| | |  | | Home » Head First Java, 2nd Edition | | | | | | | Product Promotions: | | | | | Description: | | Learning a complex new language is no easy task especially when it s an object-oriented computer programming language like Java. You might think the problem is your brain. It seems to have a mind of its own, a mind that doesn't always want to take in the dry, technical stuff you're forced to study.
The fact is your brain craves novelty. It's constantly searching, scanning, waiting for something unusual to happen. After all, that's the way it was built to help you stay alive. It takes all the routine, ordinary, dull stuff and filters it to the background so it won't interfere with your brain's real work--recording things that matter. How does your brain know what matters? It's like the creators of the Head First approach say, suppose you're out for a hike and a tiger jumps in front of you, what happens in your brain? Neurons fire. Emotions crank up. Chemicals surge.
That's how your brain knows.
And that's how your brain will learn Java. Head First Java combines puzzles, strong visuals, mysteries, and soul-searching interviews with famous Java objects to engage you in many different ways. It's fast, it's fun, and it's effective. And, despite its playful appearance, Head First Java is serious stuff: a complete introduction to object-oriented programming and Java. You'll learn everything from the fundamentals to advanced topics, including threads, network sockets, and distributed programming with RMI. And the new. second edition focuses on Java 5.0, the latest version of the Java language and development platform. Because Java 5.0 is a major update to the platform, with deep, code-level changes, even more careful study and implementation is required. So learning the Head First way is more important than ever.
If you've read a Head First book, you know what to expect--a visually rich format designed for the way your brain works. If you haven't, you're in for a treat. You'll see why people say it's unlike any other Java book you've ever read.
By exploiting how your brain works, Head First Java compresses the time it takes to learn and retain--complex information. Its unique approach not only shows you what you need to know about Java syntax, it teaches you to think like a Java programmer. If you want to be bored, buy some other book. But if you want to understand Java, this book's for you.
| | | Product Details: | | | Author:
| Kathy Sierra | | Paperback:
| 688 pages | | Publisher:
| O'Reilly Media | | Publication Date:
| February 16, 2005 | | Language:
| English | | ISBN:
| 0596009208 | | Product Length:
| 9.2 inches | | Product Width:
| 8.0 inches | | Product Height:
| 1.5 inches | | Product Weight:
| 2.8 pounds | | Package Length:
| 9.1 inches | | Package Width:
| 8.0 inches | | Package Height:
| 1.1 inches | | Package Weight:
| 2.9 pounds | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 274 reviews |
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| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
 ( 274 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
151 of 176 found the following review helpful:
 To much funny, not enough factMar 25, 2006
By Publius
"Mike"
I really wanted to like this book. I bought the Head First book on design patterns and love it. It was the right mix of irreverance and information. So, I bought this book even though I have been a Java developer for over 5 years. I was excited to see how the Head First authors handled a beginners book for Java.
Not too well, in my opinion. Chapter Three, in particular, was a mess. This chapter introduces the notion of variables yet never explains what an integer variable is. No explanation is given of the float type. We are told that a byte holds 8 bits...but not told what a bit is. We are not told how to assign a hexadecimal value to an int. We are not told that if we assign a numeric value with a leading zero...the compiler will assume that you meant to use octal values. The reader is not told that Strings are immutable. These are all things that will trip up a beginner (the target market for this book). The author of this chapter doesn't even bother to mention that a Java array uses a zero-based index.
Both primitives and the notion of classes are introduced in Chapter Three. Yet, the author doesn't mention that all primitives (except boolean) have wrapper classes. Strings are introduced...but, no mention is made of the StringBuffer or StringBuilder (very useful and often used classes). These items are included in the back of the book in Appendix B.
There are so many things left out that I wonder if the publisher actually had any beginners read this book. Readers of this book will finish this book still ignorant of many Java essentials.
Here is one of their dumbed-down explanations for an object reference:
"Think of a Dog reference variable as a Dog remote control. You use it to get the object to do something (invoke methods). An object reference is just another variable value. Something that goes in a cup. Only, this time, the value is a remote control."
Huh? Granted, they had been using the "cup" metaphor before...but, still I found this book confusing, superficial, and somewhat insulting. It felt like reading a children's Weekly Reader book. (It even has crossword puzzles)
I like the idea of making learning fun. However, in their attempt to make it fun they left out so much info which is pertinent to the beginning Java programmer. Apparently, another rule of the Head First series is that there MUST be a cute picture on every page. Many times, the logical flow of text is hindered because they had to fit a non-illuminating, unnecessary graphic on the page. Many of the pictures are unnecessary and do not help to explain the content at all. Many paragraphs are confusing, unclear, or simply badly structured. The editors were asleep on this one.
Many newbies are giving this book high marks. Unfortunately, they are woefully ignorant of the fact that this book left out a ton of info that is pertinent to actually coding Java well. One poster here raves that he was able to cover 60 pages in one day. In my opinion...ease of reading is not the only criteria for a good programming book.
My recommendations for Java beginners: Beginning Java by Ivor Horton or Core Java by Cay Horstmann.
21 of 23 found the following review helpful:
 Really Good Book, But I Agree With Another Reviewer: Not For BeginnersJul 30, 2005
By Larry
I like writing reviews on technical books because I think they are of enormous value to those considering buying the book. I buy a lot of books online and the reviews that I read are by far the most important thing that influences my decision to buy. Or not.
I also like to read what others before me have written. In this case - and for all of the "Head First" books I have read - I heartily agree with what virtually all others have written: these books are a great way to learn complicated, and oftentimes boring, subject material.
So I won't rehash what others have already written, except to say that if what you read was good - believe it.
I think the most important thing I can say about this book is that I agree with what Hye Nyoun Eum Kim wrote: NOT for beginners. I remember thinking to myself throughout the book that a fair, or at least some, amount of Java knowledge would be necessary in order to understand what the authors were covering.
If you already know Java and want to know it better, buy this book. If you are new to Java, and especially if you are new to programming, I still recommend buying this book. But do yourself a favor - check out other introductory Java books and buy one of those as well. A good starting point? I have bought the "Just Java" (by Peter van der Linden) books ever since Java 1.0 came out.
8 of 8 found the following review helpful:
Head First, Practice Second and Learn MoreFeb 24, 2006
By Su Doku
That's my opinion in a nutshell about the Head First Series of computer books. I like this book, and the other 3 that I own, a lot. I didn't give it 5 stars because this review is for you. People learn differently and have expectations to meet their needs. This book is informative, interactive and upbeat. It provokes thought and problem-solving by continously prompting your brain to give input. When you're done - you know Java and a lot of subtle nuances.
I realize this is a "soft" review. There are some hardcore people who want to know "will it talk about this or that?" The simple answer is "yes." It begins by assuming you've done some programming, not just HTML. It's jammed tight with important information. So if you use a highlighter, put it down and get a paint brush. This is not a "linear" book written for the person who wants to read and memorize references. Java is a language and its taught by engaging the reader into a mental dialogue. It's fun. You won't fall asleep. You'll learn a lot. But more importantly, you'll remember even more.
How can you go wrong with a tech book that has code, ducks and Java crossword puzzles? Better know your stuff baby or read the book because it comes with a mantra, "Release Your Code." How did it work for me? Shh...5 stars!
8 of 8 found the following review helpful:
Gets you startedOct 26, 2005
By A. P. Wells
"TheSkeptic"
This book, as well as series, goes a long way to helping you learn. The concepts may not always be well enough explained. However, this is understandable is it is apparent that the collaborative authors seem to do all that they can to make the teaching and learning of the concepts fun.
I would highly recommend this book to any one who is just getting started with programming. I tried to learn Java through a number of other teach myself methods. It was not until I read Head First Java that I actually got it. Since then, I have moved on to more advanced concepts and have had a lot of fun with coding. Unfortunately, most books that deal with teaching development read like someone's thesis. Bates and Sierra have provided a book that is not only a very effective teaching tool but also a whole lot of fun to read. I wish all cerebral subjects were taught this way. If you like fooling around in the library, then you will love Head First Java and the Head First series!
10 of 11 found the following review helpful:
Fun ways to learn JAVAMar 16, 2006
By Restyandito
"Duta Wacana"
This book was written in an entertaining way using various tools (jokes, pictures, surprises, quizes, games, etc) keeping the reader's mind engage in learning difficult concepts.
This is in accordance of the Head First's learning principles which are:
1. Make it visual
2. Use conversational and personalized style
3. Get the learner to think more deeply
4. Get and keep the reader's attention
5. Touch their emotions
I teach Object Oriented Programming, and I use some of the illustrations from this book in my class. My students love it!
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