How to Read This Book

If you’re in your first year of Java, we suggest you read the book from start to finish. It starts with rather basic comparisons first, but then we’ll advance to more challenging topics, like testing, object-oriented design, and functional programming in Java. If you’re more experienced, you can probably skip the first two chapters and dig right into the more specialized topics.

Here’s a brief outline:

• In Chapter 1, ​Start Cleaning Up​ we’ll give you general advice on how to write correct code that’s readable and understandable. We’ll touch on a lot of things related to the basic Java syntax, such as conditions and braces.

• In Chapter 2, ​Level Up Your Code Style​ we’ll discuss a few more advanced coding concepts and problems, such as iteration, formatting, and using the Java API.

• Chapter 3, ​Use Comments Wisely​ is about documenting code well. We’ll give you some advice on how to write comments and when you should get rid of them.

• In Chapter 4, ​Name Things Right​ we’ll explain how you assign proper and concise names to code elements in Java that other programmers will easily understand.

• Chapter 5, ​Prepare for Things Going Wrong​ will make you aware of how you should handle exceptions in Java.

• Chapter 6, ​Assert Things Going Right​ gives you advice on how to write good unit tests with JUnit5.

• Chapter 7, ​Design Your Objects​ outlines object-oriented design principles.

• Chapter 8, ​Let Your Data Flow​ focuses on functional programming in Java using lambda expressions.

• Finally, Chapter 9, ​Prepare for the Real World​ directs you to tons of material on building, releasing, and maintaining your software in the real world.

So let’s move on and have fun!