This first truly innovative introduction to Java programming by world-renowned teacher and computer scientist Andy van Dam and Kate Sanders brings realistic, object-oriented programming to the forefront. This early foray into object-oriented programming, not simply objects, from encapsulation through polymorphism supports the real-world applications of Java and enforces good, structured programming habits that will stay with students for a lifetime.

Its distinctive graphical approach, replete with graphics-based examples and exercises, provides valuable motivation for first-time programmers and captures students’ attention through visually appealing applications. This book gives students the opportunity to gain realistic experience of writing larger programs that are systems of cooperating objects. It incorporates the newest Java 5.0 features including the standard Scanner class and offers extensive data structures coverage (stacks, queues, linked lists and trees).