Java from the Beginning is written for the new generation of computer users, for whom concepts such as windows, menus, web pages and the Internet are well-known and natural. It is no longer enough to simply be able to master the basic concepts and constructs of a programming language; today's students are required to write programs that include graphical user interfaces (GUIs), interactive media and various methods of communication.  For this reason, GUIs are discussed in this book right from the start, and communication is covered in detail. In this edition, Swing is used throughout to implement programs with a GUI.  These classes make it possible to give the interfaces a more attractive appearance.  Also, objects, classes and interfaces are presented graphically by means of UML which has now become a de-facto standard in the presentation of object-oriented concepts.