Big Java: Late Objects is a comprehensive introduction to Java and computer programming, which focuses on the principles of programming, software engineering, and effective learning. It is designed for a two-semester first course in programming for computer science students. Using an innovative visual design that leads readers step-by-step through intricacies of Java programming, Big Java: Late Objects instills confidence in beginning programmers and confidence leads to success.
BIG JAVA + LATE OBJECTS = A GREAT INTRODUCTION TO JAVA PROGRAMMING
Nobody supports your desire to teach students good programming skills like Cay Horstmann. Active in both the classroom and the software industry, Horstmann knows that meticulous coding--not shortcuts--is the base upon which great programmers are made. Using an innovative visual design that leads students step-by-step through the intricacies of Java programming, Big Java: Late Objects instills confidence in beginning programmers, and confidence leads to success.
Key Features
- This new text provides the Horstmann approach for an objects-late, one, two or three term comprehensive introduction to Java. The text includes a full range of topics including GUI, Data Structures, Web Applications, and many others.
- Presents fundamentals first:
Big Java: Late Objects takes a traditional path through the material, stressing control structures, methods, and procedural decomposition before object-oriented programming. Objects are used when appropriate in the early chapters. Students start designing and implementing their own classes in Chapter 8.
- A focus on problem solving:
The text includes practical, step-by-step illustrations of techniques that can help students devise and evaluate solutions to programming problems. Introduced within the chapters where they are most relevant, these strategies include:
- Algorithm design (using pseudocode)
- Hand-tracing
- Storyboards
- Stepwise refinement
Video Examples feature Cay Horstmann explaining the steps he is taking and showing his work as he solves a programming problem.
- Practice makes perfect:
Before students begin to implement nontrivial programs, they need to have the confidence to succeed. Each section concludes with self-check questions and Practice It pointers that suggest exercises to try. A wealth of programming assignments, plus online practice opportunities such as guided lab exercises, code completion questions, and skill-oriented multiple-choice questions provide ample opportunity for student practice.
- A visual approach motivates the reader and eases navigation
Photographs present visual analogies that explain the nature and behavior of computer concepts. Step-by-step figures illustrate complex programming operations. Syntax boxes and example tables clearly present a variety of typical and special cases in a compact format. Visuals can be browsed by students prior to focusing on the textual material.
- Guidance and worked examples help students succeed
Beginning programmers often ask "How do I start?" and "Now what do I do?" While an activity as complex as programming cannot be reduced to cookbook-style instructions, step-by-step guidance is immensely helpful for building confidence and providing an outline for tasks at hand. The book contains a large number of How To guides for common tasks, together with additional worked examples and videos on the web.
