Best Java Programming Books

Updated October 2020
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Addison-Wesley Professional Effective Java
Addison-Wesley Professional
Effective Java
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Bottom Line

The best reference and guide book on Java programming written in a more practical, real world way.

Pros

Teaches many concepts of how Java works behind the scenes of the code itself, into how the language works. Provides guidelines and tips for cleaning programming with the language.

Cons

The author takes more time to explain the "why" behind things than other quick-learning books.

Best Bang for the Buck
CreateSpace Java: Programming Basics for Absolute Beginners
CreateSpace
Java: Programming Basics for Absolute Beginners
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Bottom Line

The best budget book on learning Java written for programmers with little-to-no experience.

Pros

The book introduces the concept of Java programming from the very start without using unfamiliar terms. Projects follow a step-by-step approach, introducing new concepts in a straightforward manner.

Cons

The later chapters lack some of the advanced concepts necessary for complex programming.

McGraw-Hill Education Java: The Complete Reference
McGraw-Hill Education
Java: The Complete Reference
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Bottom Line

A great reference book where you can quickly look up a specific command or library.

Pros

Lists out most of the important components, libraries, methods, and programming strategies of the Java language. Easy to navigate to find specific information quickly.

Cons

Not beginner-friendly for readers looking for a step-by-step guide book on starting to program in the language.

McGraw-Hill Education Java: A Beginner's Guide
McGraw-Hill Education
Java: A Beginner's Guide
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Bottom Line

One of the best beginner-focused Java programming books focused on simple instructions and examples.

Pros

Included coding projects are easy and quick to follow, and offer practical experience with real world applications. Covers the primary changes and additions with the Java 9 update.

Cons

Some coding terms are left undefined, potentially confusing first time programmers new to Java.

Prentice Hall Java 9 for Programmers
Prentice Hall
Java 9 for Programmers
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Bottom Line

One of the few Java programming books covering the Java 9 update for modern day application.

Pros

The book draws parallels between Java and other languages, enhancing the learning process for readers. In depth coverage of Java 9 makes it current with the latest language.

Cons

Written for experienced programmers familiar with other languages. Not suitable for beginners.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Java programming is one of the most popular among web designers and those in the space, as it is easy to apply in an abundance of places, making it versatile. This programming, in fact, is said to let application developers "write once, run anywhere," which is a phrase that has attained its own acronym in the programming world: WORA. Learning about this programming provides a wealth of ability since it’s so versatile. To learn this program and open the door to many programming possibilities of the web, enlist in the help of a comprehensive instructional book. There are many on the market that make it easy to begin this venture or to advance your already present java skills.

Other Products We Considered
The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5.
Joel Murach
Murach's Java Programming (5th Edition)
Kathy Sierra
Head First Java: A Brain-Friendly Guide
Doug Lowe
Java All-in-One (5th Edition)
LCF Publishing
Java: Learn Java in One Day and Learn It Well
Cay S. Horstmann
Core Java Volume I--Fundamentals (Core Series)
Herbert Schildt
Java: The Complete Reference, Eleventh Edition
Marc Loy, Patrick Niemeyer, Daniel Leuck
Learning Java
Kathy Sierra , Bert Bates
Head First Java, 2nd Edition
Joshua Bloch
Effective Java 3rd Edition
Y. Daniel Liang
Introduction to Java Programming, Brief Version
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Our Top Picks
Addison-Wesley Professional
Best of the Best
Addison-Wesley Professional
Effective Java
Bottom Line
The best reference and guide book on Java programming written in a more practical, real world way.
Shop Now
CreateSpace
Best Bang for the Buck
CreateSpace
Java: Programming Basics for Absolute Beginners
Bottom Line
The best budget book on learning Java written for programmers with little-to-no experience.
Shop Now
McGraw-Hill Education
Top Pick
McGraw-Hill Education
Java: The Complete Reference
Bottom Line
A great reference book where you can quickly look up a specific command or library.
Shop Now
McGraw-Hill Education
Top Pick
McGraw-Hill Education
Java: A Beginner's Guide
Bottom Line
One of the best beginner-focused Java programming books focused on simple instructions and examples.
Shop Now
Prentice Hall
Top Pick
Prentice Hall
Java 9 for Programmers
Bottom Line
One of the few Java programming books covering the Java 9 update for modern day application.
Shop Now