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Big Java 2nd Edition
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Horstmann, in his extensive teaching and industry experience, has always emphasized that those who truly want to study the discipline of Computer Science and the art of programming must, before writing a line of code, first learn to think like a problem solver. With this in mind, the first part of the text is focused not on programming as an abstract exercise, but on fundamental principles of programming and problem solving. Java is both the tool to be mastered and the key to understanding basic computer science concepts.
The second part of this text introduces advanced concepts of the Java programming language. Assuming an understanding of programming concepts at this point, the author offers the reader an in-depth look into how Java relates to searching and sorting, data structures, multithreading, networking, database connectivity, XML, and Java Server Pages.
In addition, the author also offers many reference resources in the appendices, including the Java Library, HTML, running applets, and number systems.
Throughout the text, readers will find notes that cover historical and social aspects of computing and capsule introductions to advanced topics of computer science. These optional features provide valuable context for those interested in going more deeply into the subject.
- ISBN-100471697036
- ISBN-13978-0471697039
- Edition2nd
- PublisherWiley
- Publication dateMarch 8, 2005
- LanguageEnglish
- Dimensions7.4 x 1.5 x 9.27 inches
- Print length1248 pages
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Editorial Reviews
From the Back Cover
Tiger––aka Java Version 5.0––is one of the most exciting developments in the Java language, and it’s now integrated throughout this new Second Edition of Cay Horstmann’s Big Java! This one comprehensive and authoritative guide will help you learn computing concepts and programming principles, develop strong problem-solving skills, and become a better programmer, while exploring the elements of Java that are needed to write real-life programs.
With Big Java, 2e, you can:
- Keep up with the latest Java advances. This Second Edition is updated to reflect the innovations of Java Version 5.0, but it can still be used with older versions of the Java SDK (Java 1.2 or higher).
- Get a complete programming and Java reference. Big Java, 2e is a reference that will be of value when studying advanced Java technologies, Internet programming, database access, and many other areas of computer science.
- Master computing concepts and problem solving. The first part of the book encourages you to think as a problem solver, and gives you the resources you need to design efficient and successful programs.
- Take a closer look at the Java language. The second part introduces advanced concepts of the Java programming language, including multithreading, Internet networking, relational databases, XML, and JavaServer Faces.
- Apply what you’ve learned. Realistic case studies and a software engineering focus enable you to tackle complex projects that build upon the knowledge gained across chapters.
- Develop effective habits for professional programming. Quality tips, tips on avoiding common errors, and the online programming style guide teach good programming habits.
Other Wiley books by Cay Horstmann
Java Concepts, Fourth Edition, 0-471-69704-4
Object-Oriented Design and Patterns, 0-471-31966-X
Big C++ (with Timothy Budd), 0-471-47063-5
Computing Concepts with C++ Essentials, Third Edition, 0-471-16437-2
Product details
- Publisher : Wiley
- Publication date : March 8, 2005
- Edition : 2nd
- Language : English
- Print length : 1248 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0471697036
- ISBN-13 : 978-0471697039
- Item Weight : 8.4 ounces
- Dimensions : 7.4 x 1.5 x 9.27 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #3,539,338 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #908 in Java Programming
- #3,572 in Computer Programming Languages
- #10,015 in Computer Software (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Cay S. Horstmann is also coauthor of Core JavaServer Faces, Second Edition (Prentice Hall, 2007). Cay is a professor of computer science at San Jose State University, a Java Champion, and a frequent speaker at computer industry conferences.
Customer reviews
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- Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2005Big Java (2nd Ed.) is not really for someone who's never seen a loop, array, or method call before. In fact the book's unstated presupposition is that the learner has a certain degree of mathematical sophistication (at the precalculus level - at least) if only so that he is prepared to follow abstract concepts - object oriented concepts, multidimensional arrays, simple algorithms, and so on. The book's greatest strength is in applying fundamental programming principles (using Java) towards Java's class libraries. The ability to use other people's code for your own programs is one fundamental element of OOP. Understanding how to utilize the Java API's is the next step after an abstract understanding of OOP. This then is the book's true worth: It prepares you for the world beyond the classroom.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2009Very well written and informative. Easy to comprehend for people, like myself, with beginner level programming skills. I would have liked to have purchased the newest edition but price was prohibitive and I am glad I didn't! I definately got my money's worth with this edition and I don't feel that the newer edition has enough changes to make me miss it! By the time I'm ready to tackle the new stuff, I'll be able to find ample information about it at a reasonable price!
Shipping was excellent. I recommend this seller. The book had only a sticker on the cover that was removed with heat to reveal a like almost new condition book.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2012The author seems to get better with each project he puts his mind to, ie, VioletUML and the new 'Scala For The Impatient' book. He's a sincere author who tries to steer you down the right path of Object-Oriented Development. This is a well-rounded book that teaches you to get started (you don't really start developing until you come up with a great idea for an app). Thanks to authors like Cay, Josh Bloch, and Martin Odersky who humbly disseminate what we love to learn and do: Object-Oriented Design and Programming.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2005This book is a great resource for understanding Object Oriented Programming right from the start. Due to the Object based nature of the language, you don't have to wait until later in the book to start learning this programming concept. Highly recommended. Though I bought this book for class, I couldn't stop reading past the planned curriculum. The class is on chapter three while I haven't stopped going through chapter eight and beyond. Like my teacher says, "Cay S. Horstmann aka 'the mann'"
- Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2014This was for my son's class so I can't really rate the contents. But, we got it used in good condition for a great price and he needed it for school.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2015The book is almost new!
- Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2006This is by far the best Java book I read. The concepts and key points are are neatly categorised and also summarized at the end of each chapter. Ideal book for a non-programmer trying to learn Java.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2007I am a college student, and this text was recommended by all of the professors. Originally it wasn't required (another one was) and I tried out the other textbook. After a semester of that book, which was not very good, this textbook (Big Java) was required for my next course. So I got it, and upon using it I've noticed it's ten times better than the other java textbook. I'd recommend this to any student learning Java!
Top reviews from other countries
Mr. Ali A. Al MimanReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 16, 20095.0 out of 5 stars wealthy to buy in good price!
Yes there is a newer edition but if we compare with the price I come alone with this one as it covers what I was looking for in Java.
Mr Benjamin L MillerReviewed in the United Kingdom on March 22, 20133.0 out of 5 stars it's okay, not a great introduction
So the worked examples are based on a single horrible bank account program that assume you can remember the code from previous chapters. The "build upon" idea is good in theory, but in practice you loose patience with having to remind yourself "what that class looked like" etc.
Also there are some huge leaps of faith that are plain ridiculous! Graphics programming by chapter 4 poses more questions that in answers.
I still look at it time to time, but Java for dummies combined Edn is more readable
P. PerhacReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 24, 20093.0 out of 5 stars Great for students
Great for students and Java beginners. I thought I would learn more from this book. I have done a couple of years of Java and I yearned for a more in-depth understanding of the more advanced concepts. However, Multithreading, Internet Networking, and XML are all just briefly summarised in the last hundred pages (out of roughly 1200).
The writing style Cay Horstmann uses throughout the book is easy to read and understand, so beginners should definitely buy this book, as it's better then many others. It is packed with short notes on 'common errors', 'how tos', 'quality tips' and 'productivity hints', which I find very useful.





