Synopsis
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Learning a complex new language is no easy task
especially when it s an object-oriented computer programming
language like Java. You might think the problem is your brain. It
seems to have a mind of its own, a mind that doesn't always want
to take in the dry, technical stuff you're forced to study. The
fact is your brain craves novelty. It's constantly searching,
scanning, waiting for something unusual to happen. After all,
that's the way it was built to help you stay alive. It takes all
the routine, ordinary, dull stuff and filters it to the
background so it won't interfere with your brain's real
work-- things that matter. How does your brain know what
matters? It's like the creators of the Head First approach say,
suppose you're out for a hike and a tiger jumps in front of you,
what happens in your brain? Neurons fire. Emotions crank up.
s surge. That's how your brain knows. And that's how your
brain will learn Java. Head First Java combines puzzles, strong
visuals, mysteries, and soul-searching interviews with famous
Java objects to engage you in many different ways. It's fast,
it's fun, and its effective.
And, despite its playful appearance, Head First Java is serious
stuff: a complete introduction to object-oriented programming and
Java. You'll learn everything from the fundamentals to advanced
topics, including threads, network sockets, and distributed
programming with RMI. And the new. second edition focuses on Java
5.0, the latest version of the Java language and development
platform. Because Java 5.0 is a major update to the platform,
with deep, code-level changes, even more careful study and
implementation is required. So learning the Head First way is
more important than ever. If you've read a Head First book, you
know what to expect--a visually rich format designed for the way
your brain works. If you haven't, you're in for a treat. You'll
see why people say it's unlike any other Java book you've ever
read. By exploiting how your brain works, Head First Java
compresses the time it takes to learn and retain--complex
information. Its unique approach not only shows you what you need
to know about Java syntax, it teaches you to think like a Java
programmer. If you want to be bored, buy some other book. But if
you want to understand Java, this book's for you.
About the Author
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Kathy Sierra has been interested in learning theory since her
days as a game developer (Virgin, MGM, Amblin'). More recently,
she's been a master trainer for Sun Microsystems, teaching Sun's
Java instructors how to teach the latest technologies to
customers, and a lead developer of several Sun certification
exams. Along with her partner Bert Bates, Kathy created the Head
First series. She's also the original founder of the Software
Development/Jolt Productivity Award-winning javaranch.com, the
largest (and friendliest) all-volunteer Java community.
Bert Bates is a 20-year software developer, a Java instructor,
and a co-developer of Sun's upcoming EJB exam (Sun Certified
Business Component Developer). His background features a long
stint in artificial intelligence, with clients like the Weather
Channel, A&E Network, Rockwell, and Timken.