Java rescources

[Berryl]

I'm taking an introductory Java course this semester, but know very little about programming. The class "textbook" is sams teach yourself Java in 21 days. From reading reviews it seems a textbook to help fill in the details is in order, and maybe a resource to learn basic programming. I was thinking of getting Core Java Volume I to fill in details, but would Java: the Complete Reference be a better source? Your input on what book/resources are best for the situation is greatly appreciated.

[PhHein]

Hi,
it's often a matter of personal preferences. There are hundreds of online tutorials and as many books about Java.
I think Head first Java by Bates and Sierra is a great book for beginners. Although it is older, it still covers the basics. Have a look at the ratings at amazon to get an idea which books are good.
The Oracle online tutorials also cover quite a lot of topics: The Really Big Index
Regards,
Phil

[Ada Lovelace]

Personally, I think the teach yourself series are rushed out when written as each
chapter skips over important concepts of what it is teaching, and because it is a quick
how-to book - most of the core features of the language covered are left out.

I like Deitel's "how to program" series - I learnt C from them alongside college back in the
early 2000s and found the books are very detailed with lots of discussion and sample
programs. Plus, each chapter has lots of review questions and loads of exercises so you
can actually put what you learnt into practice.

Head First, as mentioned by Phil. is also a good book series. It is written in a "child like"
way, with pencil notes and scribbles over the pages, but does have wealth of information.
They do tend to stick with the GUI/AWT topics over the core language basics however.

Wishes Ada xx