Which java book to buy for a beginner?

Question

Java

Hello.
We need a book on the basics of java, which I would not remove from the table for the next couple of years (meaning the usefulness of the information in it).
In general, after reading the Internet, I realized that there is no ideal solution in the Russian-language version. But in the absence of fish ... as they say, therefore, I came to the conclusion that there are 2 options that everyone advises:
1. K. S. Horstmann, G. Cornell. — “Java 2. Professional library. Volume 1. Fundamentals" (Volume 2 too) + B. Eckel - "Java Philosophy"
or
2. G. Schildt - "Java. The Complete Guide" + B. Eckel - "Java Philosophy".
I choose between Horstmann and Schildt. A lot of people advise both of them, but there are more Horstmanns. Schildt like a newer java 7 is described. Horstmann java 6, but he seems to have a better translation. In the electronic version, I quickly looked at both, but did not go deep, they seem to be similar.
I will take B. Eckel later, while it is too heavy for me, and I think then I will take it in the original.
PS: Also according to Schildt, there is “Java. The Complete Guide" and there is "Java. A guide for beginners ”is it worth taking the second one?

Answer 1

Here is Eckel, Horstmann is good.
Schildt - a reference book of some kind.

Answer 2

If you need to quickly get to grips with the basic features of the language, I would recommend Head First Java (and later Head First Patterns) - thanks to the different presentation of the material in these books, learning is much easier. In Russian:

Answer 3

When it comes to Java literature, the discussion around Eckel-Schildt-Hortsman-Sierra is sure to revolve. There are options a la "complete guide" still very good Khabibullin, by the way. But I'm not talking about that.
If you already have some experience, then I suggest an alternative option for entering Java.
Sedgwick R. "Algorithms in Java". A book about fundamental algorithms (sorting-search-graphs-strings). Immersion in Java occurs casually, since this PL is chosen as an illustration of examples. Basic information is given about the language itself, but it happens easily and naturally, Java passes as an unobtrusive background in the process of studying interesting topics. The author is a computer science guru and a brilliant university lecturer.
McConnell S. "Perfect Code". Master class on the right style of programming. The lion's share of examples is in Java (well, the author also has a weakness for C ++).
After these books it is easier to study fundamental treatises on Java. Language will now be perceived as something natural, and not alien to your mind.

Answer 4

Horstman is really good, but I would not recommend Eckel to a beginner. I don’t understand why Eckel is advised to beginners, the examples in the book are sometimes just hellish. Of course, it's worth reading, but let this not be your first book on java.

Answer 5

In general, in my opinion, in order to delve into the basics of the language with minimal programming experience, all three are suitable (Eckel, Hortsman, Schildt).
However, if the English language is not a problem, then I would recommend also turning to the official online tutorial from Oracle as a reference:
docs.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/
And, of course, from a certain point, bookmark Javadoc Java SE API:
docs.oracle.com/javase/7/docs/api/

Answer 6

Reading Schildt (The Complete Guide) first book, I like the presentation.

Answer 7

Philosophy java. Bruce Eckel.

Answer 8

B. Eckel - "Philosophy of Java"
4th edition is in Russian for sure. I started with it, but it is unlikely that it will lie on the table for a couple of years. There are quite the basics - the basics.
If you are already more or less familiar with the language, then it is better to put a book on preparing for the SCJP certificate for Java 6 study guide on the table. There it is short, clear, on topics.

Answer 9

       I would also advise you to take a closer look at the book by K. Sierra, B. Bates - Learning Java (World Computer Bestseller) (2012). For a beginner, this is a very good and easy to read book.
       When choosing between Horstmann and Schildt, then I think that Horstmann will be a little more effective and easier to read.
       If you are sure, then you can download both books and compare, and then, based on a comparison of electronic copies, choose a book that could really be your indispensable assistant for many years.

Answer 10

Comment about Sedgwick - brilliant!
But still, for a comfortable perception of the language, I would suggest Hortsman, the first volume, and not even the whole one - you can safely skip the applets, for example.
And after it - without fail algorithms.
A programmer without knowledge of algorithms is a sad sight, to be honest.
As a rule, such people do not have an understanding of the concepts and cause-and-effect relationships that make complex architectural decisions.