Practical Java(TM) Programming Language Guide (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Now that Java is being used for real-world projects, the experts are figuring out what works and what doesn't when it comes to coding style. Peter Haggar's Practical Java: Programming Language Guide compiles a remarkably useful set of over 60 coding tips that will make your programs more maintainable and perform better. Chances are that this title has something to offer every programmer who works with Java.

This book is organized simply and effectively with 68 practical tips (or in the author's terms "praxes") for writing better Java code. Tips are grouped into sections, such as general tips, objects and equality, exception handling, and performance and multithreading. The book illustrates each tip with short code excerpts demonstrating effective coding strategies (plus several common Java pitfalls).

The book contains numerous standout sections, including the proper way to write equals methods for custom classes, tips for writing more efficient classes, and numerous do-it-yourself techniques for optimizing code. (As the author suggests, not all of today's Java compilers will do this optimization for you.) The book contains several sections that should be read by every Java developer, and though some tips are more obscure, there's certainly something to benefit every reader.

While C++ programmers have had books on coding style for years, Java is only now coming into its own with titles like this one. With its concise format, no-nonsense prose style, and expert-eye perspective on Java, Practical Java: Programming Language Guide shows the same maturing refinement as the language it lucidly describes. --Richard Dragan

Topics covered: Java programming tips, understanding references, final and static keywords, using instanceof, tips for garbage collection, custom equals methods, exception handling tips, using finally blocks, using exceptions with constructors, performance tips, compile-time vs. run-time code optimization, using StringBuffer, minimizing object creation, arrays, Java native code, multithreading tips, the synchronized keyword, spin locks, Java interfaces for emulating multiple inheritance, the abstract keyword, the clone method and immutable objects, tips for finalize methods.

Product Description

Written by an "in-the-trenches" expert on the Java(tm) programming language, this book provides readers with a practical approach to producing correct, efficient, and robust code.

This broad-ranging guide can help programmers with varying levels of expertise to understand Java more completely and to maximize their coding effectiveness. This book's rules-based format examines 68 key topics on how to improve your code, providing crisp, well-written examples and solutions. All of the examples and solutions are accompanied by thorough explanations for achieving a working solution of your own. This practical approach to programming and design describes the best practices used by experienced programmers. Intended for the intermediate to advanced Java programmer, the Practical Java(tm) Programming Language Guide is organized into individual lessons, so it can either be read from cover to cover or by individual topic.

Topics discussed include:

* Objects and equality * Exception handling * Performance * Multithreading * Classes and interfaces

If you want to spend less time debugging, optimizing, and tuning your code, this example-oriented, down-to-earth guide is full of practical techniques for exploiting the Java programming language. The 68 topics were chosen based on their relevance to effective and efficient programming practices. A special section focusing on performance provides valuable insights into Java performance issues and useful performance improvement techniques. If you want real-world, sound advice on building applications using the Java programming language, this book is essential reading.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Addison-Wesley Professional (February 11, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0201616467
• ISBN-13: 978-0201616460
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #727,893 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Practical Java Guide line book!, March 22, 2000

By	Dong Zheng (Atlanta, USA) - See all my reviews

Practical Java Programming Language Guide used the "essay" style similar to "Effective C++" to explain some issues in Java. It covers General Technique,Object and Equality, Exception Handling, Performance, Multithreading and Class & Interface with total 68 'Praxis'.

This 'essay' style is my favorite. It represents topics in each small 'essay' and you can easily pick up the topic you are interested in without getting lost, or just read the book from cover-to-cover. It is also very useful for checking up something in which you'd like to have more understanding. You won't get bored there!

I would say this book is for intermediate to advance Java programmer. It is not a book to learn how to program in Java, it is a good book to get more understanding with Java. It will help you learn more about Java, become a better Java programmer. I feel like I've learn a lot even with my 4-years professional Java programming experience. Also, if you are new to Java, this book will help you Ace your Java interview:)

Sometimes, as a programmer, we tend to forget the low-level details as to why we do things that way. For example, the difference between "==" and ".equals()", we all know we need to use .equals() to comare Object reference, use "==" for primitive data type. After reading this book, I know more about "why" we did things that way than just "what" to do. That's just a small example, I bet you'll find lots of "ah-ha" monents in reading this book.

One shortcoming I'd like to point out is there are some duplicates in explaining some topic. Maybe the author wanted to emphasis some points but I feel like it is redundant. e.g. both Praxis 11 and praxis 15 talk about how to immplement equals() method which I think only one would be enough. Also, it would be great if the broadth of the topic was expanded some more.

Overall, it is a great book. I've been enjoying reading it and find it very helpful. I am looking forward to something like "More practical Java programming Language Guide" coming...

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Handy Software Design Companion, February 14, 2000

By	David Hardin (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) - See all my reviews

I find Peter Haggar's *Practical Java Programming Language Guide* to be a very handy companion when doing software design. Since his "Praxes" are largely independent nuggets of wisdom, I can turn to one readily when I am deliberating over a design decision in Java, and seek Peter's advice. I have also read a few of the chapters from beginning to end to gain a deeper grounding in a particular area (e.g., exception handling). In summary, this is a very to-the-point book, full of practical advice for even seasoned Java developers.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellant book for experienced programmers learning Java, March 6, 2000

By A Customer

I wish I had had this book when I first started learning Java. Peter covers many topics that I have struggled with in great detail. I was just beginning to think I knew Java very well. Thanks to Peter now I do.