Preface

We are glad to present our fourth textbook to readers. This is a textbook of a programming language called Java. In early days, Java was considered to be some sort of a tool for Internet programming. Now, it is slowly getting the status of a full-fledged programming language. In the early days of C language, we felt the need for a disciplined language. However, we could not convince our colleagues about it. Java language is now appreciated by everyone because it is highly disciplined and forces type checking. It does not allow goto command, and there is no arbitrary pointer arithmetic. Hence, in our opinion, it can become the first programming language to be introduced to students.

We have tried to structure the chapters in such a way that this book can be used as a standard textbook in a class room. By reading this book, chapter by chapter, students can develop more complex programs, step by step. At no time, facilities which are discussed at a later stage are used in the chapter. There are only a few exceptions to this rule. The chapter on graphics uses Frames. We feel that a topic like graphics increases the interest in a subject which is otherwise dry. This book has been written with the intention that it can also be used as a self-study guide.

Normally, Java is taught after C++ in most of the universities. Hence, a comparison of the two languages is inevitable in this book. Those who are good at C++ will be able to study Java using this book in a very short time. In spite of the above fact, we have written the initial chapters with a lot of care. Those who do not know any programming language will also find this book simple and useful.

We have taken some liberty with the standard English. We have used terms like “commented out” and “subclassing”. We believe they are more expressive and hence, convey the meaning of the sentence more empathetically.

Professor K. M. Kulkarni has been our inspiration for all these years. His area of interest is Computer-Assisted Instruction. Many programs in this book are templates for effectively teaching various subjects (not necessarily computer programming). The complete multimedia experience and programs like Projectile, drawing from files, and many other programs are a tribute to Professor Kulkarni.

This book is accompanied by a ‘Teachers Supplement’ which will be available to teachers. It contains solutions to selected exercises and a section called “Java Practical”, useful in selecting the problems for laboratory work.

The programs in this book are developed with a program called BPsimple. It is an integrated development environment (IDE) designed by us on the lines of Turbo C++ version 3.0. Authors are also planning to develop a separate Web site to discuss problems and solutions for benefit of those who are using this textbook. The outputs in the text display a line “press any key to continue”. It originates from BPsimple. If you use any other IDE or command line, you will not see this line.

At the end of the book, we have provided an extensive Glossary and the RuleBook. Appendixes include 10 mini projects. These projects are useful if the language is taught at a higher level.

We have provided the best possible material needed to study core Java. However, the study of Java cannot be complete if one does not study “Java Tutorial”. It is available as free download. Please visit http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial for the same. The Data Tables of methods and constructors for various classes used in the book have been taken from the API specification downloaded from <http://java.sun.com/jvase/6/docs/api/>. Teachers and post-graduate students should also have a close look at “Java Languages Specifications” available on the Web site of Sun Microsystem.