<p>We are looking for a good Java textbook, preferably with a humorous, relaxed teaching style. Does such a beast exist? </p>
<p>My son has some programming experience in Visual Basic, C++, and C. Our high school does not offer AP Computer Science but students interested in computer programming beyond C++ can get credit for independent study while preparing for the AP Comp Sci AB exam, which he is very interested in tackling. We will get the Barron’s prep book for AP Comp Sci AB which we have seen recommended in the consolidated AP book thread, but I thought he should also have another primary Java textbook. Or, is the Barron’s book really enough? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Any recommendations on dry, boring texts to avoid are also helpful. :)</p>
<p>This [url=<a href="http://dubhe.freepgs.com/programming/apcs.php%5Dpage%5B/url">http://dubhe.freepgs.com/programming/apcs.php]page[/url</a>] (dubhe.freepgs.com/programming/apcs.php) offers some insight to self-study AP CS.</p>
<p>"Head First Java" is a good book that matches the style you're looking for. The book is not AP specific, and it includes some contents, such as networking and RMI, that are not part of the exam. It also covers the full Java language rather than the AP subset. While it's nice to learn the full Java rather than the subset, you can skip those that are not part of subset if time is a concern. The subset definition can be downloaded from the College Board website.</p>
<p>If you do use Head First Java, it's a good idea to also get an AP book covering AB specific part, such as Java Methods AB. The labs and exercises in the Java Method books are quite helpful. There are also two other AP Java textbooks (Java Concepts; Fundamentals of Java), but I never have experience with either of them.</p>
<p>My favorite review book is Pearson Education's (formerly Addison-Wesley's). The problems in the book are right in the level of the actual exams. The original author was an AP exam writer. Barron's review book is a good fit if it is used like a textbook. But if you already have textbooks, it's better to go with either Person Education's or the Be Prepared book. Barron's content is not as good as an actual textbooks, and practice problems are just too detailed focused.</p>
<p>I have to disagree about the above comment on Barrons. I loved the Barrons book for the CS test. I used one for both A and AB and got 5's on both. I cannot recommend it enough.</p>
<p>I took compsci AP (A) and during the class the teacher gave us all free copies of:
Java 2 for Dummies..whcih really helped, got a 4 on it, i used other books but this might be the humours, yet effective bok u might be looking for.
Hope it helps!</p>
<p>I don't think barrons is enough if you plan on actually programming (and thus actually learning how to program instead of just studying for a test). It's a pretty good review book though.</p>
<p>He is definitely interested in actually programming - doing well on the AP Comp Science (AB) would be an added bonus. Thanks to all for your help.</p>