"Java: Just in Time" is a practical, user-friendly introduction to object-oriented programming with Java. Concentrating on basics first, the book introduces objects, only after the reader is comfortable with programming fundamentals--avoiding the pitfalls of "objects-first" learning. With programming examples that demonstrate theory in a practical setting, as well as slides, source code and tips online, here is a highly accessible guide to Java programming that keeps pace with a reader's growing skill level and interest.
As a computer science student at The University of Manchester this book is required reading and is an essential part of our lab work.
During and after the course this book has been invaluable. It is incredibly well written with a lot of thought-provoking material. The book contains a huge amount of exercises to practise Java with and uses a thought provoking method of 'coffee times' which serves to enhance knowledge beyond the simple 'this is what this does'... to...'I wonder what this will do?'.
The book is constantly challenging your knowledge on subjects and goes very in-depth into Java starting with simple topics such as logic and going all the way up to inheritance, recursion and generics.
By far the best Java book I have ever read and will undoubtedly continue to be a fantastic reference book for many years to come.