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12 Best Books To Learn Java [Beginners+Experts]

Mastering Java requires dedication, practice, and the right learning resources. Whether you’re a newbie trying to get into coding or an experienced developer aiming to enhance your Java skills, choosing the right books can make a difference. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the best books available for learning Java, catering to learners of all levels to sharpen their skills and stay updated with the latest trends and best practices. 

Best Books To Learn Java

Best Java Books AuthorAudienceBuy Now
Head First Java - 2nd EditionKathy Sierra, Bert BatesBeginnersCheck On Amazon
Effective Java - 3rd EditionJoshua BlochIntermediate/AdvancedCheck On Amazon
Head First Design PatternsEric Freeman, Elisabeth RobsonIntermediateCheck On Amazon
Java Concurrency in PracticeBrian Goetz, Tim Peierls, Joshua Bloch, Joseph Bowbeer, David Holmes, Doug LeaAdvancedCheck On Amazon
Java: The Complete Reference - 11th EditionHerbert SchildtBeginners/IntermediateCheck On Amazon
Beginning Programming With Java For DummiesBarry BurdBeginnersCheck On Amazon
Java: Learn Java In One DayLCF Publishing, Jamie ChanBeginnersCheck On Amazon
Learn Java: A Crash Course GuideTimothy C. NeedhamBeginnersCheck On Amazon
Java: Programming Basics for BeginnersNathan ClarkBeginnersCheck On Amazon
OCA OCP Java SE 8 Programmer Certification KitJeanne Boyarsky, Scott SelikoffCertificationCheck On Amazon
Java 9 For ProgrammersPaul Deitel, Harvey DeitelIntermediate/AdvancedCheck On Amazon
Elements of Programming Interviews in JavaAdnan Aziz, Tsung-Hsien Lee, Amit PrakashAdvancedCheck On Amazon

Best Books To Learn Java: Reviews

1. Head First Java – 2nd Edition

Head First Java 2nd Edition

Author(s): Kathy Sierra, Bert Bates

Book Review: 

Known as the go-to Java guide among both seasoned professionals and newcomers, Head First Java presents a unique and refreshing way to grasp the intricacies of Java programming. Through its captivating style, the book utilizes visual aids, brain teasers, and practical scenarios to dive deep into the world of Java. Covering everything from the basics to more advanced subjects like network sockets and distributed programming, it ensures a thorough understanding in an enjoyable and holistic manner. Its emphasis on Java 5.0 keeps the content up-to-date and relevant for today’s programming demands.

Topics Covered:

  • Introduction to object-oriented programming
  • Java syntax and fundamentals
  • Threads and concurrency
  • Network programming with RMI

Why Is It Worth Reading:

  • Engaging and interactive learning approach
  • Covers Java 5.0 with updated content

Buy Now From Amazon

2. Effective Java – 3rd Edition

Effective Java 3rd Edition (1)

Author(s): Joshua Bloch

Book Review:

“Effective Java” stands as a timeless gem, constantly adapting to the changes in the Java programming world. Joshua Bloch adeptly guides readers through Java’s complexities, sharing priceless wisdom on design patterns, language nuances, and top practices. This edition, updated for Java 7, 8, and 9, incorporates modern features like Lambda expressions and streams, making it essential for Java developers of all levels. Every chapter delivers clear, actionable guidance supported by code samples, empowering readers to craft efficient, manageable Java code.

Topics Covered:

  • Latest features of Java 7, 8, and 9
  • Design patterns and language idioms
  • Best practices for objects, classes, and libraries
  • Concurrency and serialization techniques

Why Is It Worth Reading:

  • Up-to-date content reflecting modern Java advancements
  • Clear, concise advice for writing robust Java code

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3. Head First Design Patterns 

Head First DesignAuthor(s): Eric Freeman, Elisabeth Robson

Book Review:

Offering a refreshing take on grasping design patterns in software development, “Head First Design Patterns” stands out. Authored by Eric Freeman and Elisabeth Robson, this book breaks down intricate concepts in a visually appealing manner, ensuring they’re understandable for everyone. It delves into crucial design patterns, their practical uses, and the fundamental principles of object-oriented design. With its interactive style, this edition empowers developers to tackle real-world software design issues with confidence.

Topics Covered:

  • Introduction to design patterns
  • Creational, structural, and behavioral patterns
  • Applying design patterns to software design
  • Object-oriented design principles

Why Is It Worth Reading:

  • Engaging and interactive learning experience
  • Practical insights into building maintainable software

Buy Now From Amazon

4. Java Concurrency in Practice

Java Concurrency in PracticeAuthor(s): Brian Goetz, Tim Peierls, Joshua Bloch, Joseph Bowbeer, David Holmes, Doug Lea

Book Review:

This essential guide is one of the best ones in the market. “Java Concurrency in Practice” serves as a go-to resource for mastering concurrent programming in Java. Written by renowned experts like Joshua Bloch and Brian Goetz, the book provides valuable insights into multithreaded programming. It offers practical advice and proven techniques, covering essential concepts like concurrency, thread safety, and performance optimization. With its comprehensive approach, developers gain the necessary knowledge and tools to create reliable and scalable concurrent applications.

Topics Covered:

  • Fundamentals of concurrency and thread safety
  • Building thread-safe classes
  • Java’s concurrency building blocks
  • Performance optimization strategies
  • Testing concurrent programs

Why Is It Worth Reading:

  • In-depth exploration of concurrency principles
  • Practical guidance for developing correct and performant concurrent applications

Buy Now From Amazon

5. Java: The Complete Reference – 11th Edition

Java: The Complete Reference - 11th Edition

Author(s): Herbert Schildt

Book Review:

The next one on our list is “Java: The Complete Reference” authored by Herbert Schildt. This book is a go-to resource for Java programmers of all levels, whether you’re just starting out or already have experience. It delves into Java SE 11, offering in-depth insights into syntax, keywords, and core programming concepts. Schildt’s writing is clear and concise, making even the most complex topics accessible. With plenty of examples, from the basics to advanced modules and streams, this edition equips you with everything you need to master Java programming.

Topics Covered:

  • Java syntax, data types, and operators
  • Object-oriented programming concepts
  • Exception handling and multithreaded programming
  • Java API libraries and utilities
  • Modules and lambda expressions

Why Is It Worth Reading:

  • Detailed explanations and examples for easy understanding
  • Coverage of Java SE 11, ensuring relevance and currency

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6. Beginning Programming With Java For Dummies

Beginning Programming With Java For Dummies

Author(s): Barry Burd

Book Review:

“Beginning Programming with Java For Dummies” is an excellent resource for individuals new to programming and eager to learn Java. Written in a clear and accessible style by Barry Burd, this book provides step-by-step guidance on understanding Java programming concepts and building practical applications. With updated content for Java 9, readers will benefit from learning the language with samples and the Java toolkit. Whether you’re exploring programming as a hobby or embarking on a career, this book is an invaluable companion on your journey to Java proficiency.

Topics Covered:

  • Java programming basics and syntax
  • Decision making and control structures
  • Objects, classes, and methods
  • Handling exceptions and multithreading
  • Introduction to Java 9 features

Why Is It Worth Reading:

  • Easy-to-follow instructions for beginners
  • Updated content for Java 9 with relevant examples

Buy Now From Amazon

7. Java: Learn Java In One Day

Java: Learn Java In One Day

Author(s): LCF Publishing, Jamie Chan

Book Review:

For those who want to have a strong Java fundamental programming knowledge, “Java: Learn Java in One Day and Learn It Well” by LCF Publishing and Jamie Chan is an excellent choice. This comprehensive guide is tailored for beginners, making it easy to grasp the basics of Java programming quickly. It emphasizes hands-on learning, letting you put your new skills into practice with practical projects. The book keeps things simple and effective, covering essential Java concepts in a clear and concise way. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your programming skills, this resource offers a solid foundation in Java programming.

Topics Covered:

  • Introduction to Java programming
  • Variables, data types, and operators
  • Control flow statements and loops
  • Object-oriented programming principles
  • Hands-on project for practical application

Why Is It Worth Reading:

  • Quick and effective learning approach
  • Practical projects for immediate application

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8. Learn Java: A Crash Course Guide

Learn Java: A Crash Course Guide

Author(s): Timothy C. Needham

Book Review:

“Learn Java: A Crash Course Guide” by Timothy C. Needham is a beginner-friendly resource designed to teach Java programming in just one week. With its concise and structured approach, this book equips readers with essential Java skills quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re a complete novice or transitioning from another language, Needham’s clear explanations and practical examples make learning Java a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Topics Covered:

  • Variables and data types
  • Control structures and loops
  • Arrays and collections
  • Object-oriented programming concepts
  • Exception handling
  • Introduction to Java 8 features

Why Is It Worth Reading:

  • Fast-paced learning suitable for beginners
  • Comprehensive coverage of Java fundamentals
  • Practical examples and exercises for hands-on practice

Buy Now From Amazon

9. Java: Programming Basics for Absolute Beginners

Programming Basics for Absolute Beginners

Author(s): Nathan Clark

Book Review:

“Java: Programming Basics for Absolute Beginners” by Nathan Clark is a comprehensive guide tailored for those with little to no programming experience. This book offers a step-by-step approach to learning Java, starting from the basics and gradually progressing to more advanced topics. With clear explanations and practical examples, Clark makes Java programming accessible and engaging for beginners.

Topics Covered:

  • Introduction to Java programming
  • Writing and running Java programs
  • Basic program structure and syntax
  • Data types, variables, and constants
  • Control flow statements (loops and decision-making)
  • Object-oriented programming concepts
  • Error handling and exception management

Why Is It Worth Reading:

  • Beginner-friendly approach with simple explanations
  • Practical examples to reinforce learning
  • Covers essential programming concepts and Java fundamentals
  • Suitable for self-paced learning or classroom instruction

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10. OCA/OCP Java SE 8 Programmer Certification Kit

OCA/OCP Java SE 8 Programmer Certification Kit

Author(s): Jeanne Boyarsky, Scott Selikoff

Book Review:

The “OCA / OCP Java SE 8 Programmer Certification Kit” by Jeanne Boyarsky and Scott Selikoff is an indispensable resource for individuals preparing for the Oracle Java SE 8 certification exams. With comprehensive coverage of exam objectives and expert insights, this kit provides a thorough preparation experience for both the OCA (Oracle Certified Associate) and OCP (Oracle Certified Professional) levels.

Topics Covered:

  • Complete coverage of exam objectives for 1Z0-808 (OCA) and 1Z0-809 (OCP)
  • Detailed explanations of core Java concepts and APIs
  • In-depth discussion on functional programming, lambda expressions, and streams
  • Comprehensive review of object-oriented programming principles
  • Guidance on database programming with JDBC and JPA
  • Tips for optimizing performance and handling concurrency
  • Extensive practice questions and exercises

Why Is It Worth Reading:

  • Comprehensive preparation for Oracle Java SE 8 certification exams
  • Clear explanations and examples to reinforce understanding
  • Practice questions and exercises to assess knowledge and skills
  • Insightful tips and strategies for exam success
  • Valuable resource for both beginners and experienced Java developers aiming for certification.

Buy Now From Amazon

11. Java 9 For Programmers

Java 9 For Programmers

Author(s): Paul Deitel, Harvey Deitel

Book Review:

This book by Paul Deitel and Harvey Deitel, titled “Java 9 for Programmers,” serves as a comprehensive guide designed specifically for professional programmers making the switch to Java 9. Emphasizing practicality and real-world usage, the book employs the renowned Deitel live-code approach to delve deeply into the Java 9 language and APIs.

Topics Covered:

  • Introduction to Java and its design goals
  • Java language syntax, features, and fundamentals
  • JavaFX GUI development including graphics, animation, and video
  • Exception handling and multithreaded programming
  • Functional programming concepts and lambda expressions
  • Database programming with JDBC and JPA
  • Java 9 features including the Java Platform Module System (JPMS) and JShell
  • Core Java concepts like classes, objects, inheritance, and polymorphism
  • Advanced topics such as recursion, generics, and concurrency
  • Extensive code examples and walkthroughs

Why Is It Worth Reading:

  • Provides a hands-on approach with extensive code examples and live-code walkthroughs
  • Covers Java 9 features including the JPMS and JShell for interactive programming
  • Includes hundreds of complete Java 9 programs with detailed explanations
  • Offers tips and best practices for building robust Java applications
  • Suitable for both beginner and experienced programmers looking to master Java 9 and its new features.

Buy Now From Amazon

12. Elements of Programming Interviews in Java: The Insider’s Guide

Elements of Programming Interviews in Java

Author(s): Adnan Aziz, Tsung-Hsien Lee, Amit Prakash

Book Review:

“Elements of Programming Interviews in Java: The Insiders’ Guide” is an essential resource for aspiring software engineers preparing for coding interviews. Authored by Adnan Aziz, Tsung-Hsien Lee, and Amit Prakash, this book offers a comprehensive collection of coding problems and solutions tailored for Java programmers.

Topics Covered:

  • Various coding problems categorized by difficulty level
  • Detailed explanations and hints for each problem
  • Practical advice on coding interview preparation strategies
  • Examples of complete programs and coding solutions
  • Tips for optimizing code performance and efficiency
  • Guidance on handling different coding interview scenarios
  • Special focus on problem-solving techniques and algorithms
  • Coverage of Java-specific concepts and language features
  • Sample scenarios for different preparation timelines and goals

Why Is It Worth Reading:

  • Provides a structured approach to mastering coding interview questions
  • Offers comprehensive coverage of Java-specific topics and coding problems
  • Includes hints and explanations to guide readers through challenging problems
  • Suitable for both beginners and experienced programmers aiming to excel in coding interviews
  • Authored by industry experts with insider knowledge of coding interview processes
  • Offers practical tips and strategies for effective interview preparation

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What is Java?

Java is a high-level, object-oriented programming language developed by Sun Microsystems (now owned by Oracle Corporation) in the mid-1990s. It was designed with the principle of “write once, run anywhere” (WORA), meaning that Java programs can run on any device that has a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) installed, regardless of the underlying hardware or operating system. This platform independence makes Java particularly appealing for developing cross-platform applications, web-based applications, and mobile apps.

Why Learn Java?

There are several compelling reasons to learn Java:

  • Versatility: Java is used in a wide range of applications, from web development to mobile app development, enterprise systems, scientific computing, and more. Mastering Java opens up a plethora of career opportunities in various industries.
  • Popularity: Java consistently ranks among the top programming languages in terms of popularity and demand in the job market. Learning Java can enhance your employability and job prospects.
  • Strong Community Support: Java has a vast and active community of developers, which means you’ll have access to a wealth of resources, forums, libraries, and frameworks to support your learning journey.
  • Scalability and Performance: Java’s scalability and performance make it suitable for building robust, high-performance applications that can handle large volumes of data and users.
  • Industry Standard: Many large organizations and tech companies rely on Java for their critical systems and applications, making it an industry-standard language.

Key Concepts and Terminology

To understand Java effectively, it’s essential to grasp some key concepts and terminology:

  • Object-Oriented Programming (OOP): Java is an object-oriented language, which means it revolves around the concept of objects, which are instances of classes. OOP principles such as encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism are fundamental to Java programming.
  • Syntax: Java syntax is similar to C and C++, making it relatively easy to learn for those familiar with these languages. However, Java eliminates some of the complexities and potential pitfalls of these languages, such as manual memory management.
  • Classes and Objects: In Java, everything is an object, and classes are used to define the blueprint for creating objects. Objects have properties (fields) and behaviors (methods) associated with them.
  • Variables and Data Types: Java supports various data types, including primitive types (e.g., int, double, boolean) and reference types (e.g., objects, arrays). Variables are used to store data, and their type must be declared before use.
  • Control Flow: Java provides constructs for controlling the flow of program execution, such as 
  • conditional statements (if-else), loops (for, while, do-while), and branching statements (break, continue).
  • Exception Handling: Java has built-in mechanisms for handling exceptions, which are runtime errors that occur during program execution. Exception handling allows developers to gracefully handle errors and prevent program crashes.

Benefits of Learning Java

Mastering Java offers numerous benefits:

  • Lucrative Career Opportunities: Java developers are in high demand across various industries, including finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and technology. Learning Java can open doors to exciting job opportunities and competitive salaries.
  • Transferable Skills: Java’s syntax and principles are transferable to other programming languages, making it a valuable skill to have even if you later transition to a different language or technology.
  • Flexibility and Portability: Java’s platform independence and portability make it ideal for developing applications that can run seamlessly across different platforms and devices.

Community and Resources: Java has a vast and supportive community of developers, along with a wealth of online tutorials, documentation, forums, and libraries to assist learners at every stage of their journey.

Conclusion

We trust you found this curated list of the finest Java learning resources valuable. Each book featured here offers excellent value for your investment. If you’re still undecided, we’re here to provide further guidance with two standout recommendations. Java stands as a cornerstone of modern software development, powering a vast array of applications.

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