Beginning Programming with Java For Dummies (4^th Ed.)

Beginning Programming with Java For Dummies, 4^th Edition is a comprehensive guide to learning one of the most popular programming languages worldwide. This book covers basic development concepts and techniques through a Java lens. You?ll learn what goes into a program, how to put the pieces together, how to deal with challenges, and how to make it work. The new Fourth Edition has been updated to align with Java 8, and includes new options for the latest tools and techniques.

Java is the predominant language used to program Android and cloud apps, and its popularity is surging as app demand rises. Whether you?re just tooling around, or embarking on a career, Beginning Programming with Java For Dummies, 4^th Edition is a great place to start. Step?by?step instruction, easy?to?read language, and quick navigation make this book the perfect resource for new programmers. You?ll begin with the basics before moving into code, with simple, yet detailed explanations every step of the way. Topics include:

• Learn the language with sample programs and the Java toolkit
• Familiarize yourself with decisions, conditions, statements, and information overload
• Differentiate between loops and arrays, objects and classes, methods and variables

The book also contains links to additional resources, other programming languages, and guidance as to the most useful classes in the Java API. If you?re new to programming languages, Beginning Programming with Java For Dummies, 4^th Edition provides the instruction and practice you need to become a confident Java programmer.

Introduction 1

Part I: Getting Started with Java Programming 9

Chapter 1: Getting Started 11

Chapter 2: Setting Up Your Computer 23

Chapter 3: Running Programs 53

Part II: Writing Your Own Java Programs 75

Chapter 4: Exploring the Parts of a Program 77

Chapter 5: Composing a Program 97

Chapter 6: Using the Building Blocks: Variables, Values, and Types 121

Chapter 7: Numbers and Types 135

Chapter 8: Numbers? Who Needs Numbers? 153

Part III: Controlling the Flow 175

Chapter 9: Forks in the Road 177

Chapter 10: Which Way Did He Go? 193

Chapter 11: How to Flick a Virtual Switch 217

Chapter 12: Around and Around It Goes 233

Chapter 13: Piles of Files: Dealing with Information Overload 253

Chapter 14: Creating Loops within Loops 273

Chapter 15: The Old Runaround 285

Part IV: Using Program Units 309

Chapter 16: Using Loops and Arrays 311

Chapter 17: Programming with Objects and Classes 333

Chapter 18: Using Methods and Variables from a Java Class 347

Chapter 19: Creating New Java Methods 371

Chapter 20: Oooey GUI Was a Worm 393

Part V: The Part of Tens 423

Chapter 21: Ten Websites for Java 425

Chapter 22: Ten Useful Classes in the Java API 427

Index 431

• Primary audience: First–time programmers, students seeking a beginner–level Java reference.
• Secondary audience: First–time programmers who are using Java to learn how to create their own applications. This group is primarily made up of high school, college, or tech school students in an elementary programming or Java course.

Barry Burd, PhD, is a professor of mathematics and computer science at Drew University. He is the author of Android Application Development All–in–One For Dummies and Java Programming for Android Developers For Dummies.