Java 2: The Complete Reference, Fifth Edition

This book is the most complete and up-to-date resource on Java from programming guru, Herb Schildt -- a must-have desk reference for every Java programmer.

User review
great reference
`Complete Reference` is definitely a perfect name for this book. It is complete and I find myself using this book often. It is also well written and easy to follow.

User review
One of the worst Java books ever
This book is littered with errors and inconsistencies.
More than once the author shows a complete lack of understanding of the most basic design principles of the Java language and platform, like when he asserts that Java parameter passing uses pass by reference (it doesn't, ever, as is clearly stated in the language specification).

Not recommended, except maybe if you need a sturdy doorstop or some decent kindling for your fireplace.

User review
Beginners READ THIS!
If you are a JAVA beginner you MUST have this book. It's an excellent reference book and even today (after so many years in the Java industry I still consult with this book)

I have read numerable books in the area and this one really rocks (again, beginners only).
It takes the reader step by step (and with gloves made of silk) and explains the concept of OOP with great and useful examples.

I liked the chapter on the multithreading since it was illustrated with excellent examples.

--dgz
JHexagon

User review
Good book but would be helpful to have some excercises
This is one of the better books on J2SE 1.4. In fact, I had first started reading Core Java 2 book but it was very confusing. Mr.Schildt has really arranged the topics well.
The only drawback is that there are no excercises for the initial chapters on Java programming. A few such problems would go a long way in helping readers get really comfortable with the different aspects of Java and OOPs

User review
Begineers Delight !!!
The best way to learn a new programming language is to churn a lot of code and get familiar with the language semantics and richness. Mr. Schildt follows the same teaching paradigm and initiates a novice in the world of OOPs programming using Java.

The book is of course not suitable for a person who has some background in Java. The book definitely targets the uninitiated in the OOPs concept and builds up considerably upon the concepts gradually. Some pros about the book:
* The book covers the language basics very neatly.
* Numerous examples make the comprehension better.
* Chapter on 'Multithreading' and 'Exceptions' are well written and neatly illustrated with working examples.
* Treatment of Java Event Delegation Model is one of the best among all the available texts.

Some cons for the same:
* Less focus on Swing and more on AWT.
* Very little coverage of important topics like 'RMI' and 'Serialisation'.
* Poor treatment of important topics like 'Inner Classes'.

All in all from a novices' perspective, the book presents a good starting point. But from an advanced programmers' point of view - the book has still miles to go.