Java 2: The Complete Reference - Softcover

Naughton, Patrick; Schildt, Herbert

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0072130849 ISBN 13: 9780072130843

Publisher: Osborne/McGraw-Hill, 2000

Synopsis

Java - a core programming language - enables programmers to develop secure, robust, platform-independent programmes to be delivered across networks and run on a variety of computers and devices. This work provides coverage of the Java language, demonstrating all the skills needed to develop, compile, debug and run Java applications and applets.

About this title

Review:

For a supposedly easy-to-use language Java has generated a range of enormous books. The ever excellent Schildt continues the tradition--even allowing for the added coverage of Java 1.3--in this 1,000+ word tome.

Schildt divides the book into four parts. The first third is a solid tutorial on Java programming with neat code examples showing how various features work. Nearly half is taken up with a detailed view of the Java Library followed by 150 pages on Java software development. The last section dissects four Java applets.

Although described as a reference, Java 2: The Complete Reference is a lot more than a list of facts. There's advice, demonstrations of best practice, asides for those using languages such as C and C++ and a pleasant absence of the justifications for various Java design decisions which clog so many books on the subject. Schildt takes the line that Java is the future for Net and networked programs. Coming from perhaps the best-selling writer on C and C++ this is more than interesting. It's a pity Microsoft didn't read it. Perhaps it would have changed its mind about supporting Java.

One oddity is the way Schildt gives more coverage to the largely superseded AWT, the Abstract Window Toolkit, than to its easier and more flexible replacement, Swing. However, both are big areas; perhaps Schildt thinks you should be reading books dealing specifically with these subjects. He'll probably write one. --Steve Patient

Review:

First developed in 1991, Java is an excellent first language for the aspiring programmer because of its growing popularity in the development community; seasoned pros will find it easy to learn. Primary among this revised edition's offerings is information on the recently released Java 1.3, known as the 2.0 in the techie world becuase it represents such a major upgrade. Schildt, a renowned programming author, skillfully combines code, theory, and reference matter. Libraries that already own the third edition (1999) should purchase, as Java 1.3 is the only version that Sun Microsystems now supports.

About this edition

• Publisher: Osborne/McGraw-Hill
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0072130849
• ISBN 13: 9780072130843
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 4
• Number of pages: 1040