This bestselling quick reference contains an accelerated introduction to the Java language and its key APIs, so seasoned programmers can start writing Java code right away. The third edition of Java in a Nutshell covers Java 1.2 and Java 1.3 beta and includes:

• A description of the syntax of the Java language, written in a tight, concise style, that can serve as both a fast-paced tutorial and a language reference.
• An explanation of the object-oriented features of Java that does not assume any prior object-oriented programming experience.
• An overview of the essential Java APIs that shows how to perform common tasks, such as string manipulation, input/output, and thread handling, with the classes and interfaces that comprise the Java 2 platform.
• Documentation for the Java development tools shipped with Sun's Java SDK.

This book also includes O'Reilly's classic-style, quick-reference material for all of the classes in the essential Java packages, including java.lang, java.io, java.beans java.math, java.net, java.security, java.text, java.util, and javax.crypto. This reference material covers all of the new classes in Java 1.2 and 1.3. Once you've learned Java, you'll keep this book next to your keyboard for handy reference while you program. This book is part of the two-volume set of quick references that every Java programmer needs. It is an essential companion to Java Foundation Classes in a Nutshell, which covers the graphics and graphical user interface APIs in the Java 2 platform, including Swing, AWT, and Java 2D. A third volume, Java Enterprise in a Nutshell, focuses on the Java Enterprise APIs and is of interest to programmers working on server-side or enterprise Java applications.

Rating:

Rating:

Rating:

Java in a Nutshell, 3rd Edition Review,  February 19 2001
Submitted by Patrick Schoonveld   [Respond | View]

As a Java developer for nearly 5 years, I have seen dozens of Java books come and go. My favorite has always been Java in a Nutshell. The definitive guide/reference everything.

So, as my newest employer asked what books we developers needed, I insisted they buy a copy of the new 3rd edition for each developer. As I gave my battered and coffee-stained 2nd edition to a co-worker who didn't get the third, I thought that this was all I needed.

But, sadly, I realized today that the 3rd edition lacks ALL the AWT reference. What the heck were you thinking, O'Reilly?!?!?!?? This is not cool in the least. It is annoying at best!

I realize the book is getting huge, but NO AWT???

I feel cheated. I used to use my 2nd ed for EVERYTHING. Now I need to buy another book. Probably good for O'Reilly's bottom line, but I think this is a bit of a rip-off.




Java in a Nutshell, 3rd Edition Review,  December 15 2000
Submitted by John W   [Respond | View]

A GREAT Java book for experienced programmers. This book has made obtaining certification a breeze. I aske for a steak and David gave me the cow... GREAT WORK! The only thing that I disliked about the book was in the last section of "Object Oriented". David could have used more consise examples of inner classes. I WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND FOR EXPERIENCED PROGRAMMERS! I would on the other hand suggest a ess intensive book for beginners.


Java in a Nutshell, 3rd Edition Review,  December 13 2000
Submitted by Mike   [Respond | View]

Another Oreilly nugget. This book is analogous to the

Oreilly VB/VBA book in its scope and depth of coverage

as it applies to Java. Too bad that a single book on Java

can no longer contain enough material to base real-life

applications on, but this book does introduce the language

well. java.sun.com takes over then.

Keep up the good work.




Java in a Nutshell, 3rd Edition Review,  November 14 2000
Submitted by dpw   [Respond | View]

i love this book... but... i miss the deluxe version of the book. searching for things was so much easier with the cd version.


Java in a Nutshell, 3rd Edition Review,  October 04 2000
Submitted by John van Rij   [Respond | View]

I experienced this book at two different levels. As a beginner this guide took me through the syntax and concepts while I was studying the language. At a later stage this book was used as my reference material. Without any hesitation I have to say that this book is my Java Bible!

Like most reference guides, the beginning of this book will give you an introduction to the language. However it is definitely not a tutorial for those who are unfamiliar to the Java language, but rather a quick reference to remind programmers why certain concepts are in place within the Java language. If you forgot how or why to cast data, you can find it right here. This part of the book can also be used by C++ programmers to understand the differences between the two languages.

This book is loaded with information regarding the language. APIs, methods, tools and mechanisms are all covered with numerous short examples that demonstrate how to perform common tasks with the classes and interfaces that comprise the Java Platform.

Throughout my studies I had many questions regarding Java, but "Java in a Nutshell" never left me in the dark. I didn't need any other books, and I am sure I never will. Thank you Tim O'Reilly for giving us David Flanagan, and thank you David Flanagan for giving us, Java geeks, our own Bible.




Java in a Nutshell, 3rd Edition Review,  August 01 2000
Submitted by Robert Stewart   [Respond | View]

Imagine going to the awesome javasoft website and compressing it into 500-odd pages. This is Java in a Nutshell.

As a programmer who needs classes and methods at my fingertips, I don't want to be forever logged into the Sun site to get hold of code. For me using VJava, DB2, Lotus Notes etc, to keep Netscapeopen permanently slows me down. I want to see code in concise paper form for perusing and foradding post-it notes to useful pages. This book is a good physical size, about the size of a good novel, and thus is refreshingly concise.

You genuinely can put it on your desk without it becoming a 'conversation piece'. It doesn't come
with code cheats. For that I use and recommend 'The Complete Reference' which is the size of a squashed brick.
Four stars because IMHO, this reference could do without a 'What is Java' introduction (even
though it's a small part of the book) - it's better done in any textbook.


Java in a Nutshell, 3rd Edition Review,  July 04 2000
Submitted by Michael Watts   [Respond | View]

I am a recent Computer Science graduate and used Java in several classes. I really like the reference section of the book on all the core packages. I found the lists of the methonds to be a quick reference to what was needed. I feel that this is a great reference book for any Java programmer. I always recommend it when someone wants to learn the language.


Java in a Nutshell, 3rd Edition Review,  May 16 2000
Submitted by Kai Middleton   [Respond | View]

I think this is a great book for covering the core language essentials. I'm an experienced programmer though I've only dabbled in Java to this point so I don't have a thorough knowledge of the language yet. However, I read through the first three chapters and found the explanations clear and concise, just as advertised. Where the coverage was expansive it was just enough so to give an indication of the complex relationships that were going on. I found with my background I was able to digest the entire core language in about five full days of reading. I don't think I could do any major programming yet but I could at least port my JavaScript tetris program and probably start having fun with laying out classes and playing with Swing at this point. The book does have some errata but these are pretty thoroughly documented by users on the website. One big selling point is that this book is the canonical reference.


Java in a Nutshell, 3rd Edition Review,  February 13 2000
Submitted by Jacky Chang   [Respond | View]



Had just got the book and read a few chapters of the book!

An excellent book for beginners and desktop references.

Like the layout of the book! Keep up the good work David!




Java in a Nutshell, 3rd Edition Review,  January 26 1998
Submitted by John van Rij   [Respond | View]



All I have to say about this book takes 3 words:

MY JAVA BIBLE!!!

Thank you David Flanagan for writing this book.

See larger cover