Exploring Java ^{2nd Ed.}

Exploring Java is a comprehensive tutorial introduction to the programming environment that's changing the way we think about computing. The ability to create animated web pages initially sparked Java's popularity, but it promises much more. Java provides complete portability between all major computing platforms and makes guarantees about safety that no other language can match; it's extremely difficult top write viruses and other hostile software, and much easier to write robust, reusable code. It is an ideal language for writing a new generation of Internet and Intranet applications.

This new edition of Exploring Java covers all the basics: the language itself, applets, threads, various utility libraries, and user interfaces. It pays special attention to networking, where Java's capabilities are a major advance over previous languages. Furthermore, it takes an in-depth look at the recent changes to the Java language (the Java 1.1 release) and its APIs: it covers JavaBeans, resources and resource bundles, inner classes, RMI (Remote Method Invocation), and signed classes. Exploring Java includes many complete programs, including a simple web server, protocol and content handlers, and many applets.

In this book, you'll learn:

• The history and goals of Java
• How to write applets and integrate them into the Web
• How to program with threads
• How to take advantage of signed applets
• How to write network clients and servers
• How to build user interfaces
• How to work with images
• How to internationalize your programs
• How to Create Java Beans
• How to use object-oriented programming techniques

The Java Series^™ has established itself as the leading source for technical information on topics related to Java. In addition to books on Java basics, look to the Series for comprehensive coverage of advanced topics like threaded programming, distributed computing, and security.

1. Yet Another Language?
• Enter Java
• A Virtual Machine
• Java Compared
• Safety of Design
• Safety of Implementation
• Application and User Level Security
• Java and the World Wide Web
• Java as a General Application Language
• A Java Road Map
• Availability
2. A First Applet
• Hello Web!
• Hello Web! II: The Sequel
• Hello Web! III: The Button Strikes!
• Hello Web! IV: Netscape's Revenge
3. Tools of the Trade
• The Java Interpreter
• The Class Path
• The Java Compiler
• The Applet Tag
• Packaging Java Archive (JAR) Files
• Code and Data Signing
4. The Java Language
• Text Encoding
• Comments
• Types
• Statements and Expressions
• Exceptions
• Arrays
5. Objects in Java
• Classes
• Methods
• Object Creation
• Object Destruction
6. Relationships Between Classes
• Subclassing and Inheritance
• Interfaces
• Packages and Compilation Units
• Variable and Method Visibility
• Inside Arrays
• Inner Classes
7. Working with Objects and Classes
• The Object Class
• The Class Class
• Reflection
8. Threads
• Introducing Threads
• Threading Applets
• Synchronization
• Scheduling and Priority
• Thread Groups
9. Basic Utility Classes
• Strings
• Math Utilities
• Dates
• Vectors and Hashtables
• Properties
• The Security Manager
• Internationalization
10. Input/Output Facilities
• Streams
• Files
• Serialization
• Data Compression
11. Network Programming with Sockets and RMI
• Sockets
• Datagram Sockets
• Simple Serialized Object Protocols
• Remote Method Invocation
12. Working with URLs
• The URL Class
• Web Browsers and Handlers
• Writing a Content Handler
• Writing a protocol handler
• Talking to CGI Programs
13. The Abstract Window Toolkit
• Components
• Containers
• AWT Performance and Lightweight Components
• Applets
• Events
• AWT Event Summary
14. Creating GUI Components
• Buttons and Labels
• Text Components
• Lists
• Menus and Choices
• PopupMenu
• Checkbox and CheckboxGroup
• ScrollPane and Scrollbars
• DIalogs
• Creating Custom Components
15. Layout Managers
• FlowLayout
• GridLayout
• BorderLayout
• CardLayout
• GridBagLayout
• Nonstandard Layout Managers
• Absolute Positioning?
16. Drawing with AWT
• Basic Drawing
• Colors
• Fonts
• Images
• Drawing Techniques
17. Working with Images
• Image Processing
• Implementing an ImageObserver
• Using a MediaTracker
• Producing Image Data
• Image Producers and Consumers
• Filtering Image Data
• Working with Audio
18. Java Beans
• What's a Bean?
• Building Beans
• Hand-Coding with Beans
• Putting Reflection to Work

An excellent introduction to Java, the language, with enough handholding and history to make it worthwhile to read.