Reviews for Head First Java

1. Not for complete beginners

   Rated 2 out of 5 stars, April 12th, 2010

   I bought this book hoping to give me a good foundation of java. Unfortunately it didnt.
   
   The book doesnt have many examples, and the examples it has are not explained very well.
   
   The questions at the end of each chapter are extremely difficult if your a complete beginner like me.
   
   Half the pages in the book are taken up by over sized pictures and comic's. Though I did giggle at some of them this book is still lacking.
   
   I was attracted to this book in the first place due to the humourous side of things... but it is lacking allot of detail for beginners.
   
   If you want a Java book for complete beginners get "Java, A Beginners Guide" Im read this at the moment and it has lots of detail and great explanation.

2. A good book for beginers

   Rated 4 out of 5 stars, December 12th, 2009

   This book contains a lot of the stuff you need to know about Java. But if you have some background in other object oriented languages you may find it a little boring from time to time. There are just too many abstract descriptions, comparisons and pictures that somehow distract the reader's attention. I had a really tough time to read throughout them to find what I was looking for ...

3. Brilliant for those ppl who hate manuals!

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, July 12th, 2009

   I can sum this review up simply by saying "I wish all learning material was written in this way!".
   
   My background is in graphic arts, and I've always found it a struggle to maintain interest and concentration in verbose books where the text just blends into an angry swirl after about 10 minutes. I just ended up reading the same paragragh again and again, without actually taking anything in.
   
   The Head First series is like a breath of fresh air... It cleverly sneaks under your radar, and ends up teaching you without you even noticing! It uses a variety of teaching techiques and it's style is relaxed and informal. It is genuinely the first book of it's genre where I've actually wanted to keep reading to see what's going to happen next.
   
   I bought this book (along with Java All-in-one Desk Reference for Dummies) and so far I haven't found any need to go further. Head First gives me the confidence and, if I require, the Dummies gives me the more in-depth, technical information on the specifics.
   
   Both books have a great sense of humour, but Head First Java wins by a mile for it's innovative and successful approach to making the stuff stick in your head.
   
   It isn't for seasoned programmers but for the average Joe like me, it would get my vote every time :-)

4. A very good book for wannabee java programmers

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, July 12th, 2009

   As a total greenhorn to java programming, i wanted a book that would let me understand the core concepts of the language easily. A book that would not let me restrain myself too much since time was of essence to me.
   
   I first used one book but half-way through it, a friend recommended HeadFirst Java to me, and i shall forever be grateful to him.
   
   In fact, not only does HeadFirst break the complex concepts down to the beginner, it does it in humorous, interesting and simple ways with good illustrations that you easily understand and remember the concepts most of the time more particularly if you a picture-learner.
   
   The authors seem to have more knowledge as to how the human brain studies things, so they present the concepts in various ways through which you can actually learn for a long time without feeling much of a mental tiredness.
   
   The puzzles, quizzes, and the must-do- end of chapter exercises also helped a lot. With just a little discipline not to escape the shoe -marked exercises, you challenge yourself little by little at the end of each chapter and gradually grasp the entire concepts.
   
   In all, i was satisfied with the HeadFirst Java book and went ahead to purchase another book by the same authors to prepare for my Java 5 certification( Sun Certified Programmer for Java 5, Study Guide).
   
   All thanks to Kathy and Bates, and the entire team for such wonderful products!

5. An easily readable java overview

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, July 12nd, 2009

   I have tried to read numerous programming text books over the years but have found my attention span failing me due to the abundance of dry facts and pure code involved. To my delight I genuinly enjoyed reading this book and although its sense of humour can be cheesy it does make you think about why you are doing things as it gradually introduces new ideas and coding concepts.
   
   As others have mentioned it's not the best reference book however it acts as a great overview and start point for beginners to build up their confidence as a Java programmer. If its something you are new to and want a great stepping stone onto more indepth topics I thoroughly recommend this book. I liked its style so much I have gone on to purchase two other titles from its range!