Java Book

Hey, I am new to this forum and would like help in selecting the right book for me. I am quite familiar with the java language as I have been working with it for the past 6 months or so. I have even cleared the SCJP exam. Heres the thing: I know that I know a lot of java but I am still not confident. I have read the complete reference to java by schildt and I didn't like it at all. It maybe due to the fact that Kathy's style of writing was extremely engaging(the SCJP book) and well schildt couldn't live upto my expectations. I now have two other options, the 1st one is Java How to program by Deitel and Deitel and the other is Core Java by Hortsmann and Cornell. my question is which of the two books should I read taking into consideration that I am not a beginner and would like to delve into some difficult concepts(but restricted to core java).

anshul .an wrote:...Core Java by Hortsmann and Cornell ...

I have read this book and found the examples are good. And also the Volume 2 goes into advanced topics. Best way is to participate in some open source projects- that way you can get into advanced APIs of Java. Also you can start working on Enterprise java as well.

thanks for your reply! I would definitely like to be a part of some project if theres an opportunity. So I think I'll start with cornell then.

anshul .an wrote:thanks for your reply! I would definitely like to be a part of some project if theres an opportunity. So I think I'll start with cornell then.

Apache has few projects. And wait for the feedback from other members. I dont know about the book by Deitel as I havent referred it. You can even read books like- Effective Java.

You can also consider “Thinking in Java” by Bruce Eckel as option. It is good book.

Depending how much other programming experience you have outside of Java you may want to think about checking out a book on design patterns. It sounds like you have a pretty solid foundation to build from and the next step could be focusing on efficient ways of organizing and setting up your programs, you will likely come across a handful of totally new concepts while doing so as well. Head First Design Patterns is a nice place to start if you have no experience with patterns. Another option you might want to think about is Effective Java by Joshua Bloch, it is a fantastic book with loads of specific items that will help a Java programmer at any level (it also has a handful of design patterns scattered throughout as well).

If you are just looking for a very detailed overview of core Java though, Thinking in Java as Harnoor suggested is a good choice, just be prepared for a LONG read (the book is something like 1400 pages if I remember right) and it is not as interesting as any Kathy Sierra book as you have already commented on as being very easy to read, but Thinking in Java is full of great and detailed content.

+1 for Design Patterns

In the JavaRanch Bunkhouse we have many book reviews. Have a look!

thank you everyone for your prompt replies! I was really confused about where to go for advice and it seems i made the right decision by visiting the Ranch . I agree with bobby and think that its time I started with some design patterns. I am really broke at the moment so i wont be able to buy a new book until next month, so I'll start with Cornell for the time being and go for Head first the first thing next month. Hey, adding to my question, I would like to ask if Killer game programming in java is a good beginners book for game development? also I don't have any idea about apache so can you please explain it to me. It would be a great help if you could!

Welcome to the Ranch

I would suggest that you will not need Head First Java™ after you have worked through Horstmann and Cornell.

Well we are glad you came here to the Ranch! You may want to check and see if your local libraries have some of these books, I know even just the local city library where I live gives access to a large number of online digital collections which have had pretty much all the books I have wanted so far. Sometimes it can be a chore to do serious reading for long periods on your screen, but it has its advantages too! Not to mention if you are a programmer you are used to looking at the screen anyways! Good luck to you!

Head First Java should be a good book. If you are looking for a fast paced code oriented book try "Approach Java" written by me.