Herbert Schildt - Java: The Complete Reference

The Complete Reference
Eighth Edition

Herbert Schildt is a leading authority on the Java, C++, C, and C# languages. His programming books have sold millions of copies worldwide and have been translated into all major foreign languages. He is the author of numerous books on Java, including Java: A Beginners Guide, Herb Schildts Java Programming Cookbook, Swing: A Beginners Guide, and The Art of Java. Among his other bestsellers are C++: The Complete Reference, C#: The Complete Reference, and C: The Complete Reference. Although interested in all facets of computing, his primary focus is computer languages, including compilers, interpreters, and robotic control languages. He also has an active interest in the standardization of languages. Schildt holds both graduate and undergraduate degrees from the University of Illinois. He can be reached at his consulting office at (217) 586-4683. His web site is www.HerbSchildt.com.

Dr. Danny Coward has been a contributor to the Java Platforms since 1997. He was a founding member of the Java EE group while at Sun. He has served as a member of the Java Community Process Executive Committee and has been a leading contributor to all editions of the Java PlatformJava SE, Java ME, and Java EEand established the original JavaFX team.

The Complete Reference
Eighth Edition

Herbert Schildt

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Java is one of the worlds most important and widely used computer languages. Furthermore, it has held that distinction for many years. Unlike some other computer languages whose influence has waned with the passage of time, Javas has grown stronger. Java leapt to the forefront of Internet programming with its first release. Each subsequent version has solidified that position. Today, it is still the first and best choice for developing web-based applications. Java is also part of the smartphone revolution because it is used for Android programming. Simply put: much of the modern world runs on Java code. Java really is that important.

A key reason for Javas success is its agility. Since its original 1.0 release, Java has continually adapted to changes in the programming environment and to changes in the way that programmers program. Most importantly, it has not just followed the trends, it has helped create them. Javas ability to accommodate the fast rate of change in the computing world is a crucial part of why it has been and continues to be so successful.

Since this book was first published in 1996, it has gone through several editions, each reflecting the ongoing evolution of Java. This is the Eighth edition, and it has been updated for Java SE 7. As a result, it contains a substantial amount of new material. For example, it includes coverage of the Project Coin language enhancements, the expanded features of NIO (NIO.2), and the Fork/Join Framework. In general, discussions of the new features are integrated into existing chapters, but because of the many additions to NIO, it is now discussed in its own chapter. However, the overall structure of the book remains the same. This means that if you are familiar with the previous edition, you will feel right at home with this version.