Best books?

[Vincent Caronongan]

Starting from ground zero, with no programming experience whatsoever, what are the best books to learn Java? Best follow up book?

[Jeanne Boyarsky]

I'd recommend either "Head First Java" or "Murach's Beginning Java". They are very different styles and learning approaches. But both are great for beginners.

[Campbell Ritchie]

And welcome to the Ranch

It is worth searching for those books, particularly HFJ. It is now rather an old book so many second‑hand copies will be available at good prices.

[Janeice DelVecchio]

I love Head First Java.

If you want something more textbook-ish Core Java isn't too bad.

[Campbell Ritchie]

By Core Java do you mean Horstmann and Cornell? A favourite of mine too, but I doubt its suitability for beginners.

[Janeice DelVecchio]

Yes. That was the text used in my first intro java class.

I found it lacking in some areas (generics). but a good book to cover most topics.

[Campbell Ritchie]

I am surprised it was used for an intro class. I didn't come across it until doing “Advanced” Java, and was really pleased with it. Its one drawback is that it doesn't include any exercises.

[Janeice DelVecchio]

Maybe that's why I ended up here asking so many questions!