• Extensive illustrations throughout help students to visualize important methodologies and concepts.

• An early focus on graphical user interface development engages student interest, as most commercial Java applications use GUI technology.

• Object-oriented programming is featured throughout, with a focus on making it accessible to students. Java is fundamentally an object-oriented language, and this approach helps students understand how it makes Java powerful, flexible, and valuable.

• A multi-chapter programming example, TheVotingProgram, creates an easily and usefully expandable project. It enables students to look at Java programming from a project perspective from the start.

• A comprehensive, self-guided multi-chapter Case Study, HarmonyDesigns, is a realistic example geared to both male and female students. It is set up to be extensible and customizable by instructors and/or students.

• Format and content is driven by Unified-Process-driven object-oriented life-cycle development methodology. This teaches programming from the context of a comprehensive development methodology accepted and supported by the software development industry.

• Focus on practical, real-world skills development, with projects and assignments that engage student interest. This enhances student exposure to industry processes and improves preparation for actual software development projects.