Customer Reviews

Thinking in Java

5 star:		(163)
4 star:		(43)
3 star:		(24)
2 star:		(20)
1 star:		(19)

 

 

I consider myself quite experienced in Java but from the moment I started this book I couldn't put it down. The reason is such clarity in logic and simplicity in explanation of sometimes very complicated subjects, which by itself is an art. I believe that anybody with just basic knowledge of software development will understand the innerworkings of Java described in this book. It explains not just the semantics of the language but also a philosophy and logic behind certain decisions. I believe that a reader will get not only a guidance about practical aspects of programming in Java (which this book certainly provides) but he will also become a better software designerin general.
I see that Bruce Eckel has two more books related to Java (about patterns and enterprise Java - unfortunately there are only electronic versions) that are available on his web site. I am looking forward to reading them.

I'm a software engineer and I obviously read and studied various books on diffirent programming languages. My biggest claim to fame is C Programming, but I thought about object orientation for a long time and that's how I came across "Thinking in Java".

I Downloaded the book and even printed it and eventually bought a proper copy, because I was convinced it should be on my bookshelf. After reading the firts couple of chapters I have to admit that for the first time I really do understand object orientation through the clear and concise explanation backed up by good examples given on the subject.

Any one interested in Java should defenately own this.

This book should come with a warning: B.S. in Computer Science required. On a positive note, TIJ has interested me in improving upon my education. However, if you don't have the education, or at least a solid grounding in computer architecture, OOP, and Data Structures, you'll glean very little from this deceptively weighty tome.

One of the worst book I've read.

Yes, it explains Java as if it's a university course. But what I HATE about it is the fact you need to BUY the exercises SOLUTIONS!

I mean come on! I already brought the book for $55 and you want me to buy the solutions that should be FREE in order to LEARN?!

My suggestion? run AWAY from this book, it's not worth it.

A lot was told by other reviewers. I jut want to confirm that this is an amazing book. The teaching model is excelent. I think it is the only book you need to buy to start writing Java code.

I read it as a refresher several years ago, but I still find myself referring to it every now and then. An excellent survey of Java.

I felt obligated to write this review about TIJ3 in the hope that it might help someone else to make an informed decision that's looking for what I thought is an excellent book on a very complex subject (really a masterpiece). The style in which Bruce discusses the content is most relaxing while at the same time being in-depth coverage on complex subject matter. His style reflects his ability to get people through complex subject matter where they might otherwise skim through the subject lightly or even skip over it entirely. TIJ3 is a must read and a must have as part of any reference library. After you get into the book you'll see why the book has received so many awards (TIJ1 and TIJ2 also). Bruce is a master when it comes to teaching and explaining complex subjects and we're very lucky that he has that same ability to put it down on paper.

Just want to say 'Thanks' for the wealth of information...
I'm currently taking a Java class that leaves something to be desired. :-)

Your explanations and examples have been very helpful to this Java Newbie... :-)

This book and I have been inseparable for the last 36 hours while I worked on my class assignment. Couldn't have done it with out it. :-)

Thanks Bruce!!

This book is a must have for Java programmers. It's not a useful reference for the language (hence my 4 star review), but it does let you get inside the minds of the creators of the language. You understand how it was intended to be used. This is huge and is more important than pure reference or how-to info, which you can get from lots of other books.

This book is just what the title says it is. This is not a book to learn Java from, and it is not a useful reference. It is a book to help the reader understand the mindset behind Java. It makes frequent reference to C++ (which I don't know and don't care about) and contains several multi-page examples that sometimes seem to go on forever.

By all means, read this book from cover-to-cover but look elsewhere if you wish to learn Java or want a reference book to help you look-up Java syntax or "how to" type examples.