Java for Dummies

by Barry Burd

A new edition of the bestselling guide to Java

If you want to learn to speak the world’s most popular programming language like a native, Java For Dummies is your ideal companion. With a focus on reusing existing code, it quickly and easily shows you how to create basic Java objects, work with Java classes and methods, understand the value of variables, learn to control program flow with loops or decision-making statements, and so much more!

Java is everywhere, runs on almost any computer, and is the engine that drives the coolest applications. Written for anyone who’s ever wanted to tackle programming with Java but never knew quite where to begin, this bestselling guide is your ticket to success! Featuring updates on everything you’ll encounter in Java 9—and brimming with tons of step-by-step instruction—it’s the perfect resource to get you up and running with Java in a jiffy!

Discover the latest features and tools in Java 9 Learn to combine several smaller programs to create a bigger program Create basic Java objects and reuse code Confidently handle exceptions and events

If you’re ready to jump into Java, this bestselling guide will help keep your head above water!

Genres: Programming, Computer Science, Nonfiction, Computers, Technology, Reference, Coding

504 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 11, 2006

Reviews

[Howard Ray]

This is an excellent book for any beginner developer who wants to learn basic programming skills. It is also a great book for an experienced developer who wants to bring his skills to the next level by learning Java.

[Moodi Hamad]

Very helpful, very easy to get into eve if you have no idea how to do anything with Java (well, i guess that's why it's called "for dummies")!

[Coda Apple]

I mog nimma.
Kann Buch nichts dafür tho.

[Andre]

I first picked up Java For Dummies when I was younger, hoping it would give me a good foundation in Java. However, after working through it, I found it didn’t really help me make much progress. The book offers basic explanations but doesn't dive into real-world applications or more complex coding challenges. It often feels like a money grab aimed at beginners who don’t know any better. If you're seriously interested in learning to code, I’d recommend skipping books like this in favor of online courses or resources like MIT OpenCourseWare, which offer much more depth and practical experience.

I’m only giving it 3 stars because the author, Barry Burd, is a UIUC alum, and I have to show some appreciation for that! But overall, this book doesn’t provide enough value for anyone looking to gain meaningful coding skills.

[Omar]

It was a decent read even though i thought it would be more advance than the other book "beginning programming with java".

Some topics were not explained thoroughly; especially lambda expressions and that was very sad.

I hope their 3rd book would be better

[Henry]

It taught me Java fairly well(with help of online material) but it was kind of tough to read and didn't cover enough topics or enough topics thuroughly

[Colin Hoad]

An excellent introduction to the Java programming language, and programming in general. Not only does Barry Burd write in a refreshing, straight-forward style, he also does a great job of explaining object-oriented programming in a way that finally sunk in for me (and I've been programming for many years).

Whether you're an experienced programmer who's new to Java (like me) or just a plain beginner to programming of any kind, this book is pitched equally well.

[Lyle Appleyard]

REading a technology book from 1996 is like reading a history book. The internet and technology have changed so much. It was meat to see a snapshot of what it was like then. Seventy percent of the browsers were Netscape. Where is it now? The idea of sound and video coming over the internet was an ambitious dream. Music files were in the uLaw format. Some of the information is still relevant. Java did catch on.

[Zuzana]

So useful if you want to learn this programming language. If you have studied before another programming language, you should jump some chapters. But, if you have time, I recommend you to read the whole book because it has a lot of interesting things that I didn't know and the professors don't tell you at University.

[Curtis]

One of the better intro's to programming in general that I looked through before I began, I can now create basic java applications after a week of readig and practice. Would have hoped for a little more meat but it was good.

[Lyle Appleyard]

A recruiter recommended that I learn some Java. Like all Dummies book, this was good for someone who knows nothing about the subject. It was good start to learning Java. I will have to do some practial work to become more confident in it.

[Dreyden]

A very basic intro to Java fundamentals. For me, someone who doesn't understand programming at all, helped me get through my Java class. The book uses very simple analogies and metaphors to explain the basics of the Java programming language.

[David]

Good beginner's guide to Java, especially for someone with some programming experience.

[Moshe Zioni]

God. This is by far the worst tech book I have ever encountered, not to mention bought. (I was young...)

[Trilok Reddy]

It was indeed a good book providing a very good insight of the know hows of java and what it is capable of.