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Summary: If you know C++/MFC and want to learn Java, this is for you
Review: I'm an experienced C++/MFC/Win32/OO programmer and just started a new job where I'm doing 100% Java programming. I needed to get a solid introduction to all the major functionality of Java, so that I would know what it was capable of. This book does a great job. If you're really good at C++/OOP, you can quickly skim the first few chapters - they teach you the syntax and class concepts of Java, which are quite straightforward. After that, you get a brief but solid overview of all the major Java functionality - multithreading, utility classes, Swing, and database functionality. It gives you a great foundation, so that you can then dive into the JDK docs with no problems whatsoever. You can get through this book in 3-4 weekends of solid work, and in the end, you'll honestly be able to say you "know" Java 2.If you're a total newbie to programming, this book might be a little challenging. This book does not really try to teach you how to *program*. If you're an experienced OOP programmer who wants to learn Java, you'll love this book. I sure did.
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Summary: Good book for the beginner
Review: I bought this book a month ago to compliment a Java course that I am taking and I think that this is a great book for a beginner to learn from. Although I know C++ and OOP concepts, I decided to learn Java from the basics. 5 stars!!
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Summary: This is the best book I've come across upto now on Java
Review: I just bought it two days ago and I'm already deep into the book. I've looked around for a good book for months now and this is the second one I actually purchased after weeks and weeks of reading books on Java in the bookstores. It's well written and detailed. It says beginning Java but I think it's got more detail than you'd think a beginners book would. Definitly a good investment.
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Summary: The best choice for readers who have some knowledge of java
Review: I have readed Ivor's beginning for C++, and now I am reading Ivor's beginning for java. Although the Ivor's beginning is for beginner, actually they are very complete and detail, Ivor explains conceptions very clearly in his book. I got much from them very much, so I give five stars.
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Summary: Well written and comprehensive
Review: There is a lot to like about "Beginning Java 2." It provides excruciatingly detailed coverage of Java, written in a clear, intelligent way. The author does an effective job of tempering the extensively technical content with a friendly writing style that is never flip or insulting to the reader. I also appreciate the abundance of examples, illustrations, and diagrams, which support the text well and are easy to read. Pertinent code samples are shaded in gray, which enhances readability. Diagrams are clear and and are supported with well-written callouts. Although the book's title is "Beginning Java 2," it could be daunting to readers with little or no programming background, especially as they progress beyond the first two chapters. Chapter 1 provides an excellent introduction to Java and object-oriented programming concepts. The first part of Chapter 2 provides a good introduction to variables and data types. About the middle of Chapter 2, however, when the author begins discussing additional mathematical concepts, the reader is led into deeper waters and at this point, "absolute" beginners may start to feel overwhelmed. This doesn't mean that they should abandon the book, but they may need to take additional time to absorb the concepts. Each chapter concludes with a summary of its content and several practice exercises. Although such practice is certainly valuable, I would have liked to see an additional appendix with "answers" to the exercises so that readers could check their work and benefit from the author's expertise. Without such author feedback, the exercises are less effective as learning tools. Overall, I see "Beginning Java 2" as a potentially valuable addition to the bookshelf of any programmer new to Java. I recommend it with some caution to "absolute" beginners -- although with patience, determination, and a commitment to learn, they, too, may find the book very beneficial.
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Summary: An anlyst's view of Beginning Java 2
Review: Ivor Horton is a great writer. He explains Java very consisely and clearly in this book, which make it a must-have for anyone wanting to learn Java. Whether you're an experienced programmer or just a newcomer to programming, this book is great. I knew C cold before trying to learn Java. While I was not too familiar in C++, I have in VB and was familiar with OOP concepts. This book demonstrated in a clear fashion the OOP capabilities of Java, without giving a feeling of boredom. Furthermore, in latter parts, the book diverges from the traditional "beginning" books by covering not only the Swing package for building User Interfaces but how to connect Java programs to a database using JDBC.
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Summary: A must have for Java Developers
Review: I am a experienced Computer Scientist and didn't need the introductory work. I have handed my copy of this to co-workers who need to learn object programming. I can't say enough good things about this work. If you are new to programming or even if you are not you should have this sitting on your shelf. It has saved many an hour searching for an answer.
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Summary: A Great Beginning for a Great Language
Review: This was my first book for Java and I really found it valuable for someone that has some programming experience. This book can get you up and running in probably one sitting, it's easy to read and well written. Although the picture of Mr. Horton would scare a spider, it's a great book and well worth the price paid.
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Summary: Ivor does it again and again..
Review: As with his Visual C++ book, Ivor is very thorough and pedantic in his treatment of the subject. I bought the Java 2 book based entirely on his Visual C++ work, and I was not disappointed! This is a bible for anyone starting out as a "Beginner" in programming. However, it drags a bit if you are already familiar with the syntax of programming (say from C++). The volume of the book gets you at the end (and I confess, I still haven't reached the 18th chapter)... Wish he'd write a "Professional" one too..
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