Big Java / Java Concepts

Welcome to the Big Java/Java Concepts FAQ!

Question: What is the difference between Big Java 2nd ed. and Java Concepts 4th ed.?

Answer: Big Java is, well, bigger. It has additional chapters on

Multithreading
Network programming
Database programming
XML
JavaServer Faces

The first 22 chapters of both books are identical.

Question: What are the most important changes in the new edition?

Answer:

Support for Java 5.0 features: Scanner, generic array list, "for each" loop, autoboxing
A gentler introduction to objects, now distributed over two chapters
A new chapter on generics
Updates to the advanced chapters that reflect new technologies (java.util.concurrent, XPath, JSF)
A new 4-color design

Question: Is there a hardcover edition?

Answer: There is a hardcover edition of Java Concepts, intended for the high school market. (It has the same content as the softcover Java Concepts.) The book is suitable for an AP A or AB level course. AP programs should also consider the AP Study Guide by Fran Trees.

Question: How do I get a review copy?

Answer: Go to the request page for college instructors or for high school instructors.

Question: How can I get the solutions to the exercises?

Answer: If you are an instructor, please visit http://www.wiley.com/college/horstmann and select "Instructor Resources". You will need to fill out a form and obtain a password to see the solutions to all exercises. If you are a student, please do not ask me for solutions to even-numbered exercises.

Question: Is there an electronic version of the book?

Answer: You can buy access to eGrade Plus, which allows you to read the book online, and also provides online quizzes and other learning tools. Go to www.wiley.com/college/buyegradeplus and click on the link for eGrade Plus Registration Codes

Question: What version of Java does the book use?

Answer: The book uses Java 5.0, but it can be used with older Java versions (1.2 - 1.4) if you download the 1.4 code examples (which include an implementation of Scanner).

Question: Does the book code work with J++ or C#?

Answer: No. Microsoft J++ and C# are not compatible with Java 5.0.

Question: Does the book use standard Java only, or do I need to use an additional library?

Answer: The book uses only standard Java. No additional libraries are required.

Question: I want to teach programming concepts, not graphics. Can I skip the graphics chapters?

Answer: Yes, you can. The book has been designed so that the graphics chapters can be safely skipped without disrupting the remainder of the course. Of course, there are quite a few exercises that use graphics, and you won't be able to assign them.

Question: Why do you use a capital L for liter in Appendix H?

Answer: That is the preferred abbreviation in the United States; see http://physics.nist.gov/cuu/Units/outside.html.