A thorough, learn by doing manual that introduces concepts by getting the reader to follow exercises, rather than by extensive discussion. A Java Self-Tester allows readers to determine whether they are ready to take Suns Java Certification exam. Java for Practitioners doesn just provide an introduction to Java, it also tells you all about object orientation. One of the biggest problems with many of the Java books currently on the market is that they only teach the language and ignore the object orientation aspects (or at best just devote one chapter to it). Not only does John Hunt cover both Java and object orientation thoroughly but he also realises that practitioners learn best by oingand he writes this book to reflect that. Chapters are dippable-into and ideas and concepts are introduced by exercises and practical examples. The book does of course cover the new release - Java 2/JDK 1.2 - and it also includes the Java Self-Tester which lets readers determine whether they are ready to take Suns Java Certification exam. There is also an essential reference section which provides detailed solutions to real world Java problems, and new Java features. No one intending to move over to Java should be without this book.