No doubt if you've been to a bookstore lately, you've seen several books
on Java, and know that many more are on the way. I read Gavin's review
of "Java in a Nutshell" (and purchased the book), but I'm even more
excited about a book that appeared in Computer Literacy (408)435-0744 on
Wednesday. (*Excited* about a computer book? But I *am* working on
getting a life! ;)
 
Just Java
by Peter van der Linden
SunSoft Press
ISBN 0-13-565839-X
US $34.95
 
Mr. van der Linden is also the author of "Expert C Programming: Deep C
Secrets," which I mentioned in mid-January. That was such an outstanding
book (IMHO), that I emailed Mr. van der Linden to say so. He replied with
the current errata and mentioned he was working on this book. (The errata
for each is also available on the Web.)
 
Just Java does not immediately plunge into the details of Java. Rather,
it begins by discussing the history of both the World Wide Web and of
Java. It follows with a one-chapter tutorial on Object-Oriented Programming
before digging into Java itself.
 
Mr. van der Linden writes with humour and exceptional clarity, and uses
many examples and illustrations to ensure each point gets across. The
typography used also makes for easy reading.
 
The included obligatory CD-ROM requires Windows 95, Windows NT,
Solaris 2.x, or Macintosh System 7.5. (Windows 3.1 is not supported.)
Included are:
 
- JDK (1.0 for Windows 95, Windows NT, Solaris. Beta for Macintosh)
  (includes compiler, libraries, applet viewer, API User Guide, and
   API Documentation)
 
- Cafe Lite from Symantec (Windows 95, Windows NT)
 
- WinEdit and WinZip
 
- Java source code examples
 
In short, if you want your Java with a solid foundation and an
easy-reading style, I highly recommend Just Java.
 
For those in the San Francisco bay area, the author will give a
presentation on the evening of Thursday, April 25th, at the Computer
Literacy in San Jose. (I *believe* that's the correct date; call to be
sure.)
 
--Glenn Cole
  Software al dente, Inc.
  [log in to unmask]
 
P.S. The Taligent building that was across the street from Apple's
headquarters is now occupied by JavaSoft.