My favourite programming language yet!
Head First Java is a Java learning book by Kathy Sierra and Bert Bates. I am currently learning java because my class this semester uses it, and the class doesn’t teach java. You just have to learn the language on your own and work on the assignments using it, not that I’m complaining. I haven’t used java since 2015 in one of my undergrad classes, so I needed a huge refresher. That’s when I was referred to this book and I have never felt more secure.
The first thing that comes to mind when I think about a programming textbook is ‘BORING’ or ‘DIFFICULT’. I can safely vouch that this one is not one of those. In more poetic terms, it is a breath of fresh air in regards to learning programming languages.
Head First Java is fun, captivating, engaging and it’s those sorts of books where you learn something whether you like it or not. To be honest, I prefer learning through books or research papers instead of YouTube university. Sometimes I have to painfully sit through pages of boring and difficult books so you cannot even begin to imagine my level of excitement when I found a book that makes learning a complex programming language fun. The best part is if you are new to programming, this is definitely your book.
Tone
The tone of the entire book is not too serious, actually, it’s not serious at all. It’s lightweight and casual I even find myself going through a few pages just before bed, because I just want to get through it that fast. Some sections of the book are written in first-person conversation style, to hold the reader’s attention instead of being so formal and boring. It works. The book changes what would have been boring and difficult to lightweight fun content.
Doodles
I love doodles! I find myself doodling even in work meetings to avoid zoning out. Having doodles in most parts of the book holding important content is a way the authors use to make sure the reader’s brain remembers what it reads and doesn’t fall asleep in the process.
Exercises
The best way to remember anything is by getting practical. Expect to find exercises at the end of every topic or in the middle of them. Don’t worry, they’re challenging but do-able.
80/20 Rule
What I got from this book is that it’s not a reference book for programmers but a learning book. It doesn’t bombard you with so much content, except the authors have found what is just enough to get a java learner off their training wheels.
Conclusion
You’ve probably figured out how I feel about this book. I totally recommend it to anyone looking into learning Java. If I’ve managed to get through it anyone can!
