Java 2 Black Book

By Steven Holzner

With more than 500 examples, Java Black Book covers Java from the most basic syntax to the most advanced Internet programming. Topics include Internet security, coverage of all Java Swing components,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1588800970
• ISBN13: 9781588800978
• Release Date: June 2001
• Publisher: Coriolis Group
• Length: 1192 Pages
• Weight: 4.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 2.3" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

A very good book

I am a c++ programmer that was suddenly given a very large java assignment out of the blue. I saw this book on sale for $5 at the local borders and am very glad that I bought it.The book uses a running dialog between a novice programmer and you(an experienced programmer) as the start of each section. While it is kind of corny, it does work out well. I didn't bother with the first couple of chapters as they cover basic programming, but instead I went striaght to the AWT and Swing sections. Each chapter covered it's stated area well enough that I could start working after looking over the code examples and skimming the text. When the auther modifies previous code, it is highlighted which makes life a lot easier.The book is over 1100 pages and includes two bonus chaperts on the companion cdrom. All in all, this is a great book for someone who is new to java.

One of the Best, But Not for the Complete Novice

This book stands out among introductory Java 2 books. Each chapter includes an "In Depth" section that covers a specific topic, followed by an "Immediate Use" section that walks you through some real-world hypotheticals based on the topic just covered. I found this approach not only unique, but very readable, even when not sitting in front of the PC. The author's writing style is accessible and clear, and even if I couldn't quite follow something, I found that my questions were answered within a few pages if I just kept on reading.The author claims that his goal was to fit as much Java into a single book as possible, at at 1200 or so pages, it's hard to doubt him. I have read several introductory Java books, and found this the most comprehensive and user-friendly. I will say that, having read some other books first, this material was really easy for me -- this might not be the case for someone who picks this up as a very first Java book. Still, I suspect that this, coupled with Sun's online tutorial "trails," should be enough for anyone serious about a course of self-study.Comparing this with others I've read, I'd say it's much easier reading than the excellent Core Java or Ivor Horton's Beginning Java 2, but much more comprehensive and sophisticated than Java Programming for Dummies, SAMS Teach Yourself Java 2 in 21 Days, or Sun's official The Java Tutorial (A Short Course on the Basics). I must also say that I preferred this to Deitels' Java 2 How to Program, although I have not seen the new 4th edition, which is supposed to be a substantial reworking.Another book to supplement this one is Bruce Eckel's Thinking in Java, which provides a much more thoughtful presentation of object-oriented programming with Java. In short, you really can't go wrong with this book, although if you are completely new to programming, you might require at least one additional very introductory text.

The best Java Book out there...

I own several huge Java books, and this is definitely the best. Do note that the author assumes you can program already, and it says so on the back of the book! This book is very thorough, and is extremely easy to use. It is ideal for looking up Java techniques quickly and easily. If you already know some other language and are looking to learn Java fast...look no further.

Look No Further

Steve Holzner's educational/narrative approach in the "JAVA Black Book" is insiteful (sp?), concise, and witty. Having some experience with C, C++, and other such languages I consider myself an intermidiate programmmer. This book applies to all groups - from the beginner (which I was for Java) to the advanced. It covers and explores all of the relavant topics without breezing through anything loosely. I bought a copy for myself, one for my work, and two for friends of mine. Highly recommend this one!

Java Black Book - Exceptionally Well-Done Reference Book

I am fairly new to Java Programmning, and I have tried several different texts to assist my learning curve. Some of the books have helped me, but the Java Black Book is the first one that I consider both complete and easily understood in each of its sections. The author takes time to ensure that the reader can get Java's basic constructs down before continuing. The use of the Novice Programmer and the mentor is a neat way of explaining each secion's purpose. Also when demonstrating a function, method, etc. the author uses the entire program rather than a snippet. This allows the novice programmer to see where the new material fits into the process. This book is definitley made for learning Java, and it will be my first reference source while programming.