Chapter 1

Introducing the Basics of Java

From this page to the end of the book, there is one goal in mind: to show you how to consume Java code as well as anyone else. By understanding how Java programs can be composed, what language tools there are to assist you, and how written code can be read in a methodical, straightforward fashion, you’ll be ready to manage existing code and even write some small programs yourself.

The shorter-term goal is to help prepare you for the Java SE 7 OCA exam. topics are organized with the long-term goal in mind, however, and the discussion is not limited to the exam objectives. If you’re a literal, need-to-know-only type, a map of the exam objectives to each chapter appears in the back of the book. You can decide ...

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