Java: An Introduction to Problem Solving and Programming (4th Edition) (Paperback)

~ Walter Savitch (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In a conversational style, best-selling author Walter Savitch teaches programmers problem solving and programming techniques with Java. Introduces object-oriented programming and important computer science concepts such as testing and debugging techniques, program style, inheritance, and exception handling. Includes thorough coverage of the Swing libraries and event-driven programming. Provides a concise, accessible introduction to Java that covers key language features. Covers objects thoroughly and early, with an emphasis on applications over applets. A useful reference for programmers who want to brush up on their Java skills.

About the Author

Walter Savitch received the Ph.D. degree in Mathematics from the University of California at Berkeley in 1969. Since that time he has been on the faculty at the University of California at San Diego and is currently a Professor of Computer Science and director of the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program in Cognitive Science. Professor Savitch’s research areas include complexity theory, formal language theory, computational linguistics, and the development of computer science education materials. In addition to writing numerous research articles and involvement in other editorial projects, he has written a number of well-known computer science textbooks, including Pascal, Ada, and C++ CS1 and CS2 textbooks.

Product Details

• Paperback: 1309 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 4 edition (December 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0131492020
• ISBN-13: 978-0131492028
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #331,514 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #42 in

  Books > Computers & Internet > Programming > Java > Beginner's Guides

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 1st edition review, August 17, 2005

By	Juan J. Casero (Hialeah, FL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have just completed (i need only two more chapters) the first of edition of this book. While not as exhaustive as the the edition for sale here I can tell you the author is good at what he does. I haven't decided if I am going to purchase this edition but let me say that the author's prose style reminds me of the best computer programming books I read while I was an undergraduate at the University of Florida in the early 90's. This book is suitable for teaching a first or second year class of computer science students at a university. Unlike those silly "Teach yourself Java programming in 24 hours" this is the kind of programming book that really teaches you something.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely The Best Introduction To Java, January 29, 2005

By	Andrew - See all my reviews

This book was written by someone who truly knows how to teach and not merely transmit knowledge from brain to paper. His treatment of object oriented programming concepts in chapters 4 and 5 is FLAWLESS. No other author does such a thorough job (this includes Deitel, Horton, Schildt, Cadenhead, etc) and I speak as the owner of these (and other texts). Let this book be your first stop towards obtaining the Sun Java Programmer and Developer Certifications as well as IBM's Websphere Certifications. But don't forget to purchase the Java Language Specification as well.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great book; unethical publisher, September 28, 2006

By	Robin Lindsay - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is excellent. The author writes about programming in a clear and concise way that makes Java make sense. While Java may not be the simplest language to start with, it is widely used throughout the industry and provides a solid stepping stone to other languages. Savitch provides many examples of code and explains how it works, step by step. Too many programming books assume the reader will fill in missing pieces. Finally, an author who fills them in for us!

But buyer beware: the access code to the website that the book promotes as free is missing. If you go to the website you will find that you actually have to pay for the privilege. Sounds like the classic bait and switch to me, and in a book this price, it's a real disappointment.

I exchanged many emails with the publisher, Pearson. Finally they admitted that some booksellers do not include the access code in their books. Well, why can't they make this clear in the book and on the website, instead of luring people to spend money for what is supposed to be free access?

So it's the same old story: the author is excellent but the publisher, Pearson, is unethical.