Member Avatar for Stefano Mtangoo

Is it good Idea for Newbie in Java like me(Python guy) to begine with 3rd Edition of thinking in Java by Bruce Eckel?
The reason is, it is free downloadable. If no any suggestion?

  • 6 Contributors
  • 11 Replies
  • 121 Views
  • 3 Days Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by Stefano Mtangoo

Dani AI

Generated

Short answer for : yes — Thinking in Java (3rd ed.) can work well as a conceptual bridge if you already know how to program (Python + some C++), but treat it as a deep, explanatory text rather than a current reference. As and hinted, TIJ explains Java thinking and OOP idioms clearly, which helps when moving between languages. It is, however, dated compared with modern Java (lambdas/streams, newer APIs and best practices), so plan to supplement it.

A practical learning path:

  • Use TIJ to understand the object model, inheritance, inner classes, exceptions and how Java designers think about problems.
  • At the same time, follow an up-to-date quick tutorial to learn current syntax and standard libraries (modern Java uses features TIJ won’t cover).
  • Learn by translating a few of your Python scripts into Java: focus on types, collections, exception handling, and file I/O. Add unit tests (JUnit) to keep behavior consistent while refactoring.

Tooling and resources to pair with the book:

  • Install a current LTS JDK (OpenJDK builds are available at https://jdk.java.net/).
  • Use a modern IDE (IntelliJ IDEA Community, VS Code with Java extensions) for fast feedback and refactoring.
  • Keep the Oracle Java Tutorials handy for current language/library details: https://docs.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/

Further reading when comfortable with basics: Joshua Bloch’s Effective Java for idioms and best practices, and a concurrency book for multithreading patterns. As suggested, if you prefer a gentler, hands-on beginner approach, start with a tutorial-style book (Head First Java) and then move to TIJ for depth. As noted, looking at multiple authors (Core Java, Bloch) gives a more rounded view of Java design and conventions.

Recommended Answers

All 11 Replies

Member Avatar for kvprajapati

It's a great book. I think 3rd and 4th are not free edition.

Member Avatar for peter_budo

I guess you wrong as Planet PDF has on their list and they do not publish illegal content as far I know

Member Avatar for sci-kode

Wow! I wasn't aware of planet PDF, nice :)
Thinking in Java is a good book.

Member Avatar for peter_budo

Here is a list of sites, from Bruce website, where you can download some of his work

Member Avatar for Stefano Mtangoo

Ok, two have commented that it is great. But is it fit for a newbie?

Member Avatar for peter_budo

I think it can be good book when moving from one language to another, so you do not have to go through basics that are fairly similar across languages.
However if you absolute novice to programming world then Head First Java or Java - How to Program would be more suitable as they took from absolute basics

Member Avatar for Stefano Mtangoo

Longtime Pythoneer and now a Small C++er so the issue is, it is fit for me, right?? :D

Member Avatar for peter_budo

Yes, you should be reasonably OK with it. The reason why not say absolutely fine is that everyone of us has its own reading style preference.

Member Avatar for balajimarisetti

Cay Hortsman's CoreJava(Eight Edition) and Concepts of Java are also very good books. I like the way he dealt with the concepts.

Member Avatar for tux4life

Longtime Pythoneer and now a Small C++er so the issue is, it is fit for me, right?? :D

Currently I'm jumping into Java (I have a C++ background), and I took Head First Java to get my first Java experience, I haven't finished it yet, but up until now it's a great book.
You might say: how can I learn Java from this book?
But you can trust me, the book will teach you how to program in Java.
The new learning approach they introduce in the book really works, but that's maybe just my opinion.
But the book is maybe a bit too slow for me, as I'm not a programming novice anymore.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.