Head First Java, 2nd Edition,   ISBN:9780596009205

Customer Rating: 

I was a little confused about how to set up the Java compiler at first. The instructions in the book were basic and unclear. The author assumed you had some experience setting up compilers already and that you knew where to save your files and how to set up your command prompt. I was lost at first, but Google told me where to get the Java Development Kit and NetBean (a Java text editor).

I would take a star off, but the beginning says that the book is intended for people who have tried at least some basic programming before. They weren't talking about HTML.

Besides the initial set up, I have had no other trouble. I've done some programming with Javascript, PHP, and just a bit of C++. I know all about variables, operators and loops, but not enough to actually do anything useful. For me, the pace of this book is perfect so far. I try to do a chapter a day, and this text is entertaining enough that I'm not counting the pages until the chapter ends.

If you want to learn Java, get this book. But if you are completely new to programming you will want to spend more time in the first few chapters. If you hit a confusing section, you can use Google and forums to clear things up.

Customer Rating: 

I have loved it since I received it. It is really helping to learn the java language. I recommend it to all of you.

Customer Rating: 

When I first head of Java, I became very interested in the programming language and started looking for good books and resources to learn it, I tell you, it was a hard road, but I finally found Head First Java.

The book consider you're a beginner on programming and want to learn Java, if that's your case, go ahead, there's no better book to do it.

It starts with very basic concepts of objects, structured programming going to methods, API, classes, interfaces, inheritance, polymorphism and advanced concepts like RMI(Remote Method Invocation), Threads and sockets. But what's best: It covers these topics in a very friendly way, don't expect this book to be that thick books with text only, no, almost every page got a picture to illustrate what they're trying to explain and they know what they're doing, author Kathy Sierra has good knowledge of meta cognition, that is, she knows how the brain "learn".

The negative point could be that it doesn't cover databases and some topics are covered superficially, but I think with the basic knowledge of that concept, you can learn the rest yourself.

A great book, very recommended! 5 Stars, no doubt.

Customer Rating: 

I am using this book as part of a graduate-level beginning Java course. This book is both a fun and easy read, guiding you through the fundamentals of the language at a pace you don't even realize until you're done with a chapter. I have taken Java before, so it made the book even easier for me than it would be for most newbies, but it's still highly accessible for anyone with a basic programming background. I like doing puzzles, so the challenges they put at the end of each chapter, and within the chapters, were awesome! One tip: read the Intro section of the book--it lets you understand the approach the book takes a lot better, including that you can enjoy the experience!

Customer Rating: 

This book is almost as good as the hype. It's perfect for learning Java, especially if you have a bit of a programming background. Java for Dummies is better if you have NO programming or Java experience. If you've taken an entry level college programming course, this book is perfect. Some of the examples I still think got a little convoluted, but only a few. Recommended.