Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around recommendations for books and resources for learning Java, particularly in the context of developing Android applications. Participants share their opinions on various titles and their suitability for beginners versus more advanced learners.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
- Technical explanation
Main Points Raised
- One participant inquires about good websites and books for learning Java, specifically asking about "Head First Java" and "Java for Dummies" for beginners.
- Another participant suggests "Core Java" and "Java Cookbook" as more formal and comprehensive resources, while also mentioning the importance of using the Android Devkit for app development.
- A third participant summarizes recommendations from various sources, noting that "Thinking in Java" and "Effective Java" are frequently praised, while "Head First Java" is criticized for not teaching Java effectively.
- One participant emphasizes the importance of checking the version of Java that books are written for, highlighting JDK 1.8 as the latest version.
- Another participant mentions "Murach's Java SE6" as a decent book based on personal experience from a course.
- Some participants advocate for "Head First Java" as a good starting point for beginners, with suggestions to follow it up with "Efficient Java" and "Java Concurrency in Practice".
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
There is no consensus on the best resources for learning Java, with participants expressing differing opinions on the effectiveness of "Head First Java" and other titles. Some recommend it for beginners, while others advise against it in favor of more traditional textbooks.
Contextual Notes
Participants highlight the importance of the Java version covered in books, indicating that newer editions may be necessary to learn the latest features. There is also a distinction made between beginner-friendly resources and those deemed more suitable for serious study.
Who May Find This Useful
This discussion may be useful for beginners looking for Java learning resources, as well as those interested in Android app development and seeking recommendations on books that cater to different learning styles and levels.