Customer Reviews

Java Black Book: The Java Book Programmers Turn To First

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is probably one of the fine introduction books on Java. The author provides a clear explanation on a variety of Java topics. But we have to accept the fact that no book can cover everything about Java deeply. This one is not an exception. Other advanced topics in Java, such as I/O, threads, networking, JDBC, are not deeply covered. The author just went through all of them. In conclusion, this book is a good and comprehensive book for introduction to Java's major topics. Another good introduction book is Beginning Java 2. In my opinion, this book gives many simple examples to explain the Java concepts clearly, while "Beginning Java 2" provides more deep explanations and examples. You can get either one. On the other hands, I favor single-topic books for major Java features!

I am fairly new to Java Programmning, and I have tried several different texts to assist my learning curve. Some of the books have helped me, but the Java Black Book is the first one that I consider both complete and easily understood in each of its sections. The author takes time to ensure that the reader can get Java's basic constructs down before continuing. The use of the Novice Programmer and the mentor is a neat way of explaining each secion's purpose. Also when demonstrating a function, method, etc. the author uses the entire program rather than a snippet. This allows the novice programmer to see where the new material fits into the process.

This book is definitley made for learning Java, and it will be my first reference source while programming.

An excellent book for begineers and experienced programmers. The concepts are very well explained with several sample codes. I am in the process of transitioning from c++ to java and I found this book very useful. I would have given this book five * if it had also covered advanced topics like Java RMI, Servlets and JDBC in detail. Overall a well written book.

The bad things about this book is that the author tries so hard to make this book easy to read, he forgot how big the book becomes of. If you have a time to read through this thick book and thinking "after reading this book, I will be a good java programmer", you are just wasting your time. Some of his codes are not following OOP, even though he covers OOP in the book (probably to save some space or whatever..). One simple and easy example from each concept does not make you an expert nor intermediate programmer. If you have to buy this book, go for the sun's tutorial site. You will get much more precise, short and better explanation on how Java works for FREE.

I feel this book is good for both beginers and Serious developers alike. All concepts are clearly explained with working examples.One can see depth in topics. All topics are organized in a well defined manner and I can't say it is must for every one. No doubt the money you invest is not waste.

This book is a gentle introduction. It does not go into nearly as much depth as the Deitel and Deitel book (Java - How to program) but is definitly easier to get through. I like the writer's style of the Novice Programmer and the Boss giving him constant problems to overcome. It's the sort of book that you could use to look up a topic to get a high level understanding - then use something like Java in a Nutshell to fully understand it. With a name like "Black Book" you'd expect a definitive guide or something to make you a "Black belt" in Java, which is something this book is not.

To summarise - a pleasure to read but don't expect to be an expert after it.

I was extremely eager to buy this book to get some backing for a Java B2B project I was undertaking. The examples were clear and detailed, yet I thought that his examples lacked true practical application. Very little in-depth coverage of Internet/JDBC. If you are already a programmer look for another book.If your a beginner this is an excellent book. Sorry, but this does not compare to the VB Black book.

I own several huge Java books, and this is definitely the best. Do note that the author assumes you can program already, and it says so on the back of the book! This book is very thorough, and is extremely easy to use. It is ideal for looking up Java techniques quickly and easily. If you already know some other language and are looking to learn Java fast...look no further.

Steve Holzner's educational/narrative approach in the "JAVA Black Book" is insiteful (sp?), concise, and witty. Having some experience with C, C++, and other such languages I consider myself an intermidiate programmmer. This book applies to all groups - from the beginner (which I was for Java) to the advanced. It covers and explores all of the relavant topics without breezing through anything loosely. I bought a copy for myself, one for my work, and two for friends of mine. Highly recommend this one!

I have read two books written by Steve Holzner. Java Black Book and Perl Black Book. If you want to learn the language itself look no further. He brings Java down to earth and makes it very easy to understand. The examples are complete and great. I literally learned Java and Perl from this author. I am looking forward to reading other books written by him.