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Building Java Programs: A Back to Basics Approach

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For courses in Java Programming Layered, Back-to-Basics Approach to Java Programming Newly revised and updated, this Fourth Edition of Building Java A Back to Basics Approach uses a layered strategy to introduce Java programming, with the aim of overcoming the difficulty associated with introductory programming textbooks. The authors’ proven and class-tested “back to basics” approach introduces programming fundamentals first, with new syntax and concepts added over multiple chapters, and object-oriented programming discussed only once readers have developed a basic understanding of Java programming. Previous editions have established the text’s reputation as an excellent choice for thoroughly introducing the basics of computer science, and new material in the Fourth Edition incorporates concepts related to Java 8, functional programming, and image manipulation. You are purchasing a standalone product; MyLab ™ & Mastering ™ does not come packaged with this content. Students, if interested in purchasing this title with MyLab & Mastering, ask your instructor for the correct package ISBN and Course ID. Instructors, contact your Pearson representative for more information. If you would like to purchase both the physical text and MyLab & Mastering, search 0134448308 / 9780134448305 Building Java A Back to Basics Approach plus MyProgrammingLab with Pearson eText -- Access Card Package, 4/e Package consists

700 pages, Paperback

First published February 25, 2007

24 people are currently reading
131 people want to read

About the author

Stuart Reges

11 books1 follower

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5 stars
56 (35%)
4 stars
56 (35%)
3 stars
27 (16%)
2 stars
9 (5%)
1 star
12 (7%)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Nikolai Volsky.
7 reviews10 followers
October 16, 2019
I think it's a good read. I found it practical and easy to understand, even though I'm not a big fan of computer books, I'm more into documentation and tecnhical manuals.
Profile Image for Justin.
27 reviews4 followers
May 16, 2016
I read half of it for the first semester of a two-semester introductory computer science sequence at my school. I have prior programming experience, but I had to take the course in order to take the more advanced courses that I'm actually interested in. As far as programming texts go, it's good. The explanations are clear and not overly pedantic, and I picked up some new tidbits of knowledge here and there.

The book has a "show you how not to do it" approach where it has code blocks showing the wrong way to do things, sometimes multiple times, followed by the correct code block. The incorrect code blocks are supposedly examples of common mistakes made by novice programmers. Maybe it was due to my prior experience, but the incorrect code blocks were hard for me to follow logically, so I tended to skip them and just read the correct code block.

If you're using the book for a class, and you're new to programming, you'll learn a lot. Chances are that's the only way you've heard of this book anyway, and with the standard rip-off textbook price, probably the only way you'd ever buy it.
Profile Image for Abbey.
15 reviews5 followers
August 14, 2011
pretty decent. I read this never having done any Java before and found it helpful.
Profile Image for Jennifer Wu.
11 reviews
January 12, 2017
The authors did a great job explaining the history of the language and its usage... But delivered the material in a disorganized manner. Objects were not introduced until about 30% into the material. I found that I was completely confused for the first half of the book, learning and unlearning the information all while trying to reorganize the material in my head.

On a good note, the examples and references were extremely helpful in understanding the basics of logical reasoning.

I think I'd have liked the book better if objects were introduced parallel to primitive data types.
1 review
August 11, 2020
One of the authors linked with creepily going after super young girls
Profile Image for Sten Leinasaar.
43 reviews3 followers
November 2, 2020
Fascinating and easy to understand. Clear examples and a lot of opportunities to practice.
Profile Image for Mark Lacanilao.
14 reviews
June 21, 2022
Excellent supplemental textbook for learning Java fundamentals, and building data structures from scratch as opposed to implementing the Java Collections Framework.
33 reviews
May 29, 2025
Easily the book I re read the most throughout my academic career. Super valuable. I enjoyed it, as much as anyone can enjoy a textbook.
Profile Image for Chee Wai Wong.
10 reviews
April 24, 2019
Only read chpt 6, chpt 8 to 17 and skipped those that is really fundamentals. A very good book that gives user a very clear understanding on the concept of OOP.
Profile Image for Ramesh.
20 reviews1 follower
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July 21, 2017
Not the most organized or well presented and certainly not the cheapest book on Java.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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