What Java Book?

Nazbit · 24 Mar 2007 at 17:44

Hi all,

Well I started at university in september, having done no previous programming and I have studied quite a bit of java. However out of all the topics I am studying on my computer science degree, this is the part I find most challenging.

I only have a week of programming lectures left (although I do still have 2 more assigments to go) but after that I am done for the year so I thought why not get a book to read over the summer and try and get up to speed and maybe a little bit ahead aswell.

Can anyone reccomend a good book for me in my situation given my current skill level?

Thanks.

JonB · 24 Mar 2007 at 18:05

This One. It's what I plan to get for when I start Uni and Computer Science next year. It's not cheap though!

chesterstu · 24 Mar 2007 at 18:11

I second the Detiel one but don't buy it off Amazon. i got my copy off ebay for <£10

JonB · 24 Mar 2007 at 18:14

I'd also maybe wait a month or so to try and get the new seventh edition one!

Una · 24 Mar 2007 at 18:14

My first year recommended texts were Big Java, and Object Orientated Design and Patterns. However I didn't end up using them that all that much and just tend to be for reference now.

Chrisss · 25 Mar 2007 at 00:21

My tutor always recommended this one

http://www.amazon.com/Java-Dissection-Essentials-Programming-JavaPlace/dp/0201751585

lemonkettaz · 25 Mar 2007 at 00:23

java for dummies...

touch · 25 Mar 2007 at 00:28

Dont you have a reading list for your course?

Im also in first year at uni studying computing, and we are using "Java: Learning to program with robots" (by Becker) this year. And i believe we will be using the Deitel (7th edition?) that others have suggested next year.

Nazbit · 25 Mar 2007 at 12:02

Thanks for the suggestions, I will have a look at them all.

I did have a reading list yes and I bought a good deal of the books on it, the problem is none of them are actually based on java. They are all about software engineering in general, the software development process, software lifecycle, all that sort of stuff.

Visage · 25 Mar 2007 at 19:04

Rather than get a java book, id get a general 'How to program' book, and then use the extensive online Java documentation to suss out the syntax.

Wimnat · 25 Mar 2007 at 20:01

Before you go forking out on a book, check your uni library. Students always seem to not do this until their final year by which time they've spent > £100 on books! Trust me, final year student talking here!

happytechie · 26 Mar 2007 at 15:01

Thinking in java by bruce eckel, downloadable as a PDF from the interweb...
Java in a nutshell from the O'Reilly people if you are feeling flush.
whatever book your course recommends (esp if it was written by the lecturer).
a bookmark to java.sun.com

Paul