Java Gently: Programming Principles Explained (Paperback)

~ Judy M. Bishop (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

An introductory text which assumes no programming knowledge, and teaches the basics of programming alongside the language of Java. The author applies her techniques and pedagogy to this language to demonstrate its capabilities. The text addresses object-oriented programming using examples, and also deals with the WWW and GUI aspects of Java.

From the Back Cover

The Java programming language is

revolutionizing the world of computing

and is set to become the language taught

to programming students around the world.

Java Gently is a programming text which

aims to teach students how to program,

and how to do it in the best possible style

in Java. In the process, Java Gently covers

all of the Java language, its standard

libraries and utilities and the prospects it

offers for the future. In terms of

programming, it covers object-orientation,

software design, structured programming,

graphical user interfacing, networking and

finishes with an introduction to algorithms

and data structures.

Judy Bishop's approach and style will

excite students and keep them interested

in programming, covering the Web aspects

of Java while ensuring that the important

principles of good programming are

mastered.

Hallmark Features

explanation by example, with over 75

fully-worked examples and case studies end of chapter summaries ten-point quizzes at the end of each

chapter, with answers over 100 exercises an active Web site containing all the

examples and a discussion board object-oriented class diagrams

illustrating the examples emphasis on sound algorithm design

and thorough testing a unique notation for presenting Java

syntax to the novice programmer requires no knowledge of programming

or mathematics. New for the Second Edition

complete update to Java 1.1 emphasis on the correct use of the

event model and object-orientation coverage of advanced Java features

and APTs, including RMI and JDBC --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Addison-Wesley Pub (Sd); 1st edition (July 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0201593998
• ISBN-13: 978-0201593990
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,584,397 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not a good book for beginning programmers!, February 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Java Gently (International Computer Science Series) (Paperback)

I am so sorry that I chose this book for my CS 1 course! I wish I could start the semester over. At first glance this looked like a reasonable book but by Chapter 3 I knew we were in trouble. Bishop introduces material too quickly, too compactly, and too abstractly. Her examples are huge and cumbersome. My kids are really confused and probably annoyed -- Here's another stupid college textbook that makes us feel like nincompoops! The title is *QUITE* misleading; this is *NOT* a gentle introduction to Java or programming principles. By the way, there's a cultural barrier, too, that North American students will find hard to hurdle. Just check out the "1 man went to mow" song on p. 68 to find out what I mean.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent introduction to programming in the modern world, September 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Java Gently (International Computer Science Series) (Paperback)

I am a first-year student studying at the University of Pretoria.

The negativity reflected towards this book is surprising, until you consider the manner in which the readers approach the content. Reading the preface to the 2nd edition immediately gives the impression that the book is meant as an introduction to first-year students studying computer science. One can make no absolute assumptions about the programming experience of such students, and so it is that the more abtract concepts in the book, especially the object-orientated nature of Java, are explained in detail at the earliest point possible.

What I found very helpful in my introduction to Java as a first-year student, were the numerous class (and other) diagrams. They allow a visualisation of a program without first going into the details. This overview approach is essential in today's world, where it isn't always the close-up image of a problem that solves it, but a complete picture of all the details as a working system. Many comparable books on Java do not include any diagrams whatsoever!

Another commendable invention in the book is the Text class. It allows the beginner the opportunity to do i/o without first being introduced to the complexities of anonymous class definitions and the buffering of input and output. Java provides a number of different ways of achieving the same end, not all of which are accessible to the uninitiated. I must say bravo! to Professor Bishop for the painstaking way in which she introduces her world to the students.

I sincerely recommend this book to students learning Java and its related concepts for the first time.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Summary of the Reviews so far, February 3, 2001

By	Bjorn Kommedal "bjornkom" (New Jersey) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Java Gently (International Computer Science Series) (Paperback)

If you take a look at the reviews so far, you will see one common denominator: those who have little programming experience are greatly frustrated with this book. But programmers who need to learn a new language, seem to think that it is quite OK. I would have to place myself in the first category. I read the first couple of chapters as part of a university course, but soon abandoned the book. The learning curve is way too steep for beginners. The progression of themes bears witness of limited pedagogical insight. But I still believe that folks with plenty of programming experience may enjoy this book. I give it two stars, though, primarily because of the inappropriate title. This is NOT a 'gentle' introduction to Java. Maybe the third edition has improved in this respect (published December 2000)?