Java in easy steps, 3rd ed.

Java in easy steps instructs you how to easily create your own exciting Java programs. It is updated for the latest release and contains separate chapters on the major features of the Java language. Complete example programs illustrate each important aspect of Java programming - all with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions.

Java in easy steps begins by explaining how to download and install the free Java Development Kit (JDK) so that you can quickly begin to create your own executable programs by copying the examples. This book assumes no previous knowledge of any programming language so it's ideal for the newcomer to computer programming. Each chapter builds your knowledge of Java. By the end of this book you will have gained a sound understanding of the Java language and be able to write your own Java programs and compile them into executable files that can be run on any Java-enabled computer.

Java in easy steps has an easy-to-follow style that will appeal to anyone who wants to begin programming in Java, with minimum fuss. It will appeal to the student who needs to learn Java programming, and to the hobbyist who wants to explore the possibilities offered by Java, and to the experienced programmer who wants to quickly add Java to their skills set.

Mike McGrath now lives in South-east Europe, on the sun-kissed shores of the Aegean Sea. Mike gained his extensive knowledge of computer languages while working as a developer contracting to companies around the world. His interests include coins of ancient Greece, dining-out with friends, and the ongoing evolution of the world wide web.

1. Getting started
   • Introduction
   • Installing the JDK
   • Writing a first Java program
   • Compiling & running programs
   • Creating a variable
   • Recognizing data types
   • Creating constants
   • Adding comments
   • Troubleshooting problems
   • Summary
2. Performing operations
   • Doing arithmetic
   • Assigning values
   • Comparing values
   • Assessing logic
   • Examining conditions
   • Setting precedence
   • Escaping literals
   • Working with bits
   • Summary
3. Making statements
   • Branching with if
   • Branching alternatives
   • Switching branches
   • Looping for
   • Looping while true
   • Doing do-while loops
   • Breaking out of loops
   • Returning control
   • Summary
4. Directing values
   • Casting type values
   • Creating variable arrays
   • Passing an argument
   • Passing multiple arguments
   • Looping through elements
   • Changing element values
   • Adding array dimensions
   • Catching exceptions
   • Summary
5. Manipulating data
   • Exploring Java classes
   • Doing mathematics
   • Rounding numbers
   • Generating random numbers
   • Managing strings
   • Comparing strings
   • Searching strings
   • Manipulating characters
   • Summary
6. Creating classes
   • Forming multiple methods
   • Understanding program scope
   • Forming multiple classes
   • Extending an existing class
   • Creating an object class
   • Producing an object instance
   • Encapsulating properties
   • Constructing object values
   • Summary
7. Importing functions
   • Handling files
   • Reading console input
   • Reading files
   • Writing files
   • Sorting array elements
   • Managing dates
   • Formatting numbers
   • Calculating currency
   • Summary
8. Building interfaces
   • Creating a window
   • Adding push buttons
   • Adding labels
   • Adding text fields
   • Adding item selectors
   • Adding radio buttons
   • Changing appearance
   • Arranging components
   • Summary
9. Recognizing events
   • Listening for events
   • Generating events
   • Handling button events
   • Handling item events
   • Reacting to keyboard events
   • Responding to mouse events
   • Announcing messages
   • Requesting input
   • Playing sounds
   • Summary
10. Deploying programs
    • Methods of deployment
    • Distributing programs
    • Building archives
    • Deploying applications
    • Enabling Web Start
    • Producing applets
    • Converting web pages
    • Deploying applets
    • Summary

• Download the compressed zipped archive of all code examples in the book (1,037 KB)