Books make up for the initial medium of learning. Combining these with articles, tutorials, and videos, you get an ideal formula to learn Java. As Java is one of the main programming languages, there is no lack of books produced on the high-level, general-purpose programming language. While some of them give an overview of numerous Java principles, others dig in-depth into particular Java subjects.
12 Best Java Books for Beginners & Advanced Programmers
Here, we have collected a list of 12 good Java books to boost your study in Java Language.
1. Core Java Volume I - Fundamentals
Core Java Volume I – Fundamentals is a Java reference book (Best book for Java)that presents a full explanation of many concepts of Core Java, including exception handling, interfaces, and lambda expressions. Significant strengths of the book are straightforward language, conciseness, and extensive examples. The current version of the Core Java Volume I – Fundamentals thoroughly revised for covering Java SE 9, 10 & 11. The book helps Java programmers gain an ability to design extremely resilient and maintainable code.
2. Effective Java
A must-have book for any Java programmer and Java aspirant, Effective Java makes up for a great complimentary read with other Java books or study material. The book presents 78 recommended practices to follow for making the code better. Effective Java splits all the aforesaid best practices into 11 different areas, such as Concurrency, Generics, and Methods, to make it simpler for the reader to absorb it all. The book gives something to Java programmers of every ability level. Effective Java is created by Joshua Bloch, who is also the creator of numerous major Java classes and API, including java.lang and Java Collection framework. The background of the newest version of the book constructed around Java 7, 8, and 9.
3. Java: A Beginner’s Guide
If you are a seasoned Java programmer wishing to expand your Java expertise, don’t be frightened by the title of the book, Java: A Beginner’s Guide. It is, in reality, one of the most complete books for learning Java. Anyone with minimal programming expertise may readily benefit from the Java: A Beginner’s Guide. The Java book covers all principles relating to Core Java. The current version of the Java: A Beginner’s Guide is totally rewritten to accommodate Java 11 SE. The book contains various hands-on tasks as well as a quiz section at the conclusion of every chapter to help the readers self-evaluate their learning.
4. Java - The Complete Reference
Java - The Complete Reference is a handy Java reference book with over 1000 pages. It encompasses every facet of Java that you need to learn. In addition to covering major elements of the Java API library, Java - The Complete Reference covers basic programming ideas, Java language grammar, and keywords. The book is full of topics and suitable examples to enhance Java learning.
5. Head First Java
The most key selling factors of Head First Java is its simplicity and super-effective real-life analogies that apply to the Java programming ideas. It is also the finest book to learn java and to start your learning adventure with Java Development. Head First Java includes practically all OOPS principles and fascinatingly explains them. Despite multiple readers believing it to be a dated book, since it covers nothing beyond Java 5.0, Head First Java is still found on the shelf of countless Java veterans. Thus, it a must-have book for any Java pursuer and developer.
Some major subjects addressed by Head First Java include frequent OO blunders, distributed programming using RMI and network sockets, and threads. Additionally, the book overs 42 mind-bending riddles that will provide a deeper comprehension of Java.
6. Java Concurrency in Practice
Java Concurrency in Practice is one of the greatest Java programming books to build a thorough grasp of concurrency and multithreading. Don’t be deceived by the book’s coverage of Java 5.0, since it is still current and vital for any avid Java developer. The main problem with the Java Concurrency in Practice is that certain portions could be tough to grasp at first. However, you need to recognize that the concepts addressed by the book, i.e. concurrency and multithreading, are challenging in themselves. Hence, you will understand afterward that the arduous process of reading through the book is worth the effort.
7. Test-Driven: TDD and Acceptance TDD for Java Developers
Test-Driven is a good book for learning how to design unique automated testing methods. It is a must-have book for those Java developers who emphasize code quality as well as having a talent for designing unit, integration, and automated tests. Test-Driven: TDD and Acceptance TDD for Java Developers gives hands-on examples to test drive Java programs. Further, the book covers acceptance test-driven development, the Fit framework, and testing Java EE components - JSPs, Servlets, and Spring Controllers.
8. Head First Object-Oriented Analysis Design
Head First is one of the most attractive excellent book series ever created about Java programming language. Another gem in the series is the Head First Object-Oriented Analysis Design. It is part of the Head First Java trio, the other two being Head First Java and Head First Design Patterns. Head First Object-Oriented Analysis Design explains various strategies used in object-oriented programming and design. The list contains code for interfaces as well as how to encapsulate what changes. Head First OOAD is a great book to know how to create Java code better.
9. Java Performance: The Definite Guide
Garbage collection, JVM, and performance optimization are some of the most attractive characteristics of the Java programming language. Java Performance: The Definite Guide addresses all three of these Java concepts in a simple but efficient way. Java Performance: The Definite Guide teaches readers on optimizing Java threading and synchronization performance features, increase Java-driven database application performance, solve performance challenges in Java EE and Java SE APIs, and much more.
10. Head First Design Patterns
Good handle on the OOP and design patterns is crucial for building pristine Java programs. Head First Design Patterns is one of the main books to gain that specific grasp of the Java programming language. Head First Design Patterns gives answers to numerous regularly asked concerns about Java, including why Composition is better than Inheritance and how to modify the runtime behavior of a class without upsetting the previously tried and proven code.
The newest version of Head First Design Patterns is updated for Java 8. Unlike other publications that depend on a text-based approach, Head First Design Patterns flaunts a visually rich structure that makes learning quicker and more efficient.
11. Clean Code — A Handbook on Agile Software Craftsmanship
As the name alludes to, Clean Code is a famous Java programming book that transmits the expertise of producing better code to its users. The clean Code separated into three pieces. The first part addresses the patterns, techniques, and concepts of developing clean code. The second half presents many case studies of rising complexity. Each of these is an exercise in cleaning up the code. The third and final component of the Clean Code is a single chapter that provides a collection of heuristics obtained while designing the case studies described in the previous section.
12. Thinking in Java
Thinking in Java is rated as one of the most extensive Java books encompassing everything from the foundations to advanced subjects. The current version covers numerous subjects of Java 8 features in depth. It serves as a good resource for intermediate and advanced developers concerned about object-oriented programming.
Final Words
learning Java is an excellent ability for both beginning and experienced programmers, and there are numerous books accessible to assist you in reaching your objectives. The 12 best Java books mentioned in this piece provide a broad variety of learning tools, such as comprehensive guides, step-by-step tutorials, and actual tasks. Whether you want to master the fundamentals of Java programming or improve your current abilities, these books can be a great place to start. We urge you to investigate these tools and select those that best fit your learning style and objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best Java books for beginners?
Some of the best Java books for beginners include "Head First Java" by Kathy Sierra and Bert Bates, "Java: A Beginner's Guide" by Herbert Schildt, and "Thinking in Java" by Bruce Eckel. These books cover the basics of Java programming and provide clear explanations and examples.
2. What are the best Java books for advanced programmers?
Some of the best books for advanced programmers include "Effective Java" by Joshua Bloch, "Java Concurrency in Practice" by Brian Goetz, and "Java Performance: The Definitive Guide" by Scott Oaks. These books cover more complex topics like concurrency, performance tuning, and best practices for writing efficient and scalable code.
3. Are there any free Java books available online?
Yes, there are many free Java books available online for beginners, such as "Java Programming for Kids" by Yakov Fain and "Think Java: How to Think Like a Computer Scientist" by Allen B. Downey.
4. Can reading Java books improve your programming skills?
Yes, reading Java books can improve your programming skills by helping you learn new concepts, best practices, and design patterns.
