Good book to learn Java
 

I have finished Head First Java and I want to have a go at another book.
Ideally as close as possible to 'Python programming for the absolute beginner'
If anyone knows a Java book, similar to this, I would be grateful.
Or any other recommendation would be good.

the javadocs that come with the J2SE are excellent.. and of course free. there is TONS of information in it about every class.. including tutorials for beginners (and more advanced people) on many topics on sun's site

Head First Java is great. Everything I read got really stuck in my head and I've to tell you my friend, making something get stuck in my head is no easy task... ghehe.

Head First Java, however, lacks a lot of depth in Java itself, but makes a great complement to other books. I'd go with Introduction to Java Programming: Comprehensive Version. I've the Fifth Edition (Covers Java 5), but looks like the Sixth is out. The author is Daniel Liang. ISBN 0-13-185721-5 (for the International Edition, AKA not for Sale on the US or Canada... go figure).

Anyway, it's an awesome book. A little math oriented in a few examples, but good nonetheless.

When I was first learning Java (coming from a C++ background), I found the book "Thinking in Java" to be invaluable - plus it's free: http://www.mindview.net/Books/TIJ/

Also, I agree with the other guy who suggested going through the tutorials on Sun's website, as they are also pretty good.

Useful Resource.
 

Hi

When I have read up on a language I always head here....

w w w freeprogrammingresources dot com

There is usually stuff to read for which ever language your after.

Hope it's of use.

Gonzo

I have to agree with nadroj, the best way to go is the javadocs. It is the one resource that is sure to contain everythingyou'll need and from my experience, the tutorials in there are more helpful than any book I've come across.

As a Perl programmer first I would recommend O'Reilly's books for every language. I have the 'Learning Java'. This is a very good book which starts simple and builds on that, it goes quite far by the time your at the end of it. Warning for the O'Reilly's series it's quite big!

PB