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Whether you are brand-new to programming in general or coming to Java from another language, John Smiley's Learn to Program with Java offers a truly approachable tutorial designed with the beginner in mind. Covering Java syntax and essential programming concepts, this text can be used at home to simulate a semester’s worth of Java study.

Like Smiley’s previous titles, the salient feature of this text is the author’s scenario-based presentation style. Instead of addressing the reader directly, Smiley simulates the experience of about 18 first-semester programming students facing Java for the first time. As the students develop a grade calculation project in Java (and improve it with object-oriented features later on), basic questions are raised and answered with the reader "overhearing" the author's consistently clear and patient explanation of key programming concepts.

While this approach is certainly not for those in a hurry, it can do the trick for the programming newbie. With an extensive Q and A for each step, Smiley covers most every conceivable obstacle and confusion. (The questions presented here are drawn from his extensive real-world teaching experience.)

After covering the basics of today's iterative software development cycle (a reminder to plan before you write any code), the book implements a grade-averaging program used for several departments at a hypothetical college. Smiley rehearses the discussions of the potential users of this application, as well as the students who then build it. The simple program is a good one as it allows the author to introduce basic Java syntax, as well as fundamental programming concepts (like variables and loops), without getting too bogged down in complexity.

Once the basic program has been built, Smiley introduces using objects to solve the same problem. His guide to basic object-oriented design, as well as how to code basic objects in Java, is once again clear and sensible. If the "big picture" behind using objects has eluded you, the practical presentation offered here may well help things click. By the end of the book, the final version of the program gets enhanced with support for arrays, plus a basic graphical user interface built with simple Swing components.

Most introductory programming texts try to cover everything at once, a temptation that’s especially great with the rich (and complex) Java platform. The streamlined set of lessons here help make this title a good choice for Java newbies who want a patient and really approachable beginner’s tutorial. --Richard Dragan

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This guide teaches readers how to program by using a classroom setting and dialogue between students and the teacher to explain important programming and Java concepts.

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	66% buy the item featured on this page: Learn to Program with Java 5.0 out of 5 stars (4)
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5.0 out of 5 stars (4 customer reviews)

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13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why weren't these books available years ago!, 21 April 2002

By A Customer

As part of my degree I had to learn some very basic Pascal programming and although I enjoyed the beginning I felt the classes moved to quickly and soon I was lost...At first glance it looked well written and easy to understand...The way it is written is the first thing that hit me. It reads like a story, describing how Java works in a classroom setting. At first, I wasn't convinced this was the best way, but soon that I was hooked and couldn't put it down. The way it is written makes you want to carry on reading and learning!

What makes this book so unique is the way in which things are explained. Similey uses a slow and methodical way, with 'real life' examples which really make the difference. Throughout the book there are discussions on common errors, which I really found myself doing. There are lots of screen shots showing exactly what will happen so you can compare with what you have on your screen. Once you've finished reading a chapter there are exercises to do, which are then explained fully. I really felt I had learnt something concrete after each chapter. John Simley also includes his personal email address so he can assist with problems!

I had looked at many books claiming to be beginners guide but after you've written the first program they seem to jump into functions which have had no introduction. Maybe some more experienced programmers will find the pace too slow, but then this book is really aimed at beginners.

It is not just the an introduction to Java but programming as a whole. I wish there had been these kinds of books when I was at University, maybe I would be a programmer now!

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, 30 Dec 2003

By	Mrs. R. F. M. Jamie "Rachel Noble" (London) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have looked over many books on Java, but I believe this book to be the most thorough and easy to understand for the genuinely new beginner.It is written in a natural format so you are able to absorb the information in a more digestible way.It covers any question you would wish to ask, even if it may have not occurred to you at the time! I would buy any book written by this author after reading this.

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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the style of writing suits all types of learners from the ...., 10 Oct 2006

By	M. Thornton "MLT-Burford" (UK) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

pragmatic type who likes to do and get on with it, to the theorist who likes to read all. Smileys' writing is like reading a story, with characters. These characters ask questions and Smiley is the teacher who answers them. He shows and explains all lines of code throughout this book.

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5.0 out of 5 stars The Ideal Java book for people struggling
I have been doing Java in college for a year and I am still struggling. This book lays it down so simply and also confirms your knowledge at various points. Read more

Published 12 days ago by J. Blythe

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