Learning a complex new language is no easy task especially when it s an object-oriented computer programming language like Java. You might think the problem is your brain. It seems to have a mind of its own, a mind that doesn't always want to take in the dry, technical stuff you're forced to study. The fact is your brain craves novelty. It's constantly searching, scanning, waiting for something unusual to happen. After all, that's the way it was built to help you stay alive. It takes all the routine, ordinary, dull stuff and filters it to the background so it won't interfere with your brain's real work--recording things that matter. How does your brain know what matters? It's like the creators of the Head First approach say, suppose you're out for a hike and a tiger jumps in front of you, what happens in your brain? Neurons fire. Emotions crank up. Chemicals surge. That's how your brain knows. And that's how your brain will learn Java. Head First Java combines puzzles, strong visuals, mysteries, and soul-searching interviews with famous Java objects to engage you in many different ways. It's fast, it's fun, and it's effective. And, despite its playful appearance, Head First Java is serious stuff: a complete introduction to object-oriented programming and Java. You'll learn everything from the fundamentals to advanced topics, including threads, network sockets, and distributed programming with RMI. And the new. second edition focuses on Java 5.0, the latest version of the Java language and development platform. Because Java 5.0 is a major update to the platform, with deep, code-level changes, even more careful study and implementation is required. So learning the Head First way is more important than ever. If you've read a Head First book, you know what to expect--a visually rich format designed for the way your brain works. If you haven't, you're in for a treat. You'll see why people say it's unlike any other Java book you've ever read. By exploiting how your brain works, Head First Java compresses the time it takes to learn and retain--complex information. Its unique approach not only shows you what you need to know about Java syntax, it teaches you to think like a Java programmer. If you want to be bored, buy some other book. But if you want to understand Java, this book's for you.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 250 Ratings

Great book; it keeps your interest - 2009-11-08
Reviewer Rating:
I have no experience with Java, and very little with programming. This book is very easy to follow and does a good job explaining things. I've attempted to read other Java programming books and it was difficult to get past the first few chapters. I recommend this book to anyone looking to learn Java programming.

Too basic. Just a first step - 2009-11-08
Reviewer Rating:
This book is very very basic.

If you don't know ANY object oriented programming (C++ etc.) or have no access to any instructor AND have failed to learn anything from standard resources like the Java tutorial on Sun ... this may be a decent place to start and gain some confidence. If u know C++ or any other such language ... u are better off starting with the Java tutorials on Sun and then buying a decent book on Java.

The other issue with the book is ... every aspect of java is covered in one or two scenarios that makes your feel confident ... but the material on each topic is so high level that I doubt if you can go beyond that example armed with this knowledge.

In any case ... you will need a second book on Java ... so why buy this?

Better than my Java text book - 2009-11-03
Reviewer Rating:
I bought this after reading the first 5 chapters of my class text book and not being able to fully understand what I read. I found this book with better explanations and more examples that helps me grasp the fundamentals of Java. The authors explain the concepts in humorous and casual terms understandable from the beginning. The reading is very easy and I can retain this information. It has a wonderful format and it is very well organized book. I was able to compile some program in Java compiler without the IDE and I can debug, too.

This book is definitely a keeper in my library of references too!

I LOVE THIS BOOK - 2009-10-07
Reviewer Rating:
I have read this book many times. To me this is the required bible for anyone who wishes to learn Java.

The strongest part about this book is how it explaines object-oriented programming. But if you want a book with business application examples then this book may not be for you.

Still it should be on your bookshelf with your other Java and JSP books.

an interesting approach, but it's not the whole works - 2009-09-18
Reviewer Rating:
I found this book very useful during a Java class I took, but ONLY in conjunction with our textbook, which was much more technical. This book is excellent in the way it breaks down the difficult concepts involved in Java programming, and makes abstract ideas easier to understand. The sense of humor is nice too. Just make sure you have a more nuts-and-bolts book nearby.

The only major gripe I have about "Head First Java" is that the index is the worst I've ever seen. Looking up "loops", for instance, brings up a mere 4 pages, even though there are huge sections of the book that deal with looping methods. Whoever assembled the index for this book is a disgrace to their profession. Hopefully, when the 3rd edition comes out, the indexing will be done by someone who knows what they're doing.

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