Introduction to Programming Using Java

Introduction

The book "Introduction to Programming Using Java" (8th edition, 2022) by David Eck is not just another Java textbook. It is a fundamental work that has remained one of the most recommended resources for self-studying programming for many years. Written by a professor of mathematics and computer science, the book combines academic rigor with remarkable accessibility. Despite the fact that pythonlib.ru is dedicated to Python, this book deserves the attention of anyone who wants to understand how programming works in general and master one of the most in-demand languages — Java.

What is this book about?

The textbook covers a full range of topics necessary for a confident start in Java development. The author begins with the absolute basics — what variables, data types, and operators are — and gradually leads the reader to complex concepts such as generics, collections, multithreading, and working with graphical interfaces (JavaFX). The book is built on the principle of "from simple to complex," with each chapter logically following from the previous one.

A feature of the 2022 edition is the emphasis on modern versions of Java (11 and higher) and a complete abandonment of the outdated Swing in favor of JavaFX for GUI applications. Chapters on functional programming (lambda expressions, Stream API) and web programming with servlets have also been added.

Who is this book for?

The book is aimed at complete beginners in programming. You don't need prior experience — David Eck explains even basic concepts like the binary number system or sorting algorithms. At the same time, the book will be useful for those who already know another language (e.g., Python or C++) and want to quickly learn Java — thanks to its clear structure and abundance of examples.

What will the reader learn?

• Java syntax basics: variables, operators, control structures (if, switch, loops).
• Object-oriented programming (OOP): classes, objects, inheritance, polymorphism, interfaces.
• Exception handling and input-output: working with files, data streams.
• Data structures and algorithms: arrays, lists, stacks, queues, recursion, sorting.
• Modern Java features: lambda expressions, Stream API, module system (JPMS).
• Graphical interfaces: creating window applications using JavaFX.
• Web programming basics: servlets, JSP, working with HTTP.
• Multithreading and concurrency: threads, synchronization, thread pools.

Strengths of the book

1. Free and open. The book is freely distributed in PDF and HTML formats on the author's website. This makes it accessible to students and self-learners worldwide.

2. Practical focus. Each chapter contains numerous code examples that can be run immediately. At the end of chapters, there are exercises of varying difficulty levels (with answers in the appendix).

3. Smooth entry into OOP. The author does not throw the reader into the depths of classes and objects from the first chapter. Procedural programming is introduced first, and only after basic skills are solidified is the object-oriented paradigm introduced.

4. Relevance. The eighth edition (2022) takes into account all changes in the language up to Java 17 inclusive. You will not find outdated advice or deprecated API here.

5. In-depth explanation. David Eck not only shows how to write code but also explains why it works the way it does. This is especially valuable in sections on memory management, garbage collection, and multithreading.

6. High-quality illustrations and diagrams. Visualization of complex concepts (e.g., how the call stack or linked lists work) helps to better understand the material.

Who is it recommended for?

The book will be useful for: