Java, A Beginner’s Guide or Java, The Complete Reference?

What Are the Books About?

Java: A Beginner’s Guide

Java: A Beginner’s Guide is intended for the newcomer to Java. It assumes no prior experience with Java and is an excellent choice specifically if you are beginning to program for the first time. It covers an overview of the Java language, syntax, creation and execution of a Java program, among others. Each chapter has practice exercises and review questions that allow you to test yourself and your grasp of the material.

Java: The Complete Reference

Java: The Complete Reference has everything detailed about Java. It’s pretty good for beginners, but also covers some good advanced information. Advanced topics explained herein include threads, JavaFX, and networking. It’s kind of a one-stop shop in all things Java, so it’s ideal if you have one resource for both the basics and the more advanced stuff.

What Are the Differences?

Depth of Information

• Java: A Beginner’s Guide: This book is about the basics; therefore, it would be ideal if one is quite new to Java and needs to learn step by step.

• Java: The Complete Reference: Much more deep book, which covers everything from the very basics to the advanced. It is great in case you want not just to learn but really master Java.

How the Books Are Structured

• Java: A Beginner’s Guide by Herbert Schildt: This book does a nice job of introducing new concepts one or two at a time. It’s easy to follow along and builds confidence as you go.

• Java: The Complete Reference, also by Herbert Schildt: You could, if you wanted to, use this book much like an encyclopedia. It’s perfect when looking up information you need as you go. But if you’re just learning, it may be a bit to wade through cover to cover.

Who Should Read These Books?

• Java: A Beginner’s Guide: If you have just started programming or started working with Java, it is the perfect book, assuming that you have no idea about Java and teaching you the language from scratch.

• Java: The Complete Reference: This book would be more apt for a person who already knows something about programming. In fact, professionals could also use it as a reference for more particular aspects of Java.

Which Book Is Right for You?

If You’re Completely New

If you are a person who has never programmed before, or you are unfamiliar with Java, then you should go ahead and work your way through Java: A Beginner’s Guide. The ease of the book, easy examples, and exercises will make learning relatively easy without you getting lost in the process.

If You Know Some Programming

If you’ve already had some basic course in programming, or even a book, this may be your time to get into Java; you might consider Java: The Complete Reference. Beginning with the very basics, it nevertheless goes into advanced details, so this book can see you through your entire study of Java.

If You Want a Book to Keep

If you are one of those searching for a reference book in Java that you can use to learn with and then use later as a reference, then you need to get Java: The Complete Reference. You can always refer back to this book if you have any questions regarding Java, and this is a great choice if you want to master the language.

Conclusion

Which you use, Java: A Beginner’s Guide or Java: The Complete Reference, depends on your background and goals. If you are new to programming, then begin with Java: A Beginner’s Guide. In all other cases, Java: The Complete Reference is the better choice. Both books are well worth the read. Consider your skill level, what you want to learn, and how you’ll be using Java to make your decision. With the proper book guiding you, you’ll be off to a fantastic start in learning Java.