<p>Hello. My school doesn't currently offer AP Computer Science, but I have been given permission to semi-self-study computer science (programming) for two whole semesters. I realize that the CS AB test is no longer administered; however, I need an entire year's worth of material to fill my schedule. The curriculum must be a physical textbook (no online courses) and I'd strongly prefer that it be in Java. What are your recommendations?</p>
<p>My apologies for the double post, but if possible, I’d prefer a book that uses Eclipse as the primary IDE. After CS, I will probably be working on beginning Android development. This would eliminate my need to transition between IDEs, as Eclipse is the Android standard IDE (and industry standard, for the most part.)</p>
<p>I am using Barrons AP computer science Levels A and AB. Its about 700 pages. Its pretty good. I would then recommend one more book, i dont which one, but i am doing the same thing and i think another one would compliment it well.</p>
<p>I’d recommend Java Concepts [Big</a> Java / Java Concepts](<a href=“http://horstmann.com/bigjava.html]Big”>http://horstmann.com/bigjava.html) and [Lawrenceville</a> Press - A Guide to Programming in Java](<a href=“http://www.lvp.com/java.htm]Lawrenceville”>http://www.lvp.com/java.htm). I feel like the second is better at explaining the beginning topics, but the first includes more concepts and goes more in depth. I wouldn’t just use the Barron’s book, though it is a great book for preparing for the test.</p>