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Java Coffee Break

Summer 1999 Java Book Reviews

Dateline: 8/15/1999

With my pile of new and interesting Java books growing larger, I thought it might be time to share some of my likes and dislikes with this latest round. One noticeable thing I am seeing is less general purpose Java books and more focused topics. Yes, new general purpose books are still out there. However, publishers seem to be realizing that it is better to be one of ten books on Java servlets, for instance, then one of 100 books on getting started with Java 2.

As my last book review article got a little long, I've decided to split up this article such that each review is in a separate web page. Please let me know if you like the new format better, or would prefer one really long article.

This latest batch of reviews are on the following books:

• Database Magic with Ken North - for database developers, or those who want to be one
• Enterprise JavaBeans: Developing Component-Based Distributed Applications - for those who want an EJB introduction
• Java 2 Exam Cram - for experienced Java 1.1 programmers who want to be Java 2 certified
• Java 2 Network Security - for serious Java 2 developers
• Java Principles of Object-Oriented Programming (aka Java POOP) - introductory
• JDBC API Tutorial and Reference, Second Edition - for those who want to use JDBC
• Not Just Java - for executive overview of Java
• Refactoring - for improving code design

Interesting Tidbits

Besides all the books reviewed above, it was interesting to read the Bookshelves of Java Technology Literati article at Sun's web site. Just what are the cutting edge people in the industry reading? Check out their reading list. Some people, like Sun's Science Director John Gage, maintain their recommended reading list online.

Are you drawn to Java technology from Microsoft's proprietary technologies? If so, you are not alone, according to a recent CNET article: Reach, pay drawing developers to Java, Linux. In another CNET article, Microsoft fights back: Microsoft fights talent drain with new tools, API. The State New Economy Index reports on how much others in your field are earning. How well do you compare?

Other Tidbits

Thanks to everyone who stopped by for last week's author chat with Keith Edwards (author of Core Jini). A log of the chat session is now online. Come by this week to speak with Peter van der Linden the author of Just Java 2 (among other books). The session is scheduled at the same time, on Thursday, August 19 at 9 pm EDT, 6 pm PDT.

The Usenet newsgroup listing has been completely restructured. With the many new additions, it seemed just too big for one page. Now, there are separate listings for several companies, like IBM, as well as a listing of the general groups (like those in the comp.lang.java.* hierarchy). A special welcome to the new comp.lang.java.3d group.

I'll be back next week with more things to do and places to go. If you have any comments about this week's feature, be sure to post them to the bulletin board. If you have any questions or topic suggestions, let me know or submit feedback. For technical questions, try to post them to the bulletin board area, instead of emailing me directly. That way, everyone can benefit from an answer, as well as offer answers. See you next time.

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