Which is best reference book for Java Introduction?

[Smita Rewaskar]

I would be conducting a course on 'Introduction to Java' & would like to know which is the best book to refer to students.

[Vishwanath Krishnamurthi]

To start with Java, I really liked "Java2 Complete Reference" by Herbert Schildt
-It is simple and clear, and was an easy, fast read.

Whenever I wanted to learn more on the concept, I referred,
Java, How to Program by Deitel
-This book is formal, covers a lot of topics, talks a lot about good programming practices, etc...

However I think, for a student to develop an interest in Java and have lots of fun reading,
"Head First Java" by Kathy Sierra and Bert Bates would be very good.

[arahan mishra]

Vishwanath Murthi wrote:To start with Java, I really liked "Java2 Complete Reference" by Herbert Schildt
-It is simple and clear, and was an easy, fast read.

Whenever I wanted to learn more on the concept, I referred,
Java, How to Program by Deitel
-This book is formal, covers a lot of topics, talks a lot about good programming practices, etc...

However I think, for a student to develop an interest in Java and have lots of fun reading,
"Head First Java" by Kathy Sierra and Bert Bates would be very good.

Hi ALL,
According to me the best is Wrox - Beginning Java 2 JDK 5 Edition.

[K. Tsang]

I recommend "Thinking in Java" by Bruce Eckel for overall concepts for OO and Java. For more hands-on and examples, I recommend "Java How to Program" by Deitels.

[Cameron Wallace McKenzie]

I liked Java for Dummies, it's even more basic than Head First. I'd go Head First when students are a bit more serious.

-Cameron McKenzie

[Kaydell Leavitt]

GreenFoot is free, open-source software which is good for very young learners.
http://www.greenfoot.org/

BlueJ is free, open-source software which is good for intermediate learners.
http://www.bluej.org/

"Barron's AP Computer Science..." book is a good introduction. The link below is a good book that is available inexpensively because the AP Exam is only available now for AP Computer Science A, and the AP Computer Science, level AB has been discontinued for college-credit, but this book is still available and covers both level A and level AB.
http://www.amazon.com/Barrons-AP-Computer-Science-Levels/dp/0764137093/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1250639829&sr=8-1

Eclipse is free, open-source software which is good for advanced learners and for professional software engineers.
http://www.eclipse.org/

Here is a link to the Computer Science Teacher's Association:
http://www.csta.acm.org/

I hope that this information helps you.

-- Kaydell

[Elisabeth Robson]

Does anyone have a good book recommendation, or online tutorial, for learning how to use Eclipse and Java together?

Thanks!

Elisabeth

[Anayonkar Shivalkar]

Smita Rewaskar wrote:I would be conducting a course on 'Introduction to Java' & would like to know which is the best book to refer to students.

Hi Smita,

As you've not mentioned your experience/comfort level with programming/OO concepts etc., it is difficult to recommend one good book for Java.

If you are already aware of OO concepts, then Core Java is really nice book. Thought lengthy, book explains reasons behind design decisions in very nice manner.

I hope this helps.

[Bert Bates]

Of course I have a favorite

But seriously, whatever book you choose, I'd recommend a book that's focuses on learning and that doesn't try to be BOTH a learning book AND a reference guide.

hth,

Bert

[Palak Mathur]

Smita Rewaskar wrote:I would be conducting a course on 'Introduction to Java' & would like to know which is the best book to refer to students.

Thinking in Java by Bruce Eckel is one fine book.