If it looks too good to be true, it probably is (Sams Teach Yourself Java 2 in 24 Hours - Roger Cadenhead)

Member Name: thejazzyj

Product:	Sams Teach Yourself Java 2 in 24 Hours - Roger Cadenhead
Date:	13/07/09 (15 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Covers basics, Reasonable examples

Disadvantages: No depth, no coverage of program design

I teach Java to sixth formers and every year I get al least one who goes against what I say and end up buying this book. On the surface I guess it looks attractive, 24 hours to learn a new programming language? Sounds great.

Having read through the book it doesn't do a bad job of teaching the very basics, data types, functions, procedures, assignement, iteration, selection all covered.

There is example code for people to try and the book extends to some simple User Interface work. The problem for me is that it skims over so much. At no point are people taught about sound programming concepts or the thought processes behind how you go about designing and creating a program.

Thge book also splits things down into "hours" to give you an idea of how far along you are. I decided to give it a try and read through the whole thing completing all the suggested exercises. It took me over 30 hours and I have been programming for years so hopefully avoided a lot of the simple errors.

Summary: Much better off buying a good reference book.