O'Reilly has brought out a second edition of its book on Java development. “Head First Java, Second Edition” teaches readers about Java — including Java 5.0 changes and APIs — using stimulating “puzzles, strong visuals, mysteries, and soul-searching interviews” aimed at “jolting” the user into learning, the authors say.

(Click for larger view of the book's whacky cover)

According to authors Kathy Sierra and Bert Bates, humans learn best when confronted by unusual, out-of-the-ordinary experiences. Thus, the two use attention-getting color graphics and non-traditional teaching techniques in an attempt to make dry, technical information more engaging. Publisher O'Reilly says the book's first edition drew praise for its innovative teaching methodologies.

Despite its playful appearance, the book presents “a complete introduction to object-oriented programming and Java,” including advanced topics such as threads, network sockets, and distributed programming with RMI, the authors say. Other topics include:

• The Java language
• Object-oriented development
• Writing, testing, and deploying applications
• Using the Java API library
• Exception handling
• Multithreading
• Swing GUI programming
• Networking with RMI and sockets
• Collections and generics

Availability

The 720-page book is available now, in stores or direct from O'Reilly, priced at $44.95 US, $62.95 CA, or 31.95 GBP. Sample chapters, including “A Trip to Objectville,” and “Serious Polymorphism,” are available online.

 
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