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Best Java Programming Books

Updated October 2018
Why trust BestReviews?
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.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
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.
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
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
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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
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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
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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
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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 decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

  • 25 Models Considered
  • 9 Hours Researched
  • 1 Experts Interviewed
  • 410 Consumers Consulted
    • Zero products received from manufacturers.

    We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

    Why trust BestReviews?
    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.
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
    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.
    The team that worked on this review
    • Austin
      Austin
      Writer
    • Enid
      Enid
      Editor
    • Melinda
      Melinda
      Web Producer
    ×

    CreateSpace

    Java: Programming Basics for Absolute Beginners

    CreateSpace

    Java: Programming Basics for Absolute Beginners

    The best budget book on learning Java written for programmers with little-to-no experience.
    $0
    ×

    Addison-Wesley Professional

    Effective Java

    Addison-Wesley Professional

    Effective Java

    The best reference and guide book on Java programming written in a more practical, real world way.
    $0
    ×

    McGraw-Hill Education

    Java: The Complete Reference

    McGraw-Hill Education

    Java: The Complete Reference

    A great reference book where you can quickly look up a specific command or library.
    $0
    ×

    McGraw-Hill Education

    Java: A Beginner's Guide

    McGraw-Hill Education

    Java: A Beginner's Guide

    One of the best beginner-focused Java programming books focused on simple instructions and examples.
    $0
    ×

    Prentice Hall

    Java 9 for Programmers

    Prentice Hall

    Java 9 for Programmers

    One of the few Java programming books covering the Java 9 update for modern day application.
    $0

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