Beginning Programming with Java For Dummies

• Covering everything from basic Java development concepts to the latest tools and techniques used in Java, this book will put would-be programmers on their way to Java mastery
• Explores what goes into creating a program, how to put the pieces together, dealing with standard programming challenges, debugging, and making it work
• Updated for the release of the Java SDK 2.0, with all examples revised to reflect the changes in the technology

Basically, this book was written for the novice. If novice is too generous a term for you, then this book will be perfect. Even if you only thought Java was another name for coffee and only use a computer to word-process on and want to pick up a hobby or perhaps a job skill, you will benefit from this book. The author, Barry Burd, really knows his stuff. He is able to explain such complicated conceptual areas such as objects, classes and arrays better than my CS 101 prof. He also keeps it lively if things get too abstract by analogies and often throws a joke in a section. The book, as a result, is somewhat entertaining in addition to being informative. He uses language that any lay person could easily understand (but if you want to read this because you are going into a computer science class, it's a good place to start, but you will need another book to help you learn the terminology).

In spite of the stigma attached to the "For Dummies" book series (at least it's not as bad as "The Complete Idiot's guide"), this is a book written for people who just want to get to know the language and write some simple programs (or more). I would highly recommend it to anyone getting started here, as well as Java 2 by the same author.


The Only Good Beginning Java Book   October 14, 2004
Scott Baret (Pittsburgh, PA USA)
13 out of 14 found this review helpful

I took a class in Java last year and was very unhappy with the Deitel book used, as it was lacking understandable material and humor. When I went to the library I found a bunch of Java books but they all looked too confusing to me. I got home and used a trusty ol' Amazon search and found this book. I immediately went in a mad search around Pittsburgh for this book, as I didn't have time to wait for the shipping. I found it and was glad I bought it. It's clear, humorous, and is so well-written that even a person in their 80s could figure out how to program. Buy this--you'll be glad you did.


Great Great Great Book!!   November 12, 2003
Alex Hardwick (Illinois)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

This is a great book for those who have had no previous experience with programming at all.

In the previous year I taught myself html (not very hard) so I thought that I could learn a programming language myself, so I went over to the bookstore and picked up a copy of beginning programming with java and right when I started reading it I immediatly was interested in the subject because the author Barry Burd made it fun and interesting I reccomend this for all users who want to start programming and have no idea what they are doing.

Even younger people such as teenagers can get this concept me being one myself proves this.


Great Book!   October 18, 2005
Irtaza Naqvi (Endgland)
14 out of 17 found this review helpful

I have been Programming in C++ for quite a while and thought I might give Java a go as many people had recommended it to me.When i got this book, all i could say was, WOW!This book really helped me in getting started with Java. It cleared up ALOT of things that i was confused on. One of the books i had on Java was "Using Java 2 platform, Special Edition" by Joseph L. Weber was a great book, however it did not explain some topics clear enough, But after getting Beginning Programming With Java, it cleared up alot of things for me. To be honest, Most of the "For Dummies" Book's for Programming Arent that clear and are very confusing, However, This book is the only exception. It is great and i recommend it to anyone who wants to get started In Java.


a message to Dr. Burd   March 2, 2006
Several (PA USA)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I offer my review in the form of an email I recently sent to the author:

Dr. Burd,

I have to tell you how much I love your Java programming book. I've been searching for a way into the mysterious world of programming for quite some time, and yours is the best by far! A few years ago I took a intro programming class in which BASIC was used as the learning tool. Unfortunately it bored me to tears. In my quest for a successful self-study course I had trouble finding a book that kept me engaged. That is until I found your book! Thank you for finally giving me a route to programming that works for me!