CIT 590 Textbook and Resources
Spring 2009, David Matuszek

Java in Easy Steps (Paperback) by Mike McGrath Paperback: 192 pages Publisher: In Easy Steps Limited; 3rd edition (February 28, 2008) Language: English ISBN-10: 184078346X ISBN-13: 978-1840783469 Be sure to get the third edition! The bookstore had the first edition for a while; if you got it by mistake, they will take it back. This book isn't nearly as complete as the Murach's book, but it should be an easier read.

Murach's Java SE 6: Training & Reference by Joel Murach, Andrea Steelman, Doug Lowe Paperback: 832 pages Publisher: Mike Murach & Associates (April 20, 2007) Language: English ISBN-10: 1890774421 ISBN-13: 978-1890774424 I like this book because it has good, detailed explanations of each topic, and good examples to go with them. It's also a book in which you can read about topics (after the first three introductory chapters) in pretty much any order you need to--you don't have to read front to back.

Sun Developer Network

This is where you can download the latest version of Java 6 (the JDK, not the JRE) and, further down, the documentation (also known as the API, or Application Programmer's Interface). It is essential to have the documentation readily available when you are programming Java. The API describes all the classes and methods you need to use; it does not, however, cover Java syntax.

Java 6 API on the Web.

This is where you can read the Java documentation on the Web, if you are at a computer that does not have the documentation installed.

Eclipse

This is the IDE (Integrated Development Environment) you will use to create Java programs. I recommend the "Classic" version, as it includes everything you will need (and more).

CETS Answers

All kinds of important information from our computer support group.

Java Syntax Pages

Because the API does not describe Java syntax, I wrote up these pages as an online resource. They cover most of the basics of Java, but are not complete by any means!

Java O-O concepts

This is a page I wrote in an attempt to describe all the concepts involved in Java Object-Oriented programming. You can use this as a study guide for the conceptual part of the final exam.

The Daily WTF

A real-life chronicle of management stupidities, interview stupidities, and code stupidities. Often amusing, and a good place to learn about things you should avoid doing.

Joel on Software

A worthwhile blog, by a programming manager. His Archive is full of interesting articles; check it out in your spare time!

xkcd

This is a webcomic that I frequently enjoy. Many of the jokes are "insider" jokes.