Java is rapidly emerging as one of the preeminent applications languages for Windows*-based systems. A major reason is that Java is a true object-oriented language that now provides a complete set of visual objects that can easily be assembled into a working graphical user interface (GUI-pronounced goo-eey) and a complete set of input/output and mathematical classes.

From both a teaching and learning viewpoint, Java requires familiarity with four elements, all of which are required for object-oriented graphical-based programming.
These are:

• The concept of object-oriented program class code
• The visual objects required in creating a graphical user interface
• The input, output, and mathematical classes required for creating engineering and scientific programs
• The concept of event-based programming, where the user, rather than the programmer, determines the sequence of operations to be executed

The major objective of this textbook is to introduce each of these elements, within the context of sound programming principles, in a manner that is accessible to the beginning programmer. Its purpose is both to provide you with the tools, techniques, and understanding necessary to create and maintain Java programs as well as to prepare a solid foundation for more advanced work. Thus, the basic goal of this text is that all topics be presented in a clear and unambiguous manner appropriate to a student taking an introductory course in Java programming.

In using this text, no prerequisites are assumed. The large numbers of examples and exercises in the text are drawn from basic engineering and scientific disciplines and are appropriate to an introductory language-based course.

Contents

1. fundamentals
2. Array and String Reference Types
3. Creating Classes
4. Creating Swing-Based Guis
5. Additional Programming Topics
6. Appendixes