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.

This lab manual is an appropriate supplement for any Introduction to Programming / CS1 course that uses the Java programming language. Its hands-on exercises are intended to help students improve their understanding of the fundamental structures in Java.

This manual is separated into three parts. The first part presents the core of the Java language. These six sessions provide experience with core features and principles of the Java programming language. They provide enough breadth and depth for readers to learn more of Java on their own or in further courses. The second part of the manual helps students explore some issues pertaining to algorithms. In this part, recursion is considered, as well as a few important searching algorithms. Ways to analyze algorithms are also looked at. In the final part of the manual, a number of Java-oriented sessions cover additional topics such as graphics, inheritance, and object design that are not described in the core sessions.