Java for Students 1.2 [Paperback]

Doug Bell (Author), Mike Parr (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 15, 1999

Previous programming experience is not assumed. Aware that many students need a careful introduction to programming throughout the text, programs that use graphical images are emphasised to clearly demonstrate all the important programming principles. The authors use a spiral approach to programming concepts; introducing concepts simply early on, then in a more sophisticated way later, (i.e. objects are integrated through five chapters). Java for Students 1.2 emphasises the use of applets but also shows how to program free-standing applications. The authors have been careful to put together a text that covers the powerful features of Java and presents the language to students as both a fun and useful tool.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'The best book for my first year programming students'
Gary Hill, The University of Northampton

'It is really hard to fault it or find a better book' 
Ken Chisholm, Edinburgh Napier University

'An excellent rewarding introduction to Java programming’
Dr Simon Jones, University of Stirling

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

Java for Students, Third Edition

The third edition of Java for Students follows the highly successful mix of the previous two editions. Doug Bell and Mike Parr take an entertaining approach that enables students to successfully learn the Java language.

The text is based on internet applets, but also lucidly explains the creation of free-standing applications and text-based programs. Basic programming concepts are introduced early on, followed by event-driven programming and an introduction to object-oriented design.

Stacked with graphics, Java for Students clearly demonstrates the important principles of modern programming design for students of all abilities.

Features
- Graphics-based approach to programming with Java
- NEW! UML used throughout
- NEW! Introduction to Swing and other advanced features
- Self-test questions with solutions
- Loaded with exercises
- Contextual review of Java with a guide to future developments
- Extensive appendices to broaden students' awareness of programming with Java
- NEW! Web Site with additional material for lecturers and students

About the authors
Douglas Bell and Mike Parr lecture at Sheffield Hallam University in the UK. They have written a number of programming books and continue to teach and learn about programming with enthusiasm.

Web Site
The Companion Web Site for Java for Students can be found at www.booksites.net/bell.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 586 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 2nd edition (January 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0130109223
• ISBN-13: 978-0130109224
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.8 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,120,428 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't buy the Dummies book - get this one, July 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Java for Students 1.2 (Paperback)

I am not a programmer, but I work in the tech industry. I wanted to move into web development, so I had to learn Java. Unfortunately, I bought two other books before this one. This is very clear, very concise, and doesn't assume that you're already a C programmer! What's that about? This book is laid out and organized very well, and is very easy to read. Concepts are expanded on through the use of analogies, which makes them much easier to recall from memory. Excellent for people like me who didn't know what a compiler was and never programmed in ANY language. I love this book - thanks!!!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Helped overcome my frustration.., December 31, 1999

By 

Brent Horne - See all my reviews

This review is from: Java for Students 1.2 (Paperback)

I've been trying to teach myself programing for the last year and a half. I've tried several languages and a number of those "teach yourself in x hours/days" books. I've finished many of those books and re-read several of them as well. However, sit me down and solve a problem? --just couldn't do it. This book helped for a number of reasons:

1. It pretty much focuses on Applets. This helps by not bogging you down with two many libraries (which you encounter when you switch from applets to applications). You're able to deal with a few things alot and get really familiar with them.

2. It has a lot of examples at the end of each chapter to help you review and incorporate what you've learned. (Examples are related to skills you've just learned and do not incorporate new ones out of the blue).

3. It seemed the authors had considerable teaching experience. They really hammered on points that other authors just "blow" over...like "What is a constructor?", "How do you use the "this" keyword?"..

4. It stays concise within a smaller segment of Java. You deal primarily with the AWT, as opposed to Swing.

5. It uses examples that are easy to conceptualize. You don't have to mess with binary, hexadecimal, and octal numbers and use mathmatical formulas all the time--like you do in Beginning Java.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to build foundational skills and who needs to understand why they did something as much as how they did it.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for Beginners, December 12, 1998

By 

Marpo Ri "marpo ri" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Java for Students 1.2 (Paperback)

This book is perfect for my students. It presents the concepts in small simple steps. It introduces graphics early on so that the students can appreciate their work. Events are covered early on too so that they can create interactive software. (This first edition covers Java 1.0 event model. The second edition -- sold in Europe is even better -- it covers the Java 1.1 & 1.2). Objects and inheritance are covered in a timely manner. My students find this book clear and straight forward. By the end of the book all major features are covered -- including threads and exceptions. This book is not a complete reference book and is better for it. Once my students understand what's going on I send them to reference books to find out all the intimate details. This book is just right for beginning high school students with no programming experience. Job well done.

PS -- if anyone is interested I have lecture notes and theory quizzes that I could share with others.