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Beginning Programming with Java For Dummies Review by Kevin J. Bom
Good Intro to Programming Concepts - Poor Intro to Java
I am a System Administrator and have been programming since 1970 when I first learned Fortran. I have also taught various beginner computer courses. I have never had a need to know Java until recently my wife (who knows nothing at all about programming) had to take a Java class for her college major. I have had good experience with the "Dummies" books in the past (I learned .ASP from a "Dummies" book), so I figured this book would help her with her class, as well as give me something to learn from so I could help her. With that in mind I was very disappointed. My wife was looking for help learning Java, and without taking the time to go through all of the "concept" material, the book was too technical for her to understand.
If you just want to learn the in depth general programming concepts and have lots of time, this book does a good job of that. For actually learning how to write Java, it is far too limited.
-It has no real complete examples to show how to fully implement the items it covers.
-It has no practice exercises.
-I covers only a very small portion of the Java code.
-There is a tear-out reference guide in the fromt that lists commands with a brief description of what they are, but some of them are not even covered in the book, so you have no idea how to use them.
-The Index is not very comprehensive so that combined with the limited commands covered, it does not even make for a good reference book. (I frequently use my other "Dummies" books for reference).
In Summary, if you are getting this to get an overview of how programming works, it is great for that (and would warrant 5-stars). But if you are getting it to learn Java, look elsewhere.