J2ME in a Nutshell (O'Reilly Java)

Designed for writing programs that need to fit into embedded systems and other small environments, Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) has minimal resource requirements. J2ME in a Nutshell explains the J2ME way of doing things with a particularly handy mix of API documentation and example-centric tutorials. Kim Topley--who's written a couple of highly regarded books for Prentice-Hall's Java series--uses the proven Nutshell format to explain J2ME concisely but thoroughly. For the sorts of people who will be writing embedded applications in Java--programmers with experience either in other Java environments or with other embedded systems environments--this is a very good way of conveying information.

You can read this book, like all Nutshell books, from front to back in an effort to become familiar with its eponymous technology. More often, though, you'll search for a particular aspect of J2ME (particular graphical user interface elements, say, or over-the-air provisioning of MIDlet suites) and read Topley's prose explanations and annotated example code. These treatments are frequently enough to help you overcome stumbling blocks you encounter in the development process. If you're just looking for a reminder of how various classes work (their properties and methods, their return types, and their relationships to other pieces of J2ME), turn to the comprehensive J2ME API reference. Helpfully, it's not dry documentation: Topley comments on how to use each. --David Wall

Topics covered: Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) generally, and classes within it specifically. In addition to an annotated API reference, this book holds a lot of information about graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for small devices, the special considerations of designing applications for wireless environments, the Mobile Information Device Profile (MIDP) and MIDlets.