Core Java 2.0: Advanced Features v. 2 Core Series: Amazon.co.uk: Cay S. Horstmann, Gary Cornell: Books

Amazon.co.uk Review

Picking up where the authors' first volume on Java left off, Core Java 2, Volume 2 covers the more advanced features of the Java 2 platform that can add polish and power to your Java programs. The authors' accessible--yet thorough--coverage of essential Java APIs helps make this book an attractive choice for any working Java developer.

Several chapters here are especially useful for getting control of new and important Java 2 features. Sections on the new Java 2 collection classes and using advanced Swing classes (like tables and trees) are particularly good. (While many other books just list Swing APIs, this volume provides short examples and effective commentary, which will let you master these complex Swing controls.) When it comes to Java2D graphics, the authors do a nice job of comparing the old AWT to the new Java2D, including drawing basic shapes and doing text output. (These operations are surprisingly tricky in this new API). A section on the new JDBC 2 standard shows off new features like ResultSets and scrollable cursors to good effect.

More advanced topics include multithreading, internationalisation and security. Throughout, this text introduces important concepts illustrated with comprehensible examples. The APIs for individual classes are listed too, making it possible to use this book as a reference, but it is the tutorial sections that stand out here. (The authors also aren't afraid to point out where Java 2 is lacking--for example, in its printing support.)

Readers of the first volume will naturally want the second volume of Core Java 2 too. It's also a great choice for any Java developer with JDK 1.1 experience who wants a tour of new Java 2 features that are essential for serious corporate development. --Richard Dragan, Amazon.com

Product Description

For courses in intermediate Java programming or object-oriented programming.

Core Java, Volume II has been completely revised to reflect new Java 2 capabilities with three completely new chapters and thousands of lines of new code. Core Java, Volume 2 is the source for expert guidance on Java 2 multithreading, networking, database connectivity, remote objects, JavaBeans, CORBA support, security, native methods, drag-and-drop, pluggable look-and-feel, and much more.

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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

Excellent when combined with vol.1 21 Oct 2000

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

I had some (one year as a university student) C skills and when I wanted to learn Java 2, I bought the Core Java 2 duo. This two vol. set is the best I've seen (I have read other books after beginning with these). The first book is more of a tutorial, but this second part is clearly a reference that can be read in any order. It is a good cover to cover read too. If you want nothing but a reference, then go for the Java In A Nutshell, but if you want someone to quickly explain how to really use the stuff too, then buy the Core Java 2 duo.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

Just what I needed! 27 Feb 2002

Having been charged with the seemingly impossible task of programming a 2D/3D graphing tool, I nearly gave up with my programming course at university.

However, I borrowed this book from a friend and realised that it contained just about evertything I needed. It contains good examples and thorough coverage of application and user interface development.

After reading this book I can now program in Java to a standard that I didn't think I was capable of. It turns out my project will look pretty good as a result, too.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful

Chapters Rearranged between Vols 1 and 2 27 Feb 2000

If you already have the Core Java Vol 1 for Java 1.1 (the previous edition), a downside of this book is you'll end up with a repeat of the chapter on Collections (although it is updated) which had been in Vol 1, and no chapter on input/output streams. That chapter has been moved to Vol 1 for the Java 2 Edition. Apart from that irritating niggle, the contents is well written with good diagrams and pictures, and few typos. The book describes itself as being for 'experienced programmers'. Vol 2 does move up a gear from Vol 1, but you don't need too much experience to find it light if interesting reading.