Review of Java 2 for Dummies (Paperback)

For a few years now, I have wanted to learn how to program in JAVA.I bought books on JAVA but always hit road blocks along the way (because the author assumed I already knew something) that unmotivated me.In Java 2 for Dummies, Barry Burd has written a step-by-step book that could teach a near computer illiterate how to program in JAVA.He even includes directions to setting up the computer for convenience while programming.Explanations make the reader feel as though s/he is in a conversation with the author himself.I did not imagine that learning a programming language could be so easy.

Product Description
* This updated bestseller covers programming essentials for the newest version of Java, the popular platform-independent, object-oriented programming language
* The material is fully updated and focuses on the new Java SDK 1.5, addressing the needs of new or inexperienced Java developers
* The fun and easy writing style walks readers through Java syntax basics and helps them write their first program
* Shows readers how to create basic Java objects and figure out when they can reuse existing code
* The new edition is also modified to better address the readers who may have some programming knowledge, but who are new to Java

From the Back Cover
Make the jump to Java and JDK 5.0

Your first step toward building Java-powered applications

Whether you're creating your first program or adding Java to your development toolbox for the first time, this book is the place to start. With Java trainer Barry Burd showing you the way, you'll be creating your first Java application in no time!

All this on the bonus CD-ROM

• Exclusive build of JCreator customized for use with code in the book
• A trial version of Jindent, NetCaptor freeware and DJ Java Decompiler freeware versions

Discover how to:

• Think like an object-oriented programmer
• Save time by reusing code
• Break a project into manageable pieces
• Diagnose problems and squash bugs
• Formulate your program's business logic

Click Here to see more reviews about: Java 2 for Dummies (Paperback)

Review of Computer Programming for Teens (Paperback)

I love this book.I tried learning the basics of programming a while ago, but was unable to find any resources that gave a really good foundation of the basics of programming.So, I got frustrated due to a lot of questions being left unanswered and put learning programming onto the back burner.A week ago I decided to go back into giving web development\programming another go as a career change.And coolness, I found Computer Programming for Teens which gives the background that anyone new to programming needs...the solid foundation and understanding of basic programming topics that I had been looking for.

The author covers all the fundamental topics (such as what are variables, how variables work, the three kinds of loops and how all of their parts work, tears apart how a function works) a person needs to understand any programming or scripting language.The author gives examples by using real life situations, such as painting a friends house and compares the real life situation to how the program works.These examples help give you a feel for the programming topic.

The author gives coding examples using C++.At first she gives all of the coding and then just gives a few lines of coding for other examples.You can download Visual C++ Express from Microsoft, which is free and a great tool, to learn and practice the examples in this book.

This book is an awesome start.I also go to LyndaDotCom (for more web programming and design video tutorials), TrainingspotDotCom (for database video learning) and have some really good books on C++, JavaScript, HTML and CSS.Along with some other online resources such as MSDN forums.School is too expensive these days and I really don't want to go back, so I'm taking the learn at home approach.Anyway, get this book if you need a great understanding of the basics of any programming and scripting language.

This book is a great beginning.After reading this book read "Head First JavaScript by Michael Morrison (an O'Reilly book) for a deeper understanding of all the topics "Computer Programming for Teens" covers.

Happy Learning!

Product Description
Ready to learn computer programming but aren't sure where to start? Look no further, Computer Programming for Teens is the book for you. Other books on programming tend to be language specific and often get bogged down in the syntax of the language. That is fine if you already have a strong background in programming, but if you're a novice, the language-specific approach can make things unnecessarily difficult. Computer Programming for Teens stresses concepts over language, but still includes examples in the most popular languages-specifically HTML, C++, and Java. It begins by explaining the fundamental topics, like data storage, and progresses through to more complex topics, such as decisions, loops, design, and complex data structures. Written by a high school teacher, the book includes helpful tips and analogies to guide readers through the maze of programming techniques, concepts, and common pitfalls. It introduces the most relevant topics for beginners and pinpoints the essential skills needed for programming success.

About the Author
Mary Farrell teaches computer science, mathematics, and Japanese at Boston College High School, where she has been teaching for the past 17 years. She is an avid learner of spoken languages as well as computer languages and travels frequently to practice. She lives south of Boston, Massachusetts.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Computer Programming for Teens (Paperback)

Review of C++ for Dummies (Paperback)

I've been looking for just the right introduction to programming for some time. I've spent more than a dozen hours combing through the shelves in my local Borders and B&N, skimming over 50 so-called"introductory" texts, looking for one that I could really learnfrom. By way of background, I am an advanced computer user/tinkerer, butI'm completely inexperienced in the field of programming -- never so muchas typed a lick of code.

In reviewing other books, I didn't want to startwith a book about C, because conventional wisdom says that it's a bad ideato start with C (a procedural language) if you plan to use it to jumpstarta study of C++ or java (hybrid OOP languages). I also didn't want to startwith a book on QBasic, because it seems to me that the language is prettymuch obsolete. For me, I wanted to learn OOP, and that meant a commitmentto C++ and/or java (preferably both, as each has its strengths andweaknesses, and they are similar and popular enough to studytogether).

That said, I looked at somewhat advanced introductory books byDeitel, Savitch, and Horton, all of which are extremely well-reviewed hereon Amazon. I also looked at several books from Microsoft Press, as Iplanned on learning by using components of the Visual Studio. Horton'sBeginning C++ came close, but its massive size and more advanced approachleft me looking for a different introductory text (I plan on returning toHorton's book though, to supplement what I learn from Mr. Davis'book).

Finally, this new edition of C++ for Dummies came out just intime. This book really hits the mark on many levels: (1) it assumes noknowledge of programming; (2) it does a great job of explaining trulycomplex topics without going overboard or hitting you over the head; (3) itis clear and entertaining; and (4) it is new and compliant with the lateststandards, which is more than I can say for books written, say, pre-1998.

Do yourself a favor -- if you have no programming experience and want tolearn a cutting edge OOP language like C++ or java, start here, then usethat knowledge to branch out to more advanced material. Personally, I'msupplementing this reading with Horton's Beginning C++ and Beginning Java 2(JDK 1.3 Version), and Bruce Eckel's highly praised Thinking inJava.

Good luck!

Product Description
* This revision of the bestseller covers the popular object-oriented programming language C++ from the ground up, enabling beginners to become functional programmers and intermediate programmers to fine-tune their skills
* Thirty percent new material includes updates on the most recent ANSI standard, the new public domain C++ compiler, standards information on namespaces, new library functions, and complete coverage of the standard template library
* Covers topics like building and debugging C++ programs, creating source code, using the Visual C++ help system, building objects, learning the standard template library, and much more
* The CD-ROM contains all the code from the book, in addition to an updated GNU-C++ and a new C++ compiler

Click Here to see more reviews about: C++ for Dummies (Paperback)

Review of PgMP: Program Management Professional Exam Study Guide (Paperback)

I'm a trainer in the fields of project management and program management and have found this book as the best not only for PgMP exam preparation but also for learning the basics of program management.
First, for the PgMP Exam:
The best strength of this book is that it follows and covers the official exam specifications by PMI very closely and thoroughly. Yes, if you have time you can go through different references such as, Program Management Standard (which you should go through any way), and relevant parts of other references such asPMBOK Guide 3rd Edition, OPM3 model doc, and some other references to learn the material covered by the PgMP exam as specified in the exam specifications. You can take the relevant pieces of information from these different resources and references and put them together, but it will take a lot of effort. This book integrates these pieces of information together in a seamless fashion. So, it's a great time saver.
Bottom line: this book gives you the body of knowledge that the exam covers. That siad, no book can be a substitute for your experience. To pass the PgMP exam, you need the body of knowledge presented in this book PLUS your experience.
Second, the program management:
I agree with another reviewer that this is the first real book on program management (other than the program management standard, of course) that clearly distinguishes program management from project management and presents the relationship between them in a clear way. The basic concepts of program management are explained in a very clear way and the author offers comprehensive coverage in a cohesive fashion. I love the author's style of presentation. It makes learning easier and fun.



Product Description
In this book, best selling author, Paul Sanghera, offers cohesive, concise, yet comprehensive coverage of all the topics included in the PgMP exam. With a laser sharp focus on the exam objectives, the Study Guide goes beyond just being an "exam cram." The material is presented in a logical learning sequence: a section builds upon previous sections and a chapter on previous chapters. All concepts, simple and complex, are defined and explained when they appear the first time. There is no hopping from topic to topic and no technical jargon without explanation. Because no prior knowledge of program management is assumed, this book will be useful for both: those new to program management, as well as individuals with years of experience. Although the primary purpose of the book is to help you pass the PgMP exam, it will also serve as a great reference for the program managers before and after the exam.

Special Features:

• Hundreds of review questions with fully explained answers
• A complete practice exam with fully explained answers
• The real world scenarios to help you deal with the program management issues in the real world and also to answer the scenario based questions in the exam
• Notes and tips to highlight the crucial points
• Exam's Eye View section at the end of each chapter to emphasize the important points from the exam's perspective
• Key Terms section at the end of each chapter that lists the important terms and concepts introduced in the chapter along with their definitions
• The exam objectives fully explained before their coverage in each chapter

From the Back Cover
The leading test prep book on the market for the new PgMP certification exam

Take charge of your career with a new certification that proves that you can lead the management of multiple projects in the workplace. This comprehensive book prepares you for the all-new Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification exam developed by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the same organization that administers the popular Project Management Professional (PMP) exam. Inside this practical test prep guide, you'll find key concepts and terms, case studies, review questions, and much more, including:

• Full coverage of all exam objectives in a systematic approach, so you can be confident you're getting the instruction you need for the exam

• Practical hands-on exercises to reinforce critical skills

• Real-world scenarios that put what you've learned in the context of actual job roles

• Challenging review questions in each chapter to prepare you for exam day

• Exam Essentials, a key feature in each chapter that identifies critical areas you must become proficient in before taking the exam

• A handy tear card that maps every official exam objective to the corresponding chapter in the book, so you can track your exam prep objective by objective

Look inside for complete coverage of all exam objectives.

Featured on the CD

SYBEX TEST ENGINE:
Test your knowledge with advanced testing software. Includes all chapter review questions and bonus exams.

ELECTRONIC FLASHCARDS:
Reinforce your understanding with flashcards that can run on your PC, Pocket PC, or Palm handheld.

Also on the CD, you'll find the entire book in searchable and printable PDF. Study anywhere, any time, and approach the exam with confidence.

Click Here to see more reviews about: PgMP: Program Management Professional Exam Study Guide (Paperback)

Review of PHP 5 for Dummies (Paperback)

Yes, the author reads the reviews here. That's me. The error in which a few quotes were replaced with underscores occurred during the publishing process, after I was finished with the book. I didn't know about the errors until I saw the earlier review here. However, there is no way to fix it. If the book is reprinted or a second edition is released, I can fix the errors, but not until then. I wish I could. I apologize to any who were confused by this problem.

There are 8 quotes replaced with underscores on 4 lines in Chapter 3, 2 quotes replaced with underscores on 1 line in Chapter 4, and 20 quotes replaced with underscores on 8 lines in Chapter 5. I have a list of the errors and corrections on my web site at janet.valade.com/php5errors.html.

Product Description
Covers the latest major release of PHP, the most popular open source Web scripting language, in the friendly, easy-to-understand For Dummies style

• PHP is installed on nearly nine million servers, and usage has grown at the rate of 6.5 percent per month for the past two years
• PHP is easy to learn, well suited for Web development, and can be embedded with HTML, making it a good choice for creating dynamic Web pages for e-commerce sites and other Web applications; a database-friendly language, it connects easily to Sybase, MySQL, mSQL, Oracle, and other databases
• Explains how to acquire and install PHP, how PHP's features make it a useful scripting language, and how to use PHP for three of the most common applications: interactive Web sites, database storage, and common operating system tasks

From the Back Cover
Start programming PHP and make your Web site interactive

Discover arrays of variables, start writing scripts, and get object oriented

The script calls for an interactive Web site --; where do you start? Right here, with a fast and friendly way to get the hang of PHP 5 programming! You'll also discover all the other cool things you can do with PHP, like managing files, interacting with databases, using system commands, and more.

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

Click Here to see more reviews about: PHP 5 for Dummies (Paperback)

Review of JavaScript for Dummies (Paperback)

I tried to get through this book several times and kept giving up. I couldn't figure out why I was having such a hard time with learning JavaScript. I've learned other languages on my own. Therefore, why was it so hard to get a handle on the concepts of Javascript? I mean, this book is supposed to be for dummies like me, right? However, after my latest attempt to read this book and after reading some of the reviews on this site, I realize it's not me, it's the book. First off, the author fails to provide a context for JavaScript. She just launches into coding. There's no answer to the question "why?" A better approach would be to show a sample web page that uses JavaScript and then explain how the JavaScript accomplishes the end result. Then, explain the advantages of JavaScript over other possible solutions. Also, the author tries much to hard to make cutesy little jokes and puns and they get really annoying really fast. I don't think it's much of an exaggeration to say that she tries to make a joke in every other paragraph.I believe another review on this site recommends Thau's "Book of JavaScript." And, I agree with that recommendation. His book is just about everything this one isn't. It provides sample and context for the explanation of JavaScript. There is a light-hearted tone to the writing, which makes the reading of a technical topic easier. But, he doesn't go overboard with the cutesy puns and quips. So, if you want a beginner's guide to JavaScript, avoid this book. Try "Book of JavaScript" by Thau instead.

Product Description

• Responding to reader feedback, the author has thoroughly revamped the book with more step-by-step coverage of JavaScript basics, an exclusive focus on Internet Explorer, and many complete sample scripts
• Updated to cover JavaScript 1.5, the latest release of this popular Web scripting language
• Using lots of examples, including a sample working Web site, the book shows how to create dynamic and interactive pages, build entire sites, and automate pages

From the Publisher
JavaScript For Dummies, 3rd edition:

Explains JavaScript and how it differs from java, HTML, and other Webprogramming tools

Describes what users can do with JavaScript that they can't do withHTML

Outlines how JavaScript, the platform-independent scripting language,works with the latest versions of Netscape Navigator 5 and MicrosoftInternet Explorer 5.5

Includes an important overview of Object-Oriented Concepts and theJavaScript language

Shows users how to "team up" JavaScript with Java, C++, OpenDoc, andCommon Gateway Interface (CGI) to create powerful multimediaapplications

Describes how to build a quickie Web page using HTML tags

Shows users how to create a Java applet and run the applet from theWeb page

Covers JavaScript's forms so users can easily enter data and receivefeedback

Guides users as they write and debug their own JavaScript programs

BONUS CD-ROM INCLUDES:

Hot utility and sample programs, including Dreamweaver demo version,SurfMap JavaScript, Joust, NetObjects ScriptBuilder 3 trial version,Allaire HomeSite 4.5 trial version, Ant Tools Demo 3, ArtBeats WebTools, BBEdit 4.5.1, HTML WebWeaver Lite, Paint Shop Pro 5 demo, andmore!--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Click Here to see more reviews about: JavaScript for Dummies (Paperback)

Review of Professional SlickEdit (Programmer to Programmer) (Paperback)

I was excited to find this book about SlickEdit, but my reading the covers, the intro and a quick browse at the bookstore didn't reveal what it's really about.True, the book covers the various features of SlickEdit, and it's better than the documentation that comes with the product.

But the bulk of the book is about the WROX macros that come with the book.That's all well and good if that's what you want.They should just say that in the title.Virtually every chapter about each feature starts with some pages about SlickEdit.But three or four pages into it, you're introduced to the WROX macros, then the rest of the chapter talks about that.




Product Description
Professional SlickEditis the first guide to the award-winning SlickEdit tools, and is technically reviewed by the SlickEdit development team. SlickEdit expert John Hurst shares his years of experience in developing with SlickEdit to teach readers how to maximize the tool's features, and to write and debug code faster than they have before. Additionally, the book includes a CD ROM with an extended trial version of SlickEdit not available anywhere else.

Professional SlickEdit is heavy on examples, making this a hands-on guide that will get readers up and running with the tools quickly. Topics include:

*Customizing the environment

*Staying organized with Workspaces and Projects

*Understanding Tagging

*Quickly navigating code

*Power editing techniques for text, code and data

*Taking advantage of Aliases and File Templates

*Slick-C Macro Programming

*Custom Language Support

*DIFFzilla and other tools

And More!

From the Back Cover
Professional SlickEdit

Enabling programmers to create, navigate, modify, and debug code faster and more accurately than other Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), SlickEdit is a multi-platform, multi-language code editor that supports seven platforms and more than 40 languages. SlickEdit expert John Hurst believes that a powerful and versatile programming editor is the most important tool that a professional programmer can use, which is precisely why he has been using SlickEdit for more than a decade. In this invaluable book, he shares experiences, techniques, and strategies to help you get the most from SlickEdit.

Replete with helpful examples, this hands-on guide shows you how to maximize the many features of SlickEdit, edit and navigate large files, and customize and extend SlickEdit to meet your needs regardless of the programming language you use. Ultimately, you'll come to discover why SlickEdit maintains an edge over other IDEs and you'll quickly get SlickEdit to work effectively for you.

What you will learn from this book

*

How to stay organized with workspaces and projects

*

Ways to navigate code efficiently

*

Various techniques for power editing text, code, and data

*

Myriad ways to take advantage of aliases and file templates

*

How to customize and extend SlickEdit with Slick-C macro programming

*

Tips for understanding Context Tagging

*

Advanced topics such as Slick-C macro programming and DIFFzilla

Bonus CD-ROMThe included CD contains source code and examples from the book as well as trial versions of SlickEdit for the following platforms:

*

Microsoft Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Vista, Windows NT

*

Linux kernel 2.6 and compliance with LSB 3.1 or later

*

AIX 5 and later

*

HP-UX 11 and later

*

IRIX 6.5 and later

*

Solaris SPARC 7 and later

*

Solaris x86

*

Mac OS X v10.4, X11 for Mac OS X

Who this book is forThis book is for experienced programmers working in one or more of the 40 languages supported by SlickEdit. No previous experience with SlickEdit is necessary.

Wrox Professional guides are planned and written by working programmers to meet the real-world needs of programmers, developers, and IT professionals. Focused and relevant, they address the issues technology professionals face every day. They provide examples, practical solutions, and expert education in new technologies, all designed to help programmers do a better job.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Professional SlickEdit (Programmer to Programmer) (Paperback)

Review of The How-To Book for SAS/GRAPH Software (Paperback)

This is a fine book with many good examples. It does need to be updated.While the book's examples are still valid, SAS(R) ODS Statistical Graphics has made it possible to do more without requiring the fine control that SAS/Graph(R) gives you.If despite this,you need a book on programming SAS/Graph, this is a solid choice.

Product Description
If you've ever stuffed "cheat sheets" into your referencedocumentation to guide you through specific tasks that the book neverdescribes in detail, you'll appreciate the approach of this how-tobook.Self-contained chapters lead you through tasks that SAS/GRAPHsoftware users typically need to perform. The book features manygraphic examples and programs and helps you interpret the steps yourSAS code follows to produce results. Readers with basic SAS/GRAPHsoftware experience who are looking for tips on particular tasks orcomputing problems will easily find just the sections they need. Thebook is also an ideal resource for students who need an example-packedsupplement to their computing textbooks.

Supports releases 6.09 and higher of SAS software.

About the Author
Thomas Miron

Thomas Miron, author of the ever-popular SAS Software Solutions,

brings impressive credentials to this book.With over 12 years of SAS

software experience, ranging from nuts-and-bolts technical support to

professional end-user training and consulting, Miron demonstrates a full

understanding of the needs of the user.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The How-To Book for SAS/GRAPH Software (Paperback)