Although the Java collection classes are not nearly as complicated as the Standard Template Library classes in C++, it can still be a bit daunting to figure out what's included and what's not. Beginning with the simple "historical" Java collection classes (for arrays, Vector, Hashtable and Stack), the author shows you just how to do it with clear reference to useful APIs for each collection type, plus short code snippets showing these APIs in action.

The standout feature of this title is its clear presentation of the Java Collection Framework, the built-in set of classes in today's Java 2 standard. Other texts can get muddled with their coverage of these classes, but this one never loses the reader. Starting with the APIs that are available for every collection class, the book builds to show what's available in linked lists and map classes. The author does a great job at avoiding the confusion between different "implementations" of these basic container shapes. (Of course, he does explain the difference between HashMap, WeakHashMap and TreeMap, for example, but not before showing which APIs are common to all map classes.)

Beyond choosing and using the right collection class for the job, this text also excels at showing off the built-in algorithms that are available for manipulating collections (for sorting and searching, for example). Advanced sections give advice for defining your own custom collection classes should you need to go beyond the built-in classes. Final chapters look at third-party collection classes (such as the JGL and util.concurrent package) for doing even more.

It's the clear focus on understanding and using today's Java collection classes effectively that help make this title a winner. In all, Java Collections is a handy and truly worthwhile guide to using Java collections, something that all Java developers need to master to write effective software. --Richard Dragan

Synopsis
This practical book contains comprehensive coverage of the important Collection Library supplied with Java 2. Collections are now built into Java 2 because they provide programmers with incredibly efficient ways to manipulate data. However, given the large number of possible functions and classes in this library, using them correctly is quite difficult. Zukowski gives the Java professional exactly what he or she needs to know (TM) about this vital library.About the author:John Zukowksi is a faculty member of the Magelange Institute, a leading provider of advanced Java training. He is a columnist for JavaWorld magazine and is the guide for Java at About.com. Zukowski has written many popular titles and is the author of the 5-star Definitive Guide to Swing for Java 2 from Apress now in its second edition.

• Computers & Internet > Programming > Languages > Java
• Computers & Internet > Software & Graphics

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