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What shall I read?

 
Greenhorn
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I'm a beginner in Java.
Now I'm reading Core Java(vol.1).
But I still don't know after I finished it, what shall I read next?
Can you give me some suggestions? Or show me a book list?
Thank you !
 
Sheriff
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What to read next depends a bit on what your goals are. What are your goals?

If your goals include becoming a good programmer, then I'd suggest writing 100+ (small) programs. I've found that the more programs I write, the better I get at programming. This was especially true when I'd just begun to learn the subject.

Here is a list of free on-line Java tutorials and books that I have found useful:
  • Sun's Java Tutorial
  • Introduction to Computer Science using Java by Bradley Kjell
  • Introduction to Programming Using Java by David J. Eck
  • Dick Baldwin's Java Programming Tutorials
  • Interactive Programming In Java by Lynn Andrea Stein
  • Bruce Eckel's Thinking In Java
  • JavaRanch's own Campfire Stories
  • Allen B. Downey's How To Think Like A Computer Scientist
  •  
    Ranch Hand
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    I'd recommend:

    1a. "Just Java", Peter van der Linden
    1b. "Headfirst Java", Bert Bates/Kathy Sierra
    <= ARGUABLY THE BEST "INTRODUCTION TO JAVA" BOOKS
    2. "Core Java (Volumes 1 and 2)", Cayman and Horst
    <= ARGUABLY A BETTER REFERENCE THAN INTRODUCTION...
    ... AND, AS A REFERENCE, YOU'LL UNFORTUNATELY FIND YOURSELF
    NEEDING ONE VOLUME AS MUCH AS THE OTHER: YOU REALLY NEED BOTH
    3. "Thinking in Java", Bruce Eckel
    <= A GREAT BOOK ...
    ... BUT ARGUABLY NOT AS A "FIRST BOOK" FOR *LEARNING* JAVA...

    IMHO ...
     
    Ranch Hand
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    Thanks dirk,

    That was really a very good suggestion. Chao you need to understand that life with java is something like life of a Doctor, The more you practice the more "specialist" you become. Its something to "practice" not "read". If you are trying for certification be more specific towards basic concepts, syntax and rules. Otherwise practice, practice and practice. The best way to learn Java.
    [ September 19, 2004: Message edited by: prashant bhogvan ]
     
    Chao Yuchen
    Greenhorn
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    Thanks!
     
    Ranch Hand
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    Thanks for replying to Chao's post with those suggestions. I'm not really new to java, but I've been away for about three years and I think I'll be getting a few of those books for a refresher.

    I also wanted to say that it's great to see a site like this on the web. I'll be checking in here every day, it feels cozy. I also have a nine year old who wants to learn to program and it's nice to feel so safe about letting him read in a forum.

    Keep up the good work!!
     
    Dirk Schreckmann
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    Welcome to JavaRanch, Chris!

    I hope you'll visit our Teachers' Lounge forum from time to time, and share stories on your experiences teaching a nine year old to program.
     
    Greenhorn
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    I have found that Headfirst Java is a fun read, if a little light technically. I also like Beggining Java (1.4 is now out) by Ivor Horton. Horton's books start kind of heavy, and are full of technospeak, but are good to have as a one book reference. Of course from there you can move on to professsional java...
    The Certification books are useful for the exam, but not much else in my opinion.

    Hope That helps...
     
    Ranch Hand
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    Originally posted by Damon Landis:
    I have found that Headfirst Java is a fun read, if a little light technically. I also like Beggining Java (1.4 is now out) by Ivor Horton. Horton's books start kind of heavy, and are full of technospeak, but are good to have as a one book reference.



    But I found that Beginning Java book is a bit boring to read... Even comparing to the "Core Java", which got a bunch of examples and the explanations are excellent as well... but HF Java is my favourite...
     
    Ranch Hand
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    HF Java



    Does it cover Java Tiger?
     
    Ranch Hand
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    HF Java not cover Java Tiger.

    More Detail
     
    Ko Ko Naing
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    Originally posted by Pradeep Bhat:


    Does it cover Java Tiger?


    Originally posted by somkiat puisungnoen:

    HF Java not cover Java Tiger.


    HF Java, 2nd Edition will cover Tiger for sure... There was a conversation among people out there in SCMAD forum, Bert Bates and me about this upcoming edition of HF Java...

    You guys may want to have a look in this thread.

    Hope it helps...
     
    Ranch Hand
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    When you become interested in Java Thread Programming, the book by Paul Hyde is excellent. The best I've seen although it is 5 years old. Paul emailed me today that there hasn't been a lot of change in threading for the last couple of Java releases, but he is planning a new book sometime next year. Meanwhile, you can't go wrong with the current version.
     
    With a little knowledge, a cast iron skillet is non-stick and lasts a lifetime.
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