Mastering Java 2, J2SE 1.4

The 1.4 version of Java 2 Standard Edition provides many new programming capabilities while making plenty of old tasks easier. But without reliable guidance, you'll find it hard to take advantage of even a fraction of what the new SDK has to offer. Filled with detailed coverage of the new technology, step-by-step instruction, and tips from an acclaimed Java consultant and author, "Mastering Java 2, J2SE 1.4" is the resource you'll want to keep within easy reach. The coverage includes: understanding the Java programming language; building forms with the Swing component set; creating superior graphics with the Java 2D API; supporting advanced data structures with the Collections API; improving the speed of your Java applications; taking advantage of Swing's support of drag and drop; understanding OOP concepts, including UML Working with Java's new assertion capabilities; using Java's new I/O capabilities: nonblocking read and write operations, application preferences, and logging; solving tough printing challenges; working with installation options, including Java Plug-in and Java Web Start; and, working with multiple threads and timer tasks.