Beginning Programming with Java For Dummies (Paperback)

~ Barry Burd (Author) "You've probably used a computer to do word processing..." (more)
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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

• Covering everything from basic Java development concepts to the latest tools and techniques used in Java, this book will put would-be programmers on their way to Java mastery
• Explores what goes into creating a program, how to put the pieces together, dealing with standard programming challenges, debugging, and making it work
• Updated for the release of the Java SDK 2.0, with all examples revised to reflect the changes in the technology

From the Back Cover

See why Java is a great place to start programming

Get the scoop on what goes into a program and how to build one that works

This Java won't keep you up nights, because you have this handy book to show you the ropes! It lays the groundwork for the whole programming experience, shows you how to get started with Java, takes you through creating your first programs, helps you solve programming problems, and even lets you in on some great tips.

Discover how to

• Turn your instructions into code
• Compile and run a program
• Understand methods, classes, and objects
• Use variables, values, and types
• Work with Java "if" statements

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Product Details

• Paperback: 408 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 2 edition (April 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764588745
• ISBN-13: 978-0764588747
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #57,151 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for the no-experience programmer, October 19, 2003

By	Adam Dukovich "colts_19" (Roseville, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    (VINE VOICE)

This review is from: Beginning Programming with Java for Dummies (Paperback)

If you have had experience programming in other languages, then this book is not for you. It takes things slowly but surely, demonstrating the basic tenets of programming as well as the specifics of Java. I read it before taking an introductory computer science course and it really put me ahead of almost all of the other students (and I had no real programming experience).

Basically, this book was written for the novice. If novice is too generous a term for you, then this book will be perfect. Even if you only thought Java was another name for coffee and only use a computer to word-process on and want to pick up a hobby or perhaps a job skill, you will benefit from this book. The author, Barry Burd, really knows his stuff. He is able to explain such complicated conceptual areas such as objects, classes and arrays better than my CS 101 prof. He also keeps it lively if things get too abstract by analogies and often throws a joke in a section. The book, as a result, is somewhat entertaining in addition to being informative. He uses language that any lay person could easily understand (but if you want to read this because you are going into a computer science class, it's a good place to start, but you will need another book to help you learn the terminology).

In spite of the stigma attached to the "For Dummies" book series (at least it's not as bad as "The Complete Idiot's guide"), this is a book written for people who just want to get to know the language and write some simple programs (or more). I would highly recommend it to anyone getting started here, as well as Java 2 by the same author.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Only Good Beginning Java Book, October 14, 2004

By	Scott Baret (Pittsburgh, PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beginning Programming with Java for Dummies (Paperback)

I took a class in Java last year and was very unhappy with the Deitel book used, as it was lacking understandable material and humor. When I went to the library I found a bunch of Java books but they all looked too confusing to me. I got home and used a trusty ol' Amazon search and found this book. I immediately went in a mad search around Pittsburgh for this book, as I didn't have time to wait for the shipping. I found it and was glad I bought it. It's clear, humorous, and is so well-written that even a person in their 80s could figure out how to program. Buy this--you'll be glad you did.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Prep Material, September 5, 2005

By	Paul M. Giangregorio "Junkmonkey" (Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book was a fun read! My review can be summed up by the following five points:
1) Burd makes the subject matter painless with his light and at times anecdotal writing. (good)
2) This book goes extremely slow. But that is *NOT* a bad thing if you are new to java / programming. (good)
3) I got the java text for my 'promgramming in java, 101' course, and those authors put a *LOT* more emphasis on the importance / use of objects. Something Burd doesn't seem to stress enough. (bad)
4) You will not "learn java." Rather, you will learn how to make quick command line programs to accomplish simple tasks. (bad)
5) Excellent starter book. This book gives you look at the good, the bad, and the frustrating! (good)

Obviously, this is a weighted scale (refer to 4-star rating).

Recommended for anybody interested in Java / programming who has not had *any* training in either.