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From: markspace on 29 Apr 2010 12:24
Clarence Blumstein wrote:
> If you must choose one ,which one do you like it? Why?


Neither.

I browsed through Head First Java at the bookstore when I was looking
for Java books, and I didn't like it. I could tell just by briefly
reading through it that it covered very little and wouldn't teach me
very much.

I also have a poor opinion of Bruce Eckel's "Thinking in..." books.
Just not enough thinking went into the design and writing of those books
to be truly purchase worthy.

There may be better alternatives, but I've purchased O'Reily's "Learning
Java", 3rd ed., and used it for some time now. It's got good
explanations for the novice, as well as enough detail to last a long
time as a reference book. I still use it as a reference on certain
subjects, and I think I've had it five years now.

Also, don't overlook on-line sources. Sun's (now Oracle's) online
tutorial is adequate, and free. www.JavaPassion.com is no longer free,
but their fees are pretty nominal. I'm tempted to go through one of
their more advanced classes, just to see how it works out. Lastly,
local sources like a community college course are also very good values,
imo. They provide face-to-face time with other people in your field in
your local area, although they have the disadvantage of hassling with
transportation.
From: Mike Schilling on 29 Apr 2010 12:40
Eric Sosman wrote:
> On 4/29/2010 11:22 AM, Mike Schilling wrote:
>> Stefan Ram wrote:
>>
>>> Even the Java Language Specification itself is easier to
>>> read than Eckel (and of course, much more correct):
>>>
>>> Any local variable, formal method parameter or exception
>>> handler parameter used but not declared in an inner class
>>> must be declared final.
>>>
>>> http://java.sun.com/docs/books/jls/third_edition/html/classes.html#8.1.3
>>
>> It's worth pointing out that this only applies to local and anonymous
>> classes, since for other inner classes there's no way that a local
>> variable, formal method parameter or exception handler parameter
>> would even be visible to them.
>
> And the way they're "used" while not visible is ...?

Exactly. And while it's possible to conclude from that fact that the cited
paragraph only applies to local and anonymous classes, it clarifies things
to make the point explicitly.


From: Clarence Blumstein on 29 Apr 2010 22:18
On Apr 29, 9:52 pm, RedGrittyBrick <RedGrittyBr...(a)spamweary.invalid>
wrote:
> On 29/04/2010 12:52, Clarence Blumstein wrote:
>
> > If you must choose one ,which one do you like it? Why?
>
> Effective Java ;-)
>
> Because you can learn Java from the Sun/Oracle website tutorials. And
> because it's the only one I still find useful of the many Java books I
> have purchased.
>
> --
> RGB

Does this book have official ebook? if not, how do I pay money if I
but it on their website?
From: Thufir on 30 Apr 2010 01:39
On Thu, 29 Apr 2010 19:45:14 +0530, Abu Yahya wrote:

> Clarence Blumstein wrote:
>> If you must choose one ,which one do you like it? Why?
>
> Whatever do you, don't go for Head First Java, unless you are only a
> hobbyist and are ready to throw the book out of sight after you read it.
> It's full of slangy terms that barely help you learn Java and make sure
> you professor laughs at you in your viva. Go for Core Java by Cay
> Horstmann - it's among the most comprehensive books.


Contrast:

"Welcome to the Core Java Web Page!

Core Java by Cay S. Horstmann and Gary Cornell is a book in the Java
series of Sun Microsystems Press , published by Prentice-Hall . The book
is aimed at experienced programmers who want to learn how to write useful
Java applications and applets. No hype, no toy code, no language
lawyering, just solid facts and in-depth research to help you write real
programs."


with:

Head first:

....

"The latest research in cognitive science, neurobiology, and educational
psychology shows that learning at the deeper levels takes a lot more than
text on a page. Actively combining words and pictures not only helps in
understanding the subject, but in remembering it. According to some
studies, an engaging, entertaining, image-rich, conversational approach
actually teaches the subject better. Head First Java puts these theories
into practice with a vengeance."



Apples and oranges. One is aimed at *experienced* programmers...





-Thufir

From: RedGrittyBrick on 30 Apr 2010 04:39
On 30/04/2010 03:18, Clarence Blumstein wrote:
> On Apr 29, 9:52 pm, RedGrittyBrick<RedGrittyBr...(a)spamweary.invalid>
> wrote:
>> On 29/04/2010 12:52, Clarence Blumstein wrote:
>>
>>> If you must choose one ,which one do you like it? Why?
>>
>> Effective Java ;-)
>>
>> Because you can learn Java from the Sun/Oracle website tutorials. And
>> because it's the only one I still find useful of the many Java books I
>> have purchased.
>>
>> --
>> RGB

Please don't quote signatures.

>
> Does this book have official ebook? if not, how do I pay money if I
> but it on their website?

Sun's Java tutorial is available free at
http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/

You can buy the "Effective Java" book at
http://www.amazon.com/Effective-Java-Joshua-Bloch/dp/0201310058
(there will be a local equivalent for your country or region)

This book is available in paid-for e-book form at Safari.
http://my.safaribooksonline.com/9780137150021

Previews of parts of this book are available online at
http://java.sun.com/docs/books/effective/

It is also in Google books
http://books.google.com/books?q=effective+java&btnG=Search+Books

I strongly recommend you purchase the book in physical form. Firstly
because it is an exceptionally good book. Secondly because it has long
term value, thirdly because you will want to encourage the author to
write further editions as Java evolves.


--
RGB
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