Murach’s Beginning Java with NetBeans book examines all aspects of Java in detail with the help of the NetBeans IDE. The book is divided into five sections. The first chapter provides a brief overview of Java and NetBeans. You will learn the steps required to write Java code, including the use of classes and methods. In Chapter 4, you will learn the process involved in writing your own classes and methods in detail.
You will learn the steps required to structure an object-oriented application in Chapter 5. The final chapter of Section 1 examines the process associated with testing and debugging an application.
Section 2 examines the use of primitive types, operators, strings, arrays, and control declarations with the help of code samples. The chapters in Section 3 provide a detailed description of the use of inheritance, interfaces, inner classes, enumeration, and documentation.
Section 4 examines the use of collections, generics, lambdas, data, and time. You will also learn the steps required to handle exceptions as well as working with input / output and threads.
You will learn the steps associated with using the MySQL database, including JDBC, in section 5. The last two chapters in section 5 examine GUI development using Java Swing. The book includes two appendices that cover aspects of installing Java on both Windows and Mac OS X.
Each chapter ends with a section called perspective and also includes a bulleted summary. I really liked the way the authors have presented the abstract. Readers will be able to quickly learn the facts.
Includes exercise questions in numbered format that prompt you to take specific actions. You must read each line to complete the exercises as instructed until the final step. From my point of view, these questions will help students grasp knowledge quickly.
To complete the exercises, you need to download samples from the publisher’s official website. Murach also provides an Instructor CD that will have PowerPoint slides, MCQ, and much more.
I’d like to see a separate chapter on mobile application development using Java. The book will be very useful for developers who are well versed in the basics of Java programming. Pure beginners will find this difficult, as the authors have examined the concepts using NetBeans. However, they will be able to make use of the book after acquiring fundamental knowledge of Java.
Without a doubt, Beginning Java with NetBeans from Murach Publishing is an excellent companion for students. Instructors can use the book to provide training. Additionally, companies can keep a copy of the book on their shelves for reference.