BKJVPREX.RVW 960621 "Java Programming Explorer", Neil Bartlett/Alex Leslie/Steve Simkin, 1996, 1-883577-87-0, U$39.99/C$55.99 %A Neil Bartlett neilb@the-wire.com %A Alex Leslie %A Steve Simkin %C 7339 East Acoma Drive, #7, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 %D 1996 %G 1-883577-87-0 %I Coriolis %O U$39.99/C$55.99 800-410-0192 +1-602-483-0192 fax: +1-602-483-0193 %O sbounds@coriolis.com anne_tull@coriolis.com %P 848 %T "Java Programming Explorer" The first entry into Java programming seems to rely on code that isn't there. It isn't really clear when they want you to use sample code from the CD-ROM, and how to get at it. They don't include the JDK (Java Development Kit), and you will surely need it to work along with the book. In spite of which, this is a really great introduction to the Java programming language. *Do* get the JDK, or some other Java programming environment, because this is a hands-on publication. With that proviso, though, the authors have crafted their explanations of Java programming very well. Some of the initial explanations threw me, but I quickly found that the book supplies a variety of tries at a given topic: if you don't understand one go at it, probably one of the others will turn the light on. (This may be why the volume runs to 848 pages.) Interestingly, the authors are individually identified with specific chapters. In many cases, this means that style and quality may vary. In the present work, care has been taken to ensure that the text is clear, readable, and consistent throughout. "Core Java" (cf. BKCORJAV.RVW) still holds an edge, but only slightly. The "Java Programming Explorer" should be quite acceptable as a tutorial for anyone wanting to get into Java. copyright Robert M. Slade, 1996 BKJVPREX.RVW 960621 ====================== roberts@decus.ca rslade@vcn.bc.ca slade@freenet.victoria.bc.ca "Kill all: God will know his own." - originally spoken by Papal Legate Bishop Arnald-Amalric of Citeaux, at the siege of Beziers, 1209 AD Author "Robert Slade's Guide to Computer Viruses" 0-387-94663-2 (800-SPRINGER)