For courses in Java ProgrammingThis package includes MyProgrammingLab™ Layered, Back-to-Basics Approach to Java ProgrammingNewly revised and updated, this Fourth Edition of Building Java A Back to Basics Approach uses a layered strategy to introduce Java programming and overcome the high failure rates that are common in introductory computer science courses. The authors’ proven and class-tested “back to basics” approach introduces programming fundamentals first, with new syntax and concepts added over multiple chapters. Object-oriented programming is discussed only once students have developed a basic understanding of Java programming. Previous editions have established the text’s reputation as an excellent choice for two-course sequences in introductory computer science, and new material in the Fourth Edition incorporates concepts related to Java 8, functional programming, and image manipulation. This package includes MyProgrammingLab, an online learning system designed to engage students and improve results. MyProgrammingLab consists of a set of programming exercises correlated to specific Pearson CS1/Intro to Programming textbooks. Through practice exercises and immediate, personalized feedback, MyProgrammingLab improves the programming competence of beginning students who often struggle with the basic concepts of programming languages. MyProgrammingLab should only be purchased when required by an instructor. Please be sure you have the correct ISBN and Course ID. Instructors, contact your Pearson representative for more information.
I think it's a good read. I found it practical and easy to understand, even though I'm not a big fan of computer books, I'm more into documentation and tecnhical manuals.
I read half of it for the first semester of a two-semester introductory computer science sequence at my school. I have prior programming experience, but I had to take the course in order to take the more advanced courses that I'm actually interested in. As far as programming texts go, it's good. The explanations are clear and not overly pedantic, and I picked up some new tidbits of knowledge here and there.
The book has a "show you how not to do it" approach where it has code blocks showing the wrong way to do things, sometimes multiple times, followed by the correct code block. The incorrect code blocks are supposedly examples of common mistakes made by novice programmers. Maybe it was due to my prior experience, but the incorrect code blocks were hard for me to follow logically, so I tended to skip them and just read the correct code block.
If you're using the book for a class, and you're new to programming, you'll learn a lot. Chances are that's the only way you've heard of this book anyway, and with the standard rip-off textbook price, probably the only way you'd ever buy it.
The authors did a great job explaining the history of the language and its usage... But delivered the material in a disorganized manner. Objects were not introduced until about 30% into the material. I found that I was completely confused for the first half of the book, learning and unlearning the information all while trying to reorganize the material in my head.
On a good note, the examples and references were extremely helpful in understanding the basics of logical reasoning.
I think I'd have liked the book better if objects were introduced parallel to primitive data types.
Excellent supplemental textbook for learning Java fundamentals, and building data structures from scratch as opposed to implementing the Java Collections Framework.
Only read chpt 6, chpt 8 to 17 and skipped those that is really fundamentals. A very good book that gives user a very clear understanding on the concept of OOP.