Allie Hale said
This book has everything a beginner needs to learn to program with Java. The explanations are clear with examples. Teaches everything step by step. Recommend it to everyone who's a beginner and having trouble programming with Java. Probably the best book out there.
Anonymous said
It's great! I was able to (in everyone else's opinion) master Java within 2 days!
Eric H Matthes said
I am just finishing this book, and it is one of the best programming books I have ever worked with. The author has a sense of humor that completely complements the work. I usually find humor in a programming book cheesy and distracting, but Cadenhead's humor is informative and fun at heart, and makes the work go more quickly and make more sense.
The DOS issues mentioned in another review are not a problem with this book. Learning any powerful programming language these days does involve understanding a little bit of what's going on under the hood in your computer. That learning curve exists in almost any language, and each book needs to include it. There is extensive coverage in this book for the difficulties that may arise in this stage, and help for getting around those issues. Once you get your particular system set up properly, you will enjoy playing with the language. There is also extensive online support for these issues.
I am also sticking with the Sams 24 Hour series for other languages, because they are very well done for a wide range of readers.
yoshi said
This book is designed to learn basic programming with Java and it's been working excellent for me. However, in the "HOUR 2" section where you exposed to the first very basic programming, you'd get very confused if you are newbies who are totally rely on Windows XP. I assume that the most newbies have never had to deal with the XP's hidden feature - DOS, these days.
If that's the case, the "HOUR 2" section won't be one-hour session but a couple or more hours right there. If you are somewhat familiar with DOS, then I'd recommend this book. The author explains how to do things in DOS commnad window but I don't think it's enough. Let's say, if you don't know such as CD , MD and all kinds of DOS commands and how to navigate through all kinds of folders and/or directories in DOS window....you won't like this book.
BUUUUT, that's the nature of programming at the first place.
No visible graphics but just lots of text, text, text and text.:)
Thus, if you expect some kinds of XP's feature such as "Drag & Drop" this book is totally wrong for you. My advise is that please be familiar with some DOS functions, then look for programming books suitable for you:)
The other thins is the book includes a CD-rom, which includes lots of software but by the time you buy it, they'll be somewhat out of the date. If you are using dial-up connections, it'll be a major headache to updated your software for sure.
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