Understanding Java provides a thorough introduction to the Java programing language and also imparts an understanding of the way things are in Java.The overall aims of Understanding Java by Barry Cornelius are to introduce the main aspects of programming, to explain the constructs available in the Java programming language and to create an appropriate foundation for the construction of large programs. Barry Cornelius has taught courses in Java at the University of Durham since 1996. This book is based on material taught by the author to students that are new to programming.

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.