Java: The Good Parts - is it enjoyable and easy to read like Head First?

[Ustad Hanif]

Hi Jim, my question is rather strange as it is directed at you the author who will obviously have a biased opinion But I am hoping that the book will be presented in a similar fashion to that of the Head First Series. I generally fall asleep with technical books but the Head First books are extremely well written, decorated with humor and explanations of key concepts are very easy to understand and grasp. Having been a Perl programmer all these years, I recently (3+ years now) switched over to Java and was very happy with the Head First approach. So can I expect this type of quality from this book?

Many thanks!

Ustad

[KayCee Clark]

I found the book to be easy to read, though a more traditional style than the Heads First books. The style was clear and it did not jump deep into the middle of any topics with no warning. There was always coverage of the basics surrounding the topic.

Probably better appreciated if you know more than one language, but that's just me - - - I like to think about the development of languages and the differences between them.

[Jim Waldo]

I think that the head-first approach is terrific. If I could write that way, I would. Unfortunately, I can't.

My book is not really designed to teach you Java in the way the head-first books are. Instead, I assume that you have some experience with the language, and need to be reminded (or learn for the first time) of the importance of particular aspects of the language. I tried to have some humor in the book, and I tried to give both a design and an historical perspective.

But it isn't a head-first approach. Those folks have teaching magic that I've never obtained.

[Vijitha Kumara]

I think that the head-first approach is terrific. If I could write that way, I would...

I think it's more appropriate to teach people the new things when they start off as it is being used mostly by the original authors.

[Ustad Hanif]

Thanks for your honesty Jim I'll definitely pick up the book (or hopefully win it through this forum And will look forward to seeing your perspective on the importance of particular aspects of the language and hopefully adopting best practices!

thanks Jim!