Head First Java, 2nd Edition

I'm a fairly well versed programmer in some of the older style languages like C and C++. If you have some archaic C question, I may be your woman. I'm not so familiar with Java - in fact the last time I touched the language I could run to the local coffee shop, get a coffee, and get back to my program and it would just be starting up (back in the dark days, when java was really slow). Fast forward 12 years and not only is Java nimble and performant, but its something I need to know. Yesterday. Knowing this, I turned to the Head first series as they get their points across quickly and cleanly.Head First really does teach the topics so that you'll remember them. Most into programming books give you an example and you work through it. In Head First, yes there is an example, but the examinations happen via stories, diagrams, pictures, games and really good (bad) humor. What this means is that no matter how you learn, you'll find something that helps the concepts stick. Each chapter builds upon the last and each chapter reinforces lessons from before. You can tell that people who really know how to teach designed these books.Now this book is basic. I personally didn't mind reading about Objects and Object-Oriented design yet again. I also didn't mind reading about polymorphism, encapsulation, et al. The main reason for this is the presentation. Well that and there are a few subtle differences between C++ and Java that they talk about that I need to know. But mostly its the fun way they present the topics. I mean even if you know these topics cold, I still found some of their examples and comparisons well thought out and memorable. So much so in fact that I can see using them to help explain concepts to people I'll mentor or to marketing folks.If, however, you have programmed in Java before and are comfortable in the world of OO, and are looking for something to take you to the next step, I'd suggest you keep moving onto other books (Effective Java by Bloch is amazing). However, if you are new to Java, and even new to programming, you'll love the Head First books. The writing is clear and engaging (and correct!), the examples make sense, and way they tailor lessons to trigger different parts of your learning brain is really well done.

This was the required book for a Java class I recently took at our local community college and I'm thankful. Not only was it a bargain compared to so many of the extremely overpriced college texts, but it's been a great read. The authors have taken a less mainstream approach to teaching the subject. This is not one of the 800 page "Unleashed" type reference books.Instead of pages of dry text and syntax they've taken the approach to introduce a concept, give some "usually" runable code examples and further reinforce the concept with pictures/diagrams, humor and then wrap the chapter up with puzzles and other exercises. If you're starting out learning Java this is a great first step.More than once when a rather complicated concept was introduced and I went, "Huh?", the authors would continue to clarify the concept. They know the source material very well and seem to know the primary target audience very well.I had read some of the other reviews and one person claimed to have finished the book but stated the fact that they didn't learn enough to write any Java code. I find that statement impossible to believe. Even just working through the chapters you write lots of small programs from games to a music synthesizer. This book is intended to be the first step on your path to learning Java and while you won't be a master Java programmer after reading it, you will most definitely be on your way to building a solid foundation.This book does expect the reader to have decent knowledge of computers and at least some basic knowledge of programming concepts but other than that each chapter introduces the concepts in nice bite-sized chunks.My community college class only covered half the book but this book is easily useable for self-learning. I plan to re-read the book from the start and then continue through the 2nd half.