Think Java: How to Think Like a Computer Scientist

Think Java is a hands-on introduction to computer science and programming used by many universities and high schools around the world. Its conciseness, emphasis on vocabulary, and informal tone make it particularly appealing for readers with little or no experience. The book starts with the most basic programming concepts and gradually works its way to advanced object-oriented techniques.

In this fully updated and expanded edition, authors Allen Downey and Chris Mayfield introduce programming as a means for solving interesting problems. Each chapter presents material for one week of a college course and includes exercises to help you practice what you've learned. Along the way, you'll see nearly every topic required for the AP Computer Science A exam and Java SE Programmer I certification.

• Discover one concept at a time: tackle complex topics in a series of small steps with multiple examples
• Understand how to formulate problems, think creatively about solutions, and develop, test, and debug programs
• Learn about input and output, decisions and loops, classes and methods, strings and arrays, recursion and polymorphism
• Determine which program development methods work best for you, and practice the important skill of debugging

Allen B. Downey is a Professor of Computer Science at Olin College of Engineering. He has taught at Wellesley College, Colby College, and U.C. Berkeley. He has a Ph.D. in Computer Science from U.C. Berkeley, and Master's and Bachelor's degrees from MIT. Downey is the creator of the bestselling Think series for O'Reilly, including Think Python, Think Complexity, Think DSP, and Think Bayes.

Chris Mayfield is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at James Madison University, with a research focus on CS education and professional development. He has a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Purdue University and Bachelor's degrees in CS and German from the University of Utah.