Learn Java(TM) on the Macintosh [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

~ (Author), Dave Mark (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Veteran authors Barry Boone and Dave Mark show readers how to learn to program using Java on the most user-friendly platform--the Macintosh. Written in the style of the highly successful Learn C on the Macintosh, this easy-to-follow introduction will take beginning programmers through the core concepts of this new programming language. The CD-ROM contains Metrowerk's CodeWarrior Java Lite, the premier version of Java for the Mac.

From the Back Cover

Learn Java™ on the Macintosh® provides everything you need to learn the most powerful and exciting computer language in use today--and in a "no experience necessary" format. You can learn Java with this book, even if you don't know any other programming languages.

Filled with clear and useful diagrams, explanations, examples, and exercises, this book will teach you the basics of programming in Java. The accompanying CD-ROM contains the Metrowerks CodeWarrior™ Java Lite environment and all the files you'll need for hands-on, step-by-step practice. All you have to bring to the table is your Macintosh, a CD-ROM drive, and a desire to program in Java.

Learn Java on the Macintosh includes:

In the book
* Details on implementing the CodeWarrior Java environment, the premiere Java programming environment for the Mac
* A clear, concise introduction to Java's essential programming concepts: classes, objects, methods, variables, and operators
* An overview of programming for the World-Wide Web and how to build Java applets

On the CD-ROM
* Metrowerks CodeWarrior Java Lite, a special edition of the leading Java development environment for the Mac
* Code examples from the book, all of which can be run with the Metrowerks environment
* Java applets for the World-Wide Web, ranging from simple to sophisticated, that illustrate all the concepts discussed in this book

This easy-to-follow tutorial doesn't stop at the basics: You'll also learn how to use Java's object-oriented features and techniques, how to create a graphical user interface in Java, how to paint pictures in your applet's window, how to respond to error conditions, and much more. This is Java presented the way it should be--a straightforward approach to the latest and greatest programming language on the market today. 0201191571B04062001

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Product Details

• Paperback: 475 pages
• Publisher: Addison Wesley Longman (August 2, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0201191571
• ISBN-13: 978-0201191578
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,673,521 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Good from afar, but far from Good., April 28, 1999

By A Customer

The authors do a good job explaining the easy conceptual stuff and simple code in the early chapters and, as a total programming neophyte, I was very impressed--at first. But when they get to more complex code examples in the middle chapters--forget it. IMO, they throw too many concepts at you, too quickly, and with poorly articulated definitions and garbled explanations, and you're left shaking your head, slack jawed with confusion. I don't claim to be an Einstein, but I've got a very strong conceptual and logical intelligence, years of Mac experience, plus energy and dedication to the task of learning--and I can't get through this damn book. The other frustration is the CD that came with the book. It was burned in 1996. When I loaded it on my Mac it put files in my system folder which conflicted with my other start-up items. I called the CD's manufacturer, Metrowerks, they politely washed their hands of it. Said it was written for system 7 and was, in 1999, now "out of date" and they bore no legal responsibility for it. In fact, the fine print in the back of the book says as much. OK, you got met. So I called the publisher, they agreed to "send me a replacement" book. Now I have 2 copies of this frustrating book, both with out of date software. So had to go out and get Metrowerks updated software for about $80 (which works fine), so I could use my book. Shame on you Addison Wesley, for leaving this book out on the market with apparently out of date software, and for doing such a poor quality editing job.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars You can learn java on a Mac easier with another book..., December 3, 1998

By A Customer

Learn Java on the Macintosh just doesn't have the meat one needs to become a well-versed Java master. Including CodeWarrior actually retards learning. Restricting the user to a particular IDE, and not allowing him/her to take advantage of Apple's frequently updated MRJ SDK (a free toolset from Apple), is a painful blow.

If that were the only flaw, Mr. Boone could be forgiven, but it's not. Though the examples that are presented are easily readable and simple to perform, not enough effort has been spent by Mr. Boone to make sure his reader can expand upon these simple skills at the book's completion.

After reading the several hundred pages, the reader has done no more than been led by the hand through the most simplistic tasks (and has been tied to CodeWarrior if s/he wants to get them done).

To really get down and dirty with Java, take a look at Exploring Java By Patrick Niemeyer & Joshua Peck ISBN 1-56592-184-271-9. By the second chapter you've already been exposed to Java class hierarchies and paint methods (two topics Boone barely mentions).

It's a shame though. Mark's book on C is a wonderful volume. But Boone took too long to get going (I have an electronic copy and started printing out what I was going to actually read at page 187) and finally comes up short. Java is a field where Windows isn't the name of the game and cross-platform functionality is. Java's the perfect langauge for the Mac; the book just ain't!

Ruffin Bailey

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Intermediate level, July 11, 1999

By A Customer

If you have no previous knowledge of any of prog_lang, start with Dori Smith book, then go to free Sun's tutorial. If you are familiar with OOP, this book will be nice transition to more advanced topics. Great book if you fit profile above. Mind you, to play around with sample code, get JDK. 3 stars, because the book should make clear that some of the later chapters are out of the reach of average beginner to programming.