Top 10 Java Books Every Programmer Should Explore
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If you're a Java developer seeking to enhance your understanding or skills, you're in the right place. This article will delve into some of the most highly regarded Java books, which have proven their value over time and remain relevant today.
Regardless of whether you read them now or in the future, these titles promise to enrich your expertise, making them the finest Java literature available.
I have a deep affinity for reading and possess a vast collection of books and eBooks. My journey began with comics as a child, particularly enjoying characters like Super Commando Dhruv, who used wit and intellect to overcome challenges rather than relying on superpowers.
This passion transitioned seamlessly into my programming career. The first Java book I picked up outside of academic texts was Head First Design Patterns, which significantly shaped my understanding of Java and object-oriented programming.
Prior to that, I had difficulty grasping the true potential of interfaces, viewing them as impractical. However, this book illuminated their importance in reducing dependencies within code.
Since then, I've explored numerous programming books, particularly those centered on Java. Now, I will present the 10 must-read Java books for every developer. While some information may feel dated, the foundational knowledge you gain will support your lifelong career.
Top 10 Java Books of All Time
Without further delay, here’s a curated list of essential reads for Java developers. If you've been coding in Java for a couple of years, you may have encountered these titles. If not, now is the perfect moment to dive into them.
I assure you, investing time and resources into these books will yield knowledge that will serve you for years.
1. Effective Java
This entry is a no-brainer. Effective Java by Joshua Bloch is widely regarded as the premier Java book. A must-read for developers of all skill levels, it offers insights into Java and its API that are invaluable.
Joshua Bloch's involvement in creating key Java classes and APIs, like java.lang and the Java Collection Framework, adds immense credibility to this book, complemented by his engaging writing style.
You can enjoy this book anywhere—on the beach, while traveling, or at your desk. It's an excellent resource that will undoubtedly enhance your Java proficiency. Notably, a new edition is now available, covering Java 7, 8, and 9, making it an opportune time to read it.
2. Clean Code
Another timeless gem for Java developers is Clean Code. As the name implies, it guides you in writing better code, which is often a challenging skill to master.
While learning Java can be straightforward, writing quality Java code that adheres to strong OOP principles is more complex, and this book is a vital resource for that.
Robert C. Martin, affectionately known as Uncle Bob, shares his extensive experience and numerous programming techniques that can greatly assist in your daily coding tasks.
For those who prefer structured learning, there’s a complementary Pluralsight course titled Clean Code: Writing Code for Humans by Cory House, which pairs well with this book.
To access this course, a Pluralsight subscription, which costs around $29 monthly or $299 annually (with a 14% discount), is necessary. A membership provides access to over 5000 online courses on various current topics, including front-end and back-end development, machine learning, and more.
A 10-day free trial is also available, allowing you to explore the courses without commitment.
3. Java Concurrency in Practice
Understanding multithreading and concurrency is crucial in Java programming, and Brian Goetz's Java Concurrency in Practice is the best guide for this intricate subject.
Although the book focuses on Java 5, it remains essential reading for any dedicated Java developer. Some sections may prove challenging, particularly sections 3.5.1 through 3.5.6; for those struggling, I recommend the course Extreme Java — Concurrency Performance by Dr. Heinz Kabutz for clarity.
4. Head First Design Patterns
A solid grasp of OOP and design patterns is vital for developing any Java application, and Head First Design Patterns excels in teaching these concepts.
As one of the first Java titles I explored, it left a lasting impression on me. This book clarified why composition is preferred over inheritance and how to modify a class's runtime behavior without altering existing code.
You might assume it's just an outdated resource, but fear not—an updated version covering Java SE 8 has been released.
If you're keen on mastering design patterns in Java, this book is essential. Additionally, the Design Pattern Library course on Pluralsight serves as a great companion resource.
5. Spring in Action
It would be remiss not to include Spring in Action in this compilation of classic Java texts. As the leading Java framework, this book is the best way to delve into Spring, but it goes beyond just that.
After completing the 4th edition, I gained profound insights into Java and improved my coding practices significantly. The book examines various topics, explaining shortcomings in the JDK and how Spring addresses them, such as the vague SQLException.
Craig Walls, like Bloch and Uncle Bob, is an outstanding author, and this book imparts knowledge that transcends Spring alone. The 5th edition is currently available on my reading list.
If your goal is to learn Spring, consider enrolling in a reputable online course such as Spring Framework 5: Beginner to Guru, which will accelerate your learning compared to self-study.
6. Test-Driven Development
Automation testing is a critical skill, beginning with unit testing. Java developers have JUnit at their disposal, but mastering unit tests requires more than just familiarity with the library.
If you're serious about improving code quality and writing unit, integration, and automation tests, Test-Driven is the essential read this year.
For those new to libraries, JUnit and Mockito are indispensable tools for any Java developer. I suggest combining this book with a JUnit and Mockito Crash Course for an effective introduction to unit testing in Java.
7. The Definitive Guide to Java Performance
Becoming a better Java developer also involves understanding the JVM, garbage collection, and performance tuning. While various texts address these topics, Scott Oaks' The Definitive Guide to Java Performance is my preferred choice.
Despite its focus on JDK 7, it offers valuable insights on performance tuning and the JVM, justifying the investment of your time and money.
8. Head First Java
Many of us started our Java learning journey with Head First Java. I discovered it shortly after Head First Design Patterns and found it highly enjoyable. It clarified numerous Java concepts and corrected many misconceptions I had.
Although some may view it as outdated, I believe it remains an excellent resource for newcomers to Java due to its engaging style and content.
Once you grasp Java through this book, you'll easily learn about changes in later versions, like Java 8, 9, and 10.
For those who prefer online courses, The Java MasterClass on Udemy is an outstanding starting point.
9. Head First Object-Oriented Analysis and Design
Another remarkable entry in the "Head First" series is Head First Object-Oriented Analysis and Design. This book completes the trilogy, which includes Head First Java and Head First Design Patterns.
It enhances the lessons from Head First Design Patterns by elaborating on object-oriented programming techniques and design principles.
One key takeaway was the importance of coding for interfaces and encapsulating changes. This book significantly transformed my approach to writing Java code.
For learners, the SOLID Principles of Object-Oriented Design course by Steve Smith on Pluralsight is an excellent companion to this book.
10. Java: A Beginner’s Guide
For a thorough introduction to Java, Java: A Beginner’s Guide is unparalleled. Despite the title, it offers comprehensive insights into the Java language.
Herbert Schildt has done an excellent job keeping the book current, with the 7th edition covering Java 9.
It's unclear how he will maintain its relevance with the new six-month release cycle initiated with Java 10, but a supplement addressing new JDK features has already been released.
In summary, these titles represent some of the finest books for Java programmers. If you are passionate about Java, chances are you have already explored most of them.
If not, consider making this year the time to read them. They are truly exceptional. Aim to select the latest editions when available, such as Effective Java 3rd Edition or the 7th Edition of Java: A Beginner’s Guide.
Closing Notes
Thank you for reaching the conclusion of this article! Best of luck on your Java programming journey. It may be challenging, but these books will provide you with valuable experiences.
If you found this article helpful, please share it with your friends and colleagues, and don’t forget to follow javinpaul on Twitter!
P.S. — For those interested in online courses, *The Java MasterClass* on Udemy is the best starting point.
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