Java in a Nutshell [Paperback]

The API guide is fairly complete, but terse. Well, it has to be - the API keep growing. No one book could hold a complete description of everything. Sad to say, earlier editions had more complete API descriptions. The second, for example, had a very good introduction to reflection. As the Java API grew, however, the old descriptions had to shrink to make way for the new, and the reflection discussion was squeezed out. Still, it gives a good quick look at the API. This isn't as complete as the Javadoc API information, but is hugely more browseable. Use this to direct your query into the right area, then use Sun's Javadoc to get the details.

If you have room for only one Java book, make it this one.

If you're just starting out with Java and you're trying to learn the language, this isn't the book for you. While Part 1 could be used as instructional material, it is truly "no fluff". It's best suited for an experienced object-oriented programmer making the leap to Java, or a Java programmer looking for a concise review. A good learning book would be "Learning Java" by Pat Neimeyer and Jonathan Knudsen from O'Reilly.

The really valuable part of this book is Part 2. Each chapter defines the classes in that package with an explanation on what it does and how it works. There's a diagram that shows the class hierarchy from the root Object class, as well as what version of Java supports that class. This is then followed by all the constructors and methods used in the class. Don't expect detailed explanations on these methods. As a nutshell book, you get all the basic info on what's available, but you'll need to experiment with some of the methods before you understand them.

A legitimate question might be... Why get this book if I have the online API documentation from Sun? I see them as complimentary. You can probably find much of the reference material in either source. Some will prefer the online hyperlink navigation, while others will appreciate having all the information on a subject in four or five pages that can be thumbed through. I know when I'm stuck on a problem I want both sources!

For a Notes/Domino developer, it is somewhat similar to using online Notes help versus the manuals. In that case, the material is identical, so it's more your preference in how you like to look up information. In the case of this book versus the Java API documentation, you'll get good information from both sources, so you should avail yourself of both.

Conclusion
If you've completed something like Teach Yourself Java In 21 Days and now you have to DO something with Java, you owe it to yourself to get this book. This will be one title you'll go back to again and again as you explore the wild, wild world of Java.