Just found JavaRanch

[Daniel Loranz]

I just stumbled across JavaRanch and am interested in the Cattle Drive. The site mentions getting "Just Java 2" by Peter van der Linden. Is that info current? Are most folks working through the Cattle Drive using that book?

Thanks!

[Katrina Owen]

The book isn't a requirement. I did get the book when I started the Cattle Drive, and found it both useful, helpful, and entertaining.

I can't speak for any of the others, though

[Rory Lynch]

I bought the book from Amazon when I started the Cattle Drive.
Worth every penny.

So is the Cattle Drive.

My advice is start the Cattle Drive and buy the book, but dont wait to have the book in your hand before attempting the first assignment.

[fred rosenberger]

I am not using the book, but i've been programming for 9 years, and using java for 5-6.

[Marilyn de Queiroz]

Many students use Just Java 2. Others prefer Head First Java. The page/chapter numbers are a bit off for Just Java 2 because they change with each new edition, but the information is good.

[Carol Murphy]

I did the drive without the book, but it was because I couldn't get my hands on a copy. I think if I had been able to use the book, I would have made much faster progress, especially at the beginning, and I wouldn't have needed to rely so much on the cattle drive forum to get my elementary questions answered. But everyone on the drive did answer my questions, and gave me a whole lot of emotional/moral/technical support, so my advice is do the drive, with or without the book!