Java for Students

by Douglas Bell, Mike Parr

This book is for novicesIf you have never done any programming before - if you are a complete novice - this book is for you. This book assumes no prior knowledge of programming. It starts from scratch. It is written in a simple, direct style for maximum clarity. It is aimed at first level students at universities and colleges, but it is also suitable for novices studying alone.The approach of this bookWe explain how to use objects early in this book. Our approach is to start with the ideas of variables, assignment and methods, then introduce the use of objects created from library classes. Next we explain how to use control structures for selection and looping. Then comes the treatment of how to write your own classes.We wanted to make sure that the fun element of programming was paramount, so we use graphics right from the start. We think graphics is fun, interesting and clearly demonstrates all the important principles of programming. But we haven't ignored programs that input and output text - they are also included.The programs we present use many of the features of a graphical user interfaces (GUIs), such as buttons, scroll bars and text boxes. But we also explain how to write console programs in Java.We introduce new ideas carefully one-at-a-time, rather than all at once. So, for example, there is a single chapter on writing methods. We introduce simple ideas early and more sophisticated ideas later on.

528 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 19, 1997

Reviews

[Meghan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found this book very difficult to read. The author tends to repeat himself in meaningless ways. I finished the class this book was assigned for feeling like I did not know the basics for creating my own code. (Though I could tweak existing programs just fine.)

[Stephanie Ludi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually have a slightly older edition, but this book is easy to understand and follow for those interested in learning Java. They show how to integrate UI into early programs.