Objects First with Java: A Practical Introduction Using BlueJ (Paperback)

Now available in a new edition, published August 2008. ISBN 9780137005628.

For introductory courses in Java/Introduction to Programming and Object-Oriented Programming.

Its close integration with the BlueJ development environment allows this book to focus on key aspects of object-oriented software development from day one. BlueJ's clear visualization of classes and objects means that students can immediately appreciate the differences between them, and gain a much better understanding of the nature of an object than they would from simply reading source code. Unlike traditional textbooks, the chapters are not ordered by language features but by software development concepts. Language features are introduced as a response to the problems to be solved. A large number of different, interesting projects are used to provide variety and avoid the monotony of a running problem. The authors avoid the dangers of trying to teach all there is to know about each topic by using a spiral approach - introducing topics in a simple context early on and then revisiting later to deepen understanding. Throughout, the emphasis is on developing a practical approach to programming, with students encouraged to add code to existing programs rather than working with an intimidating sheet of blank paper.

Supplements:

Author's Companion Website: http://www.bluej.org/objects-first/ Includes Java Resource Links, Book Projects, Code Style Guide,  Student Activities and more!

Instructor-only Resources (Registration required):

• Power Point lecture slides
• Solutions to exercises

Click on the "Resources" Tab above to view these downloadable files

Welcome to the first introductory programming textbook that completely integrates BlueJ with the teaching of object-oriented principles using Java.

BlueJ is a Java development environment that runs on top of the Sun Microsystems Java Development Kit making use of the standard compiler and virtual machine. It has been specifically designed for the introductory teaching of object-oriented programming, allowing the student to create objects of any class and interact with their methods. This truly objects first approach within the customised BlueJ environment is expected to revolutionise the way programming is taught. For the first time, the traditionally difficult concepts of objects and classes are bought alive in an easily manipulable visual form.

Key features

• Objects first approach

BlueJ supports teaching tools that are not available in other environments, including the visualisation of class structure. This means that the student can interact with objects directly, even before looking at the first line of Java syntax!

• Project driven approach to problem solving

Each chapter contains problems which are analyzed before the language constructs are introduced that can solve them. What is more, the book is structured along the lines of fundamental development tasks, giving clear coverage of the principles of object-oriented programming

• Spiral approach

Challenging topics are introduced early, and then revisited later in the book in a different context in order to deepen understanding

• Thorough treatment of object-oriented principles

Pointers are used within each chapter to refer the student to further reading, supplementary sources, and language references

• Supplements

The book is accompanied by a CD-ROM containing the JDK and BlueJ for various operating systems. A companion website contains the style guide for all examples used in the book, as well as power point slides for instructors.

Michael Kölling is one of the developers of the BlueJ software, and is currently based at the University of Southern Denmark, Odense. David J. Barnes is at the University of Kent at Canterbury, and is the author of Object-Oriented Programming with Java, also published by Prentice Hall.