Book Reviews

Here at David's Odyssey we know how frustrating it can be to pay for a useless computer book, so we have carefully selected and reviewed several popular Java(tm) books. All these books contributed in some way to the development of this website.

• Discover Java - complete with a bonus cd, this beginner's guide to Java is quick to get you started creating fairly advanced applets and applications. Though the cd does not contain as much as other books (only a few samples and the JDK), its "Web Path" feature is very useful in providing references to related Web websites. ***
  
  
• Java in a Nutshell - an excellent, value for money book that contains all the information you need without the junk. You will find many examples and class library documentation not found in many 'more accessible' books. Some great features include a handy quick-reference format and a quick-start introduction for C or C++ programmers. *****
  
  
• Java for Dummies - rather than containing information about how to write the Java language, this book teaches you how to use Java applets and JavaScript scripts in your website. This book gives some information on the history of Java and includes a bonus cd full of applets and scripts, but for a serious programmer it lacks real content. **
  
  
• Teach Yourself Java 1.1 in 21 Days - this book is good if you want to get started with Java. It provides detailed information about the fundamental concepts of Java itself. The bonus cd contains detailed documentation and examples, though the books and cd both contain several errors. ***
  
  
• The Java Programming Language - this is an extremely well written reference book for beginning and advanced programmers from the creators of the Java technology. Java's commands, constructs and libraries are presented with lots of examples. A great book, however, there is not much content if your goal is to learn about writing Java. ****