A comprehensive Java guide, with samples, exercises, case studies, and step-by-step instruction

Beginning Java Programming: The Object Oriented Approach is a straightforward resource for getting started with one of the world's most enduringly popular programming languages. Based on classes taught by the authors, the book starts with the basics and gradually builds into more advanced concepts. The approach utilizes an integrated development environment that allows readers to immediately apply what they learn, and includes step-by-step instruction with plenty of sample programs. Each chapter contains exercises based on real-world business and educational scenarios, and the final chapter uses case studies to combine several concepts and put readers' new skills to the test.

Beginning Java Programming: The Object Oriented Approach provides both the information and the tools beginners need to develop Java skills, from the general concepts of object-oriented programming. Learn to:

• Understand the Java language and object-oriented concept implementation
• Use Java to access and manipulate external data
• Make applications accessible to users with GUIs
• Streamline workflow with object-oriented patterns

The book is geared for those who want to use Java in an applied environment while learning at the same time. Useful as either a course text or a stand-alone self-study program, Beginning Java Programming is a thorough, comprehensive guide.

About the authors
Bart Baesens is a professor at KU Leuven and a lecturer at the University of Southampton, where he teaches various programming and database management courses.

Aimée Backiel is a doctoral researcher at KU Leuven. She teaches basic programming in Java to learners from diverse backgrounds.

Seppe vanden Broucke is a postdoctoral researcher at KU Leuven. He uses Java daily, giving him insight into useful applications for practitioners.

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Introduction xxii

Chapter 1: A General Introduction To Programming 1

The Programming Process 2

Object-Oriented Programming: A Sneak Preview 5

Programming Errors 6

Syntax/Compilation Errors 6

Runtime Errors 6

Logic/Semantic Errors 7

Principles of Software Testing 7

Software Maintenance 8

Adaptive Maintenance 8

Perfective Maintenance 8

Corrective Maintenance 8

Preventive Maintenance 9

Principles of Structured Programming 9

Chapter 2: Getting To Know Java 11

A Short Java History 12

Features of Java 13

Looking Under the Hood 13

Bytecode 14

Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 15

Java Application Programming Interface (API) 16

Class Loader 17

Bytecode Verifier 18

Java Virtual Machine (JVM) 18

Java Platforms 19

Java Applications 19

Standalone Applications 19

Java Applets 20

Java Servlets 20

Java Beans 21

Java Language Structure 21

Classes 22

Identifiers 22

Java Keywords 22

Variables 23

Methods 23

Comments 24

Naming Conventions 26

Java Data Types 27

Primitive Data Types 27

Literals 28

Operators 29

Arithmetic Operators 29

Assignment Operators 30

Bitwise Operators 31

Logical Operators 32

Relational Operators 34

Arrays 34

Type Casting 37

Summary 40

Chapter 3: Setting Up Your Development Environment 41

Integrated Development Environments 42

Coding in Text Editors 42

Choosing an IDE 46

Eclipse 47

NetBeans 47

IntelliJ IDEA 47

Continuing with One IDE 47

Installing Eclipse on Your Computer 48

Downloading and Installing Eclipse 48

Using Eclipse 50

Chapter 4: Moving Toward Object-Oriented Programming 61

Basic Concepts of Object-Oriented Programming 62

Classes and Objects in Java 63

Defining Classes in Java 63

Creating Objects 71

Storing Data: Variables 76

Instance Variables 76

Class Variables 80

Final Variables 82

Variable Scope 87

Defining Behavior: Methods 91

Instance Methods 91

Class Methods 94

Constructors 95

The Main Method 100

Method Argument Passing 109

Java SE Built-in Classes 115

Classes in the java.lang Package 115

Classes in the java.io and java.nio Packages 117

Classes in the java.math Package 118

Classes in the java.net, java.rmi, javax.rmi, and org.omg.CORBA Packages 118

Classes in the java.awt and javax.swing Packages 118

Classes in the java.util Package 118

Collections 119

Other Utility Classes 126

Other Classes and Custom Libraries 127

Chapter 5: Controlling the Flow of Your Program 129

Comparisons Using Operators and Methods 130

Comparing Primitive Data Types with Comparison Operators 130

Comparing Composite Data Types with Comparison Methods 132

Understanding Language Control 135

Creating if-then Statements 135

Nesting if-then Statements 137

Creating for Loops 138

What is an Enhanced for Loop? 143

Nesting for Loops 146

Creating while Loops 148

What is a do while Loop? 152

Comparing for and while Loops 156

Creating Switches 156

Comparing Switches and if-then Statements 161

Reviewing Keywords for Control 162

Controlling with the return Keyword 162

Controlling with the break Keyword 163

Controlling with the continue Keyword 164

Specifying a Label for break or continue Control 164

Reviewing Control Structures 168

Chapter 6: Handling Exceptions and Debugging 171

Recognizing Error Types 172

Identifying Syntax Errors 172

Identifying Runtime Errors 175

Identifying Logical Errors 176

Exceptions 180

Common Exceptions 181

Catching Exceptions 187

Debugging Your Applications 195

Using a Debugger Tool 195

Using a Logging API 200

Testing Your Applications 210

Summary 219

Chapter 7: Delving Further Into Object-Oriented Concepts 221

Annotations 222

Overloading Methods 222

The this KeyWord 224

Information Hiding 229

Access Modifiers 230

Getters 231

Setters 232

Class Inheritance 240

The Keyword super 241

Method Overriding 243

Polymorphism 243

Static Binding 244

Dynamic Binding 244

The Superclass Object 245

Abstract Classes and Methods 246

Packages 251

Interfaces 252

Garbage Collection 259

Chapter 8: Handling Input and Output 261

General Input and Output 262

Input and Output in Java 266

Streams 268

Byte Streams 269

Character Streams 275

Buffered Streams 276

Data and Object Streams 278

Other Streams 281

Scanners 281

Input and Output from the Command-Line 283

Input and Output from Files 290

Java NIO2 File Input and Output 291

The Path Interface 291

The Files Class 293

Checking Existence 293

Legacy File Input and Output 304

A Word on FileUtils 305

Conclusion 305

Chapter 9: Working With Databases in Java 307

Covering the Basics of Relational Databases 308

Accessing Relational Databases from Java 315

Java Database Connectivity (…