teaching java - book

Hi, I'm going to be teaching Java next quarter to students who are expected to know C, but that is it.

This will be my first time teaching. Can anyone recommend a good book to use for the class. Most of my Java books are more of reference books than typical teaching books.

Thinking in Java is written for just such students. I wouldn't say it's the best book, but it is a good one and you can get a pdf for free.

Murach is very good. Also look at Ivor Horton's book. I have used both of them at various times. You can get a teacher's CD that contains some helpful material with the Murach book. I would avoid the Deitel books.

One other. While I wouldn't teach from it I would highly recommend your students to read it, and that is Joshua Bloch's book Effective Java. Besides being an absolutly great book t also includes a chapter on 'substitutes for C constructs'.

Thanks a lot guys. If you can think of any other books or advice such as on developing homework assignments I would greatly appreciate it.

One thing I can't stand is the standard 'Hello World' in Java. Please let that die. I never understood teaching an object oriented programming language by starting with the most un-object oriented example possible.

But maybe that's just me.

Why is the Deital book to be avoided?

And what is your opinion on Head First Java by Bert and Kathy?
I really liked their certification book, but I haven't seen their head first book, my local bookstore didn't have it in stock.

Damien -

We think it's appropriate

Seriously, we know of some teachers and schools that are using the books. If you'd like we could try to hook you up with them.

- Bert

Teaching Java for almost five years now in Classroom and via Distance Learning.

I teach Java at a two year college that has C as a prereq as well.

Suggestions

1. Absoulute Java (currenly use for DL) by Savitch, AW
2. Intro to Java, 5th ed. Liang, PH
3. T Paul's advice is good as well.
4. Gaddis' Java books upcomming from Scott Jones

I would recommend Deitel as a last resort. I do agree with TP above, The book goes fast, and cluttered, and crams a lot of material for a text book.

My PH rep said there was a lot of bad feedback about Deitel and other Java books have been cutting in adoptions and profits. They did change it up in the 5th ed (newest) they now have a small Java book.

Bert and Kathy books are good. I have copys of EJB and the first book. They are good books and I recommend them for reading.

Questions to Bert?

1. Do you have the numbers of how many academic colleges/universities use your text as primary for teaching Java?

2. Do you have plans to make it into a more textbook like?

JC

Head First Java is also a good book, it has easy to learn topics and nice graphical representation that helps students.

Just make sure you do not select Java Gently as your text book! I was advised from my old lecturer that it was the "best book around and it's the only book you need"! It has some good examples but apart from that, it belongs in the bin!

I wasn't too sure about the 'Head First Java' book. I encountered it from this site, but I thought that everyone was sucking up saying it's a great book. I decided to buy the Head First SCWCD book. After reading the book, I am a big big fan of the 'Head First' series. I have ADD and my concentration to read is not great! With this book, I couldn't put it down! The layout, clarity and visual representations are just superb! A lot of UK lecturers have jumped on board and put 'Head First Java' on their recommended learning list for their Java Units.

Hi,

Categorically and ***without reservation*** I would recommend the Head First series of books. At first I laughed: "is this a serious technical book or what?". But they work. They actually make you *understand* technology as opposed to just remember it - and that's really the key here. Unfortunately, I can imagine some universities not liking the format- pictures, cartoons, jokes etc. - maybe its not 'academic' enough for them.

If you want to remember stuff / accmmulate a level of knowledge that is inherently superficial in nature (such that you can mention enough words with enough context to make it -appear- that you know what you're talking about) - buy the regular books.

If you want to ***understand*** the technology - do things the Head First way.

I am reading the Java, JSP and Servlets and EJB ones at the moment and they are the best thing ever to happen to IT publishing.

Bert, Kathy et al. - cannot praise you enough.... the biggest sincerest thank you on behalf of all your readers!

Cheers,
Roger