Java Illuminated: .

I transferred schools between Java I and Java II classes. Of course different school, different text, now I'm not complaining, but it does give me an opportunity to compare the two textbooks. My previous school used the "Starting Out with Java" by Tony Gaddis. This book, while informative and chocked full of Java programming goodness, it is difficult to read and is reminiscent of computer programming texts written in the 1970's and 1980’s by computer programmers for computer programmers. Java Illuminated uses a different approach. The authors simplify things into small digestible chunks that are easy to take in and understand the first time you read it. The best way to learn to program is to write programs! While both books provide example code, the Gaddis' text is sometimes confusing because it leaves out some code or over complicates the code. Java Illuminated also provides a plethora of examples and programming exercises that are designed to reinforce the subject at hand. But the author's use of the example code is to the point and very easy to understand and they never skip steps or omit code. I did not find the book to be overly priced. Many students, myself included, have found on numerous occasions that the required textbook for a class exceeds $480! Yes, for one book and with no used copies available. So, a text costing $100 to $150 for a new book is really not that bad. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for, and support the College Open Textbook Community. My only complaint is that there is no electronic version of the book. I'm of the mindset that all textbooks should be available in print and multiple electronic formats (Kindle, PDF, iPad, etc...). If you are a professor or teacher looking for a new Java programming text, this should be it!

A new copy of this is cheaper than both a new and a used copy of it in my university's book store. I bought a new one because my major includes Java, so having a reference is nice. As for it's contents I haven't gone too deep in it but so far I think it's descriptive and the CD that comes with it can help you set up if you don't know what sort of tools to use to start writing code. The key it has has some problems for you to do on a website that can be good for both self-service and classroom-setting homework. I would've preferred a hard cover version but this'll do.

So I bought this book right through this product page. About a month into my class I find out there's two different versions of the book, The regular version and an abridged or brief edition. This abridged edition does not contain the last 5 chapters: exceptions and input/output, GUI, recursion, data structures, running time analysis. Fortunately I was able to return the book in the return period but don't make the same mistake I did.

I really liked this book. I rented it for my very first computer science course. I found the book very clear, easy to understand and good for a newbie (I knew nothing about coding before this book.) In fact, I liked it so much I decided to bought one (it was expensive when I needed it so I rented, but when the semester was over I found a used one for just a few dollars on Amazon.)

I'm a huge skeptic of textbooks because so many of them are useless. However, after just taking my first java class I could not complain about this book. It shows how to do things very simply. No overcomplication and always with a clear example to explain topics. Even after the class is over I still use this as a reference when I'm programming.

Although it is a paperback, this text held together while two others of the same size did not. Since it is also an easy-to-use presentation of Java, I would happily recommend it. The production of the book was very carefully done!

EXCELLENT book to learn JAVA - the BEST! Highly recommend it. Finally, a programming book that is worth buying for someone that is new to programming! GREAT prices on AMAZON! Definitely a book that is worth buying and keeping; even after your class is over.

This book was offered in my introduction to computer science class. It taught me all the basics really well. There are many exercises to test your programming skills.