited me well. I prefer "to the point" discussion that this book provides when learning a language and also like to know why a certain feature was included in the language. This book did exactly that. But if you are new to programming, then this book may not be for you. Other books that you may like to take a look at are:1) Thinking in Java. This is available on the for Free(But its too verbose for my tastes).2) Taming java threads( By Allan Holub. A very nice discussion of Java Threads and Caveats)

This is one of the best java programming books that I have read. The book concentrates ONLY in java concept and programming language, it does not cover networking, no Graphics, etc... Its advantage is to help newbie concentrated on the core language first. Novice might find the topic a bit too advanced and terse to digest, more advanced programmer will find the book concise and can be used as a reference for later used. Advanced programmer will find the book a bit too verbose--unlike the C programming language from Dennis and Brian which is very terse, great as reference.The book offers enough depth that it requires few different re-reads for most people.I think the book is on par with the "C programming language" as a reference of the language, I also like the layout of the page, very easy on the eyes to help the reading. It comes with good examples. The book is printed on high quality paper...A must have JAVA book, but not the first java book for novice.

After reading this book and working many of the exercises within, you'll know the basics of the Java language better than most Java programmers do. The authors don't waste time on explaining the basics of object-oriented programming or details of the Java class library. If you already know OOP and feel comfortable with reading the online documentation then this is the book for you!This book is ideal for C++ programmers who don't know Java, but I'd also highly recommend it to programmers who already know Java but want to jump to the expert level or want to learn the new features of Java 2.

I have worked with Java for two years, and have a six-year background in C++. I didn't seek an introduction to Java when I bought The Java Programming Language Third Edition, and I would use many of my own notes, and the book chapters in a different order, with beginning programmers (although it would make an excellent university programming text, supported with tutorials and workshops). Experienced programmers will love this book, but beginners (first-time programmers) should come back to it. But the book's strength is its concise, comprehensive unfolding of insight into the Java language model -- more than just the object model. Serious programmers will not regret reviewing everything they thought they knew about Java (especially those of us who regularly work in C++ and Object Pascal as well as in Java). I will read this book every six months, and dip into it daily, if necessary. It offers me a nice blend of terse explanation and illustrative examples of the language core. This is clearly one of the few "5 star" Java core language books available: good scope, well written, trustworthy -- expert knowledge at my fingertips. Use this book to polish your insight.

Although I have been programming with Java for three years, I still found this book (third edition) valuable. However, if you are looking for a good introductory Java book, I would recommend Bruce Eckel's Think in Java (2nd Edition) instead.