Java In A Nutshell, 5th Edition (Paperback)

~ (Author), Flanagan David (Author)
Key Phrases: public constructors, public constants, big integer, Publiclnstance Methods, Object Throwable Exception, Public Class Methods (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

With more than 700,000 copies sold to date, Java in a Nutshell from O'Reilly is clearly the favorite resource amongst the legion of developers and programmers using Java technology. And now, with the release of the 5.0 version of Java, O'Reilly has given the book that defined the "in a Nutshell" category another impressive tune-up.

In this latest revision, readers will find Java in a Nutshell, 5th Edition, does more than just cover the extensive changes implicit in 5.0, the newest version of Java. It's undergone a complete makeover--in scope, size, and type of coverage--in order to more closely meet the needs of the modern Java programmer.

To wit, Java in a Nutshell, 5th Edition now places less emphasis on coming to Java from C and C++, and adds more discussion on tools and frameworks. It also offers new code examples to illustrate the working of APIs, and, of course, extensive coverage of Java 5.0. But faithful readers take comfort: it still hasn't lost any of its core elements that made it such a classic to begin with.

This handy reference gets right to the heart of the program with an accelerated introduction to the Java programming language and its key APIs--ideal for developers wishing to start writing code right away. And, as was the case in previous editions, Java in a Nutshell, 5th Edition is once again chock-full of poignant tips, techniques, examples, and practical advice. For as long as Java has existed, Java in a Nutshell has helped developers maximize the capabilities of the program's newest versions. And this latest edition is no different.

About the Author

Flanagan has a degree in computer science and engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is a consulting computer programmer, user interface designer, and trainer.

Product Details

• Paperback: 1254 pages
• Publisher: O'Reilly Media; 5 edition (March 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0596007736
• ISBN-13: 978-0596007737
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 2.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #37,603 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

95 of 98 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A bit much..., March 29, 2005

By	E. Wuehler (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As far as the information inside the book goes, it's a great book that describes the basics of Java in a simple, here's what you need to know format. It describes everything you need to know about Java syntax, objects, etc, etc, etc. The big reason to get this is for the Java 5.0 info, which is scattered throughout Chapter 2. There is also Chapter 4, which goes into more detail on some of the more interesting features of Java 5.0.

However, the bulk of the 1200+ pages are essentially the javadoc, with some additional notes. In thumbing around and looking at random class descriptions, I didn't see anything I couldn't get from the javadoc. This is obviously a personal preference - if you like the hardcopy, it might work for you. It just seems like a waste to me.

I would have been much happier with the first 400 pages and a note on page 401 that said "buy another book if you need the apis" or "go read the javadoc". A 400 page Nutshell book I can throw in the backpack, thumb through, and carry around. A 1200 page Nutshell (like Java 5.0 for that matter) seems to be suffering from a bit of unnecessary bloat.

45 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Still a must-have classic, but it's getting rather large..., April 4, 2005

By	Thomas Duff "Duffbert" (Portland, OR United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Here's a classic that just keeps on keep up with the state of the language... Java In A Nutshell (5th Edition) by David Flanagan (O'Reilly). But it's definitely getting pretty large...

Rather than list the chapters like I usually do, I'll forego that this time in that I'll probably overrun the Amazon word limit. Suffice it to say that if it's a core part of the Java language as of version 5.0, it's probably in here...

The good stuff... Flanagan has once again done an outstanding job in providing a succinct reference manual that covers the latest version of the Java language. He's added a new chapter to cover Java 5.0 features such as generic types, enumerated types, and annotations. There is also coverage of some new features in chapter 2, such as autoboxing and the new for/in statement. This coverage method (most of the new stuff in one area) means that readers who are upgrading their copy can easily flag the new material they need to read. And rather than keep a lot of older material floating around, he's also eliminated some language features that are either deprecated or are not widely used. Granted, if *you* are one of the few using it, that's not good, but you have to draw a line somewhere. Other than that, it's the same solid, no-fluff coverage of the Java language in the first 400 pages that you've come to expect in this Nutshell volume. The reminder of the 1200+ pages covers Java API documentation, which is useful if you're looking for a particular method or property you're not familiar with.

The bad part is probably the page count... Although the print is small and the information is packed tightly, 1200 pages still makes for a pretty thick book. Some will make the argument that you can get the last 800 pages (the API documentation) on-line, which is true. I tend to prefer having pages I can flip through without having to do a lot of hyperlinking. Plus you can jot down notes or flag certain parts you reference quite often. I'm almost of the opinion that perhaps it's now time to split the book into Java In A Nutshell - volumes 1 and 2. Put the API info in a second volume and make it easier to work with...

I still think this is a "must have" book for any Java programmer... It just may be time to take a hard look at the packaging for the 6th edition.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Part I is great, Part II is not, June 30, 2005

By	David Wallace Croft (Carrollton, TX USA) - See all my reviews

I've owned every edition since the first and I continue to recommend it. Part I is a great introduction to Java for novices. It is also great for experienced Java programmers to learn the new language features.

My only criticism is that over the years this "in a nutshell" book has expanded to the fill the size of a coconut. Starting with the 4th Edition, I began to recommend that novice Java programmers just read Part I. The author should drop Part II from subsequent editions as printing the Java APIs is a waste of paper and shelf space.