Starting Out with Java: From Control Structures through Objects (5th Edition)

I took a C++ class a couple of years ago and we used a similarly titled book by Gaddis. It was an excellent book. Very well written and easy to understand. Since then, I've picked classes based on the text book. This book is used in my CS I class and I love it. I tried taking Java last semester and was just lost. The book was absolutely horrible. No logic, no good examples or explanations. I could probably teach myself using books by Gaddis. In fact, I probably learned more reading the book than going to class. Yes, I actually READ the book, sometimes more than once for review. It's rare that I take a book like this to bed, but I do. My instructor didn't require the programming exercises at the end of each chapter, which I think was a HUGE disservice to us, but I do them on my own to help reinforce what I'm learning. One thing it lacks that I liked in the C++ book, is one big project that students complete as they progress through the book, applying the concepts they learn. But I can Google for project ideas online for extra practice. The companion myprogramminglab is a great idea, but the execution is kind of poor. The fill-in questions are annoying because it's difficult to guess exactly which word the test designer is looking for and you have to be exact. I found myself frustrated often. Multiple choice would be better if they're going to be that precise. It's unfortunate that Pearson doesn't respond to comments through the site. Overall, again, excellent book. I highly recommend it.

EDIT: Kindle edition released on February 6th. Sadly most students were forced to buy the physical book at the start of the spring semester. The sample covers the first chapter. The print replica looks great on the retina iPad with support for annotations, notes, etc. Looks like a decent investment, however, remember the appendices are not included. A $26 6 month subscription must be purchased from the companion site.This book is required for my Java 1 and 2 classes. I am about a month into the semester and this text is absolutely amazing! Each chapter of the book is laid out in such a way that makes learning Java a breeze. I also used Gaddis's Starting Out with C++ title which compared with this text has really helped me become a better programer and critical thinker.Each chapter lays out the next set of content to learn and introduces it a good pace ensuring these is no room for confusion. At the end of each chapter, there are about 20 program problems to work on that incorporate everything up to that point. These programs are amazing practice.My only complaint with the text is that the appendices are available online at a separate cost for 6 months of time access. If a new book was purchased, an access code is provided for this 6 months of access.The content can be saved locally so this isn't too much of an issue unless buying used.--Great coding book! I am hoping for Starting Out with Objective-C book in the future!

This is a very good book. All of the subject matter in the book is explained thoroughly and in a simple enough way that those new to Java should be able to understand the material. I am amazed by the vast amount of material this book goes over, but it is over 1,000 pages long so that is to be expected.I think the full cost of this book is high so I rented it from Amazon. The book I received had tire marks on the first few pages and someone left marks on every single chapter's review questions, Find the Error and Algorithm workbench.

I had absolutely no programming experience prior to reading this book, and this is the best book to learn Java with no prior experience. The author explains everything concisely in laymen terms so you really get a good and thorough knowledge of what is being learned. The questions and programming projects at the end of the chapters are all excellent ways to test your knowledge and a way to give you coding experience to further put your knowledge to use. The best part is, that if you are stuck on a question or project it isn't difficult going back in the chapter and finding out why you got it wrong. Whereas some books you need to flip through every page and reread the chapter to find an answer your looking for. This book covers all the basics and more of Java and really gives you strong foundation on object oriented programming and is a definite must have for anyone starting out in Java. I still use this book as a reference book!

this is an excellent book to learn from. all content is clear, and explained well. all programs written work and really help you learn the material. im currently acing my CIS class with this book and learning so much at the same time. i would really recommend this book as an intro to java. knowing C++ helps learn java better as they really are similar, only java makes some things way easier than c++.

I did have to get this book for a class, and I did rent it, so it was much cheaper than initially priced.It focuses on Java and keeps trying trying to force down my throat "that Java is the superior language to all!". I personally like other langauges better, but I am nit the writer.Overaall though, it is pretty well written, and it has built in review, so I am happy enough.

Love it .Don't forget to take advantage of the online material of the book as well.What I like the most about it is not just about programing syntax itself , it's explain the way of thinking that all beginners need to have it .Has plenty of practices that I found them very smart and practical.

I have nothing bad to say about this text. It lays everything out very clearly, emphasizes what needs to be emphasized, and makes you refer back to the text for some of the homework problems. It also has links to different websites, which are necessary in any programming book since the language is constantly refining and expanding. The one thing that would have made it a perfect book is a quick intro to HOW to read the online expansions/etc.

Book is good price is cheap

I really like the way this book is structured, it takes you from the most basic topics, to some much more complicated. It offers very good examples that helps you understand better the concepts and improve your logical thinking.The book has a couple of chapters for inheritance, classes, super classes, methods, which are very dense topics, but it help you a lot for better understanding,

GReat book for school