<p>a quick question about AP cs AB(i have no programming background, i don't know anything about java):
I'm planning to self-study AP cs AB for this May's AP test,and i am using the 5 step to a 5 book, but i am not able to totally undertand it, and it says that it is not designed for self-study.</p>
<pre><code>so my question is, whether there's any book that could be used for a month's cracking on AP CS AB, for somebody who doesn't have any JAVA background?
IS BARRON'S good?
</code></pre>
<p>... no programming background? It's going to take A LOT of studying to teach yourself Java with no programming experience. You don't need a review book - that's nowhere near enough. You need a book that completely teaches you Java from the ground up. </p>
<p>You should try that ^^^. It's gonna take some serious dedication to be able to get through that book in a month and understand it all. </p>
<p>I don't think you should attempt this though. Learning your first programming language is a difficult task for almost everybody. Learning enough Java to pass the Comp. Sci. AB exam on your own in one month is going to be really tough. You should probably try just the Comp. Sci. A exam, as passing that seems a bit more feasible.</p>
<p>I love how you think you can learn to become a decent programmer in a month -- you can't. Seriously, forget about the AP test this year, get a Java text (or whatever programming language), learn, and write your own code, pursue independent project, etc. </p>
<p>After 2 years of experience and having written a few (some lousy) 3D engines, I only now begin to see myself as 'competent'. </p>
<p>OK...sorry for the ramble. If you're really dead set on passing the test and becoming a good programmer is a non-issue, then buy Barron's and check out online tuts.</p>