Java Foundation Classes (Mcgraw-Hill Java Masters)

References are references, and tutorials are tutorials. So it is for most books in the programming pantheon. Java Foundation Classes, however, does a curious thing: it blends the genres. Here, you'll find an exhaustive class reference complemented by step-by-step instructions for implementing many of the most popular classes.

For example, the entry for the BevelBorder class includes steps that remind you to create a border-supporting component, create the border itself, and add com.sun.java.swing.border.* to the import block. Follow those steps and you have a working BevelBorder! After that, you'll find ideas for using BevelBorders (think of these as the logical equivalents of the pictures on Lego boxes) and notes on how to accomplish specific things (like making the border wider). All these goodies come in addition to the standard inheritance information and method reference. All the Java Foundation Class components get this treatment, and it's a pleasure to work with.

On a larger scale, Java Foundation Classes is organized into a class-by-class reference and a conceptual reference for those who know what they want to do, but aren't sure which classes do it. A companion CD-ROM includes all the source code, Java Developer's Kit 1.2, and some practice questions for those interested in Java 1.2 certification from Sun.