REVIEW - Programming with JFC


Title:

Programming with JFC

Author:

Scott R. Weiner, Stephen Asbury

ISBN:

Publisher:

Wiley (1998)

Pages:

564pp

Reviewer:

Burkhard Kloss

Reviewed:

December 1998

Rating:

★★☆☆☆


This book is an introduction to programming the Java Foundation Classes (JFC), the new Java user interface framework that supersedes the Abstract Windowing Toolkit (AWT) in the later Java Development Kit (JDK) versions.

Each chapter of the book discusses one part of the JFC and gives small example programs that demon-strate each feature. The explanations are clear and readable, though very occasionally bordering on the trivial. There are also two slightly larger applications that show the use of the features in combination.

The CD contains the source code for all the example programs, as well as some additional programs that are not featured in the book. Laudably, the authors have revised and adjusted the examples on the CD to keep up to date with recent changes in Swing. Amendments and changes to the text and JFC documentation can also be found on the CD. In addition, the CD contains the JDK and JFC libraries, as well as a shareware tool for dealing with animated GIFs. The authors have also set up a web site for errata and further updates, although this was still almost empty when I checked. Still, this shows a strong commitment to quality by the authors and is in tune with the general high quality of the book.

The book is priced at£32.50, which is still a bit high for what it is. Still, it's a major improvement on the usual one to one Sterling for US Dollar exchange rate! Another small quibble is that the book contains perhaps a little bit too much source code - but that is a matter of taste. The relevant parts of the source code are always highlighted so that the reader can focus on the new feature being introduced.

In summary, if you are looking for a good, comprehensive introduction to JFC programming and are willing to pay the price, this book is probably a good suggestion.


Book cover image courtesy of Open Library.





Your Privacy

By clicking "Accept Non-Essential Cookies" you agree ACCU can store non-essential cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Current Setting: Non-Essential Cookies REJECTED


By clicking "Include Third Party Content" you agree ACCU can forward your IP address to third-party sites (such as YouTube) to enhance the information presented on this site, and that third-party sites may store cookies on your device.

Current Setting: Third Party Content EXCLUDED



Settings can be changed at any time from the Cookie Policy page.