Java Rules [Paperback]

Douglas Dunn (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0201709163 | ISBN-13: 978-0201709162 | Publication Date: October 10, 2001 | Edition: 1st

JavaaA A Rules distills the Java Language Specification into an extraordinary resource for every Java developer. Doug Dunn has eliminated obscure information only needed by JVM and compiler developers, and added crucial real-world guidance not found in the spec. The result: the most readable, accessible Java reference ever created. JavaaA A Rules offers a thorough overview of the Java 2 Platform, the java.lang, java.io, and java.util packages, and associated APIs and class libraries. Long-time consultant and trainer Doug Dunn introduces the inner workings of the language with exceptional clarity, detailing fine points and delivering expert tips for creating robust, efficient software. Topics covered include: lexical structure, compilation units, application programs, packages, JAR files, versioning, reference types, variables and constants, strings and arrays, and much more. For all beginning-to-intermediate level Java programmers, including experienced developers in other languages who want a Java tutorial and reference that respects their expertise.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Detailed yet accessible, Java™ Rules is a comprehensive reference for the application programmer who needs to master the intricacies of the Java™ programming language. Thoroughly describing the core of the Java programming language and the Java™ virtual machine (JVM™), Java™ Rules makes it possible for programmers to efficiently master the Java platform.

Based on the second editions of The Java™ Language Specification and The Java™ Virtual Machine Specification, Java™ Rules presents a subset of those specifications in a gentle tutorial style. From platform basics to APIs, this encyclopedic guidebook reveals every facet of the language--including previously undocumented features. Throughout the book, practical tutorials are supported with official language documentation or with insights shared by respected leaders. The book's unique format and conversational style are ideally suited for experienced programmers seeking a short path to language proficiency.

As both a tutorial and detailed reference, this volume of Java™ Rules covers:

• Lexical structure, escape sequences, and positional notation systems
• The anatomy of a compilation unit
• The five kinds of classes and interfaces
• Containment and inner class hierarchies (versus inheritance hierarchies)
• The static modifier, this and super
• Primitive data types and Object
• Strings and other common data types
• Arrays and the Collections Framework

With Java™ Rules in hand, both novices and experienced programmers can quickly master the language.

0201709163B10162001

About the Author

Douglas Dunn is a Java programming consultant who has over ten years of experience as a mainstream business application programmer. He is currently working on additional volumes of Java™ Rules.

0201709163AB10152001

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Product Details

• Paperback: 720 pages
• Publisher: Pearson Education; 1st edition (October 10, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0201709163
• ISBN-13: 978-0201709162
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,605,660 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable Java Resource, April 30, 2002

By 

Robert H. Rasmussen (Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Java Rules (Paperback)

For the Java generalist who is serious about knowing the details of the language, I'd say there are three books that stand out from the crowd: to learn Java, read The Java Programming Language, by Gosling, et al; to thoroughly understand every nuance of the lanaguage, read The Java Language Specification, available at the Java website or in printed form; and while you're somewhere between learning and mastering the language, read Java Rules.

Java Rules methodically steps you through every aspect of the core language, referring to the specification here, a comment from Bloch or some other Java luminary there. If you're looking for an introdution to Java, this book is not for you. If you've been writing Java code for awhile and ask questions like, "I wonder how the floating point types *really* work?", then this book is absolutely for you.

In addition to the core language and a few fundamental types like String and Date, the author does go into a good deal of detail when discussing the collections framework, and his treatment of the subject is as good as any I've seen.

I hope this book catches on, it certainly deserves to.

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Note From the Author, November 23, 2003

By 

Douglas Dunn (Baltimore, MD United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Java Rules (Paperback)

Volume 2 is now available as a free download at http://www.javarules.com

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Should be read by every serious Java programmer, January 29, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Java Rules (Paperback)

The author has taken the Java Language Specification and other sources and organized, expanded on, and refined them in a such a way that it becomes a much easier task for any Java programmer to learn about all the nitty gritty details of Java. This is without a doubt the best book I've seen on explaining the intricacies of Java. It is obvious that the author has spent a great deal of time and effort to produce a book as well written this one. Highly recommended to anyone seriously interested in learning Java at a deeper level.