Java Cookbook Review
I bought the first version of the Java Cookbook many years ago and it was a huge find back then. There were few online resources at the time loaded with really great, consistent sample code, like http://www.javaalmanac.com. The Java Cookbook filled a need then and it fills a need now.
The book covers subjects of interest for programmers with any level of Java expertise. It is written in the classic 'cookbook' format. Each chapter concentrates on a specific area, like 'Strings and Things', 'Pattern Matching with Regular Expressions', 'Object-Oriented Techniques', 'Network Clients', 'Database Access', 'Threaded Java', etc.
Within each chapter, several problems are tackled. One or more pages are devoted to each problem, with a general format of: 'Problem', 'Solution', and 'Discussion'. Many of the problems build on previous solutions. Nearly every solution contains a Java example and the code tends to be simple enough to grok at a glance.
The book has been updated to cover most of the new Java 1.4 and 1.5 goodies, but doesn't have as much coverage as I would have liked. However, the most fundamental topics are covered well. The 800+ page book includes 312 recipes that cover a wide range of topics.
If you are like me and spend a lot of time learning by example, you will find this book an excellent resource.
Java Cookbook Overview
You have a choice: you can wade your way through lengthy Java tutorials and figure things out by trial and error, or you can pick up
Java Cookbook, 2nd Edition and get to the heart of what you need to know when you need to know it. With the completely revised and thoroughly updated
Java Cookbook, 2nd Edition, Java developers like you will learn by example, try out new features, and use sample code to understand how new additions to the language and platform work--and how to put them to work for you. This comprehensive collection of problems, solutions, and practical examples will satisfy Java developers at all levels of expertise. Whether you're new to Java programming and need something to bridge the gap between theory-laden reference manuals and real-world programs or you're a seasoned Java programmer looking for a new perspective or a different problem-solving context, this book will help you make the most of your Java knowledge. Packed with hundreds of tried-and-true Java recipes covering all of the major APIs from the 1.4 version of Java, this book also offers significant first-look recipes for the most important features of the new 1.5 version, which is in beta release. You get practical solutions to everyday problems, and each is followed by a detailed, ultimately useful explanation of how and why the technology works.
Java Cookbook, 2nd Edition includes code segments covering many specialized APIs--like those for working with Struts, Ant and other new popular Open Source tools. It also includes expanded Mac OS X Panther coverage and serves as a great launching point for Java developers who want to get started in areas outside of their specialization. In this major revision, you'll find succinct pieces of code that can be easily incorporated into other programs. Focusing on what's useful or tricky--or what's useful and tricky--
Java Cookbook, 2nd Edition is the most practical Java programming book on the market.
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Customer Reviews
annoying author apis - Joao Coelho - Sacramento, Ca USA
While the book may be very good, i only give it two starts because of the annoying author's apis and utilities that one must run in order to run the examples. So, if i want to run one of his examples, i now must also have his applications and that really bothers me because it distracts me from the example i am trying to run. A cookbook should not require one to have special pans or equipment to make your average meals or recipes, otherwise, what is the point of a cookbook? Give me examples that i can run on my own without his tools. That would be helpful.
Good used Java book at reasonable price - Lee Ivy -
I was looking for a good used book on Java programming. I read the reviews, this O'Reilly book seemed like a good choice. I bought it used, it has given me what I expected.
Disappointing - R. Trevino -
I am a Java newbie and purchased this book in addition to the Head First Java text to get me started. I am a big fan of the Cookbook series, and have generally been very satisied with them. However, the Java Cookbook has been a disappointment.
I must echo the sentiments of "schrapnel" in his review of this text. The recipies given seem designed to teach general concepts rather than solve common programming problems. The result is a general Java textbook that is encumbered with the Cookbook format of Problem, Solution, Discussion. There are numerous instances of the Problem being trivial, or downright silly. For example, "You really want to know about end-of-line characters" and "You need to learn the syntax of JDK 1.4 regular expressions" are presented as Problems for recipies. Clearly, the author is reaching a bit too far in his attempt to present the material in cookbook format.
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