Reading this book is the best thing that could happen to anyone who wants to learn java.
Most of the students buy "complete reference to java" to learn java, this is like buying dictionary to learn english. Head First Java introduces you to every important topic in Java.
I have experience with java, but I didn't know many important concepts because I didn't start learning Java in a proper way.

If you are in freshman year,I recommend you to learn C Programming through "ANSC C" first, then C++...

Just go for it ,only prerequisites are some slight programming background in C or C++, as i was already familiar with C++ i found it much easier , Downright the best programming or the best computer science book for beginners I've ever come across,
Just grab it and start reading ..it'll keep you going for hours.

First of all, see if My environment matches with yours! :)
I had a light programming (language) experience with Python when my huge search over internet reviews for a JAVA/OOP book led me to this... Now, I have almost read the book (except last chapters on threading, networking, etc.) and after having a real comfortable tour, I can say:

PROS: This is a great great THEORY book on OOP concepts in totality and I have felt the essence/power of its teaching style and content management (standard...

its a good staring book..if you want to learn java fast then its the best choice...i like all the funny pics and comments...head first books are always a good choice to start.

This book takes you through the journey of learning JAVA one step at a time and is easy on the mind. Not just plain text but some fancy images as well to stick the concepts in minds.

It gives the best way to learn the concepts ie. by relating it to the real world scenarios which makes it pretty easy to understand the concepts.

Its a must buy book for the beginners.

Thank you head first and flipkart

What if I told you a programming book could be fun too..you might not believe it probably.
I thought the same until I read this book which infuses humour and cognitive techniques to make learning interesting.
A great self-learning book covering important java concepts, Which you wouldn't want to put down once you start reading it.
Happy learning!

It is one of the very few books that actually make you want to study Java. It's ideal for beginners that may not be familiar with basic programming concepts, and also suitable for advanced programmers wanting to learn Java from the beginning. The concepts are explained so wonderfully that you would easily remember them later. Also, some of the major concepts that people usually struggle with are explored in depth (object creation, variables and references, etc.)

A possible con to this book i...

I think this book needs no review .Its an excellent book for beginners.Its the closest i have come to enjoy while reading something..It has very well explained text with interactive examples.You can test it for yourself read inheritance,polymorphism and Exceptions from PDF just to have a glance..you will definitely order this book.

1. Good for some one who already programmed in c, c++ and wanted to invade Java next
2. Teaching approach is very good and practicle with good example programs.
3. This is not a Complete reference book for java. U dont find everything about java in this but a good introduction about every major concept in it(almost)
4. I bought it for Rs 350 in an offer, and got a black and white print.