Learning material

[Jean-Marc Bottin]

Hi,
I may have a stupid question but please bear in mind that I am a Java beginner. I have seen that the recommended book is "Just Java 2" in order to be prepared before the jump into the cattle drive experience.
If I want to read "Head First Java" is that a problem regarding the content and tutorial of the cattle drive ? Or could I buy both of them?
Thanks,
Jean-Marc

[Pauline McNamara]

Hi Jean-Marc, welcome to Javaranch!

I have seen that the recommended book is "Just Java 2" in order to be prepared before the jump into the cattle drive experience. If I want to read "Head First Java" is that a problem regarding the content and tutorial of the cattle drive ? Or could I buy both of them?

You could buy as many as you can afford, and then a few, that's what us book addicts do.
As you go through the Cattle Drive, the (earlier) assignments give you specific pages to read in Just Java 2, but the material can just as easily be found in any beginner book. Head First Java is an excellent choice.
Not everyone who goes through the Cattle Drive uses Just Java 2, some don't even buy a book at all. It kind of depends on your background and your personal preferences.
Oh, and like it says in Head First Java: "There are no stupid questions."
Cheers,
Pauline

[Carol Murphy]

Welcome to the drive Jean-Marc! I am one of those who did the drive without ever seeing a copy of Just Java 2. The only books I had access to were from our local library, and I pretty much owned them for about a year, turning them in when I had to and checking them out again the next day.
I had no experience whatsoever with programming, let alone Java, and I was able to complete the assignments, although I know it would have been much easier on me and on those hardy souls who nitpicked my code if I had been able to get a copy of the book.
So no, you don't need the book, but if you can get a copy, do it. You'll be glad you did!
Will we be seeing you out on the trail anytime soon?

[Matthew Phillips]

I used free tutorials that I found on the web. There was one book I bought ("Learning Java in 21 Days", I believe), but I found the web tutorials to be more effective. That being said, there are some holes in my understanding of Java that pop up every now and then. From glancing at the table of contents of some of the beginners books ("Just Java" being one of them), I'm sure that these holes would quickly disappear if I sat down and read a good beginners book.