Multimedia Introduction to Programming Using Java

Multimedia Introduction to Programming Using Java
| 2004-09-09 00:00:00 | | 0 | Java

Although vital to modern software development, Java and object-oriented programming can pose significant challenges to newcomers. This text, unique in both scope and approach and accompanied by an interactive CD-ROM , addresses that learning curve by providing a careful, classroom-tested presentation of Java -- from the fundamentals of variables, types, and expressions to procedural concepts like loops and sophisticated object-oriented ideas.

Multimedia Introduction to Programming Using Java anchors its pedagogy in the CD-ROM ProgramLive, a complete multimedia module in itself. Containing over 250 recorded lectures with synchronized animation, ProgramLive allows users to see, first-hand and in real time, processes like stepwise refinement of algorithms, development of loops, execution of method calls and associated changes to the call stack, and much more. The disk also includes all programs from the book, 35 guided instruction sets for closed lab sessions, and a 70-page hyperlinked glossary.

Additional key features of this work:

Provides clear and accessible treatment of all aspects of a first course, along with more advanced topics such as recursion, exceptions, interfaces, inner classes, and GUIs.

Introduces objects and classes early in the exposition, rendering object-oriented programming intuitive and natural.

Develops programs, rather than simply showcasing them.

Supports all concepts through complementary lectures on the CD-ROM.

Contains numerous self-help exercises that encourage readers to practice programming.

Emphasizes rigor and accuracy through user-friendly exposition and a flexible organizational style.

With its comprehensive appendices and bibliography, systematic approach, and helpful CD, this exciting work provides the key tools they needed for successful object-oriented programming. It is ideal for use at the undergraduate and graduate beginning level, whether in the classroom or for distance learning; furthermore, the text will also be a valuable self-study resource or reference volume in any programmer? library.

User review
Very Good
One of the authors of this book, David Gries, is my Computer Science teacher and hearing his voice (and that of his son Paul) on the multimedia CD is a weird experience, but extremely helpful. I can't stand just reading textbooks, and the multimedia CD allows me to have an interactive learning experience and not just stare at pages. The book is great as well but the learning CD is really what stands out. There are videos, exercises, sample programs, labs, you name it. Very easy to learn Java with it.

User review
interested CD with recorded presentations
The multimedia CD is clearly the most distinctive aspect of the book. I found the recorded presentations to be quite interesting and these can be helpful to the Java beginner. They would specifically be useful to a reader who learns best from a live teacher than from text. But who, for whatever reason, lacks that teacher.


The text of the book is competently done. With Springer's usual technically accurate content. Though I can't say that the text is necessarily distinctive or better than other pre-existing texts on Java.


On a passing note, the CD's content must have been quite expensive to produce. Given that Springer's texts tend to be fairly small circulation, one might wonder if they will ever recoup the cost of development.