Which one would you prefer if you want to learn Java and you already have a basic idea about it, Head First Java or Java: The Complete Reference?

Go for HF Java if you are looking forward to learn Java through a more hands-on approach. Their explanation style is pretty light-hearted but engaging. In addition to lots of funny images and humorous quotes, each chapter features building a simple project out of the things you have learned so far. As you progress, you will notice their tone going from jovial to a serious one, but trust me, irrespective how tricky the topic is, you will never get bogged by the details. It also contains chapter on some advanced topics such as EJB, RMI, Servlets, JWS, etc. which you won't find in Complete Reference. Assuming you are a beginner, you probably won't need knowing these advanced topics but still, having a general idea about them will do you no harm. Now, coming to Complete Reference. I personally like this book because of its no-nonsense style, Unlike HF Java, it lacks cheeky images, but gets straight to business from the first chapter itself. The explanation style is simple to understand throughout the book. It includes a comprehensive coverage of all the core topics, due to which, it is used as a textbook in many colleges for a first-time course on core Java. Surprisingly, you won't find any exercises or projects at the end of each chapter, but I won't consider it a deal-breaker. Like HF Java, it also includes an overview of the above mentioned advanced topics. My advice is, read Complete Reference for understanding the concepts and theory and use HF Java for practicing programs.

I'd say go for HFJ. I was completely new to programming 2 years ago. I started off with HFJ and was one of the best decisions I made. Once you get the basics right you can move to JCR. On second thoughts you may want to learn an entirely different language.Something beautiful like python perhaps ;) HFJ is a starter, but a very good one at that. Don't go for a book which you think will solve all your problems. I used to do that. spend about half a month figuring out which are the best books that cover everything, then another half a month collecting them. Finally I barely read them for 1 month. So I suggest you go for HFJ, it will keep you interested.

HFJ is definitely a different approach to teach something. It has the advantage that new ideas are tossed around and you would look at same things from different perspective. JCR however, teaches in the conventional way. This said, I greatly loved JCR and this is what I would, on any day, suggest to a fresher to Java. If however, one is experienced with basics of Java, then perhaps option for HFJ would be sensible.

Head first java to get your foot in. Then the how to java(deitel) is a good option. It has better practice assignments.

I would recommend Sun Certified Java Programmer Java 6 by instead of Head First Java only if you are familiar with Java basics, it will help you in better understanding of some tough and tricky topics.After reading it thoroughly you can even appear for 6 certification exam. But if you are new to Java then Head First Java will be a better option to get the basics of Java in a graphical and unconventional way of teaching. Yes, you can always refer to Java:The Complete Reference whenever you have any kind of doubt in any topic. P.S. : Freshers in Java are not recommended to read SCJP Java 6 directly even it is written on its very first page.

Head First Java is a good place to start if you are completely new to the game, so I would suggest you to go with it first. Go through the entire book, it will only familiarize you with the Java; but just enough for you to start building up on your real-time programming exercises - Lots and lots of them. Start with the very basic problems like adding two numbers , go with string manipulations, custom exception handlers and so on till you can build a useful Proof-Of-Concept application of your own. During this process, you'll stumble quite a lot of times, and realize you are not entirely clear on a particular component of Java or you were not entirely right about it. And in those situations, you have two beautiful reference guides to help you out. The complete reference, of course is the encyclopaedia of Core Java, so go ahead and pore through it's dusty contents to pick up the technicalities. On the conceptual front, however, I would ask you to refer to SCJP - Kathy Sierra. This is the beginner's bible. Everything you didn't know on the intricacies of Java will be in this book, explained lucidly with quite a lot of straightforward exercises. SCJP is the next step in the process of understanding Java; And I think it is a must to finish this book before we can claim to 'know' Java. Of course this would just be a simple start to the world of Java. Happy exploring !

If you have basic idea then I would recommend you to read http://www.amazon.com/Core-Volume-I-Fundamentals-Edition-Series/dp/0137081898?tag=javamysqlanta-20 and http://www.amazon.com/Core-Java-Impatient-Cay-Horstmann/dp/0321996321?tag=javamysqlanta-20 by Cay S. Horstamann. These two are way better than any other books, when it comes to explaining concepts in simple words and including key details.No doubt, The Head first Java is a great book but its mainly for first timers, who have no idea about Java. Once you know basics, you need proper book and the above two books are certainly the best.Another reason, I suggest Cay Horstmann’s book over Head First Java because later is not updated since Java 1.5 and its well past its due date in today’s Java 8 world, while Cay’s book is up-to-date, currently the 10th edition is running, and covers Java SE 8.If you want to do more research , check out these referencesReferences: http://javarevisited.blogspot.com/2013/01/top-5-java-programming-books-best-good.html http://www.java67.com/2015/05/best-book-to-learn-java-for-beginners.html http://www.java67.com/2015/07/5-books-learn-java-8-functional-programming.html

Well, before helping you in deciding your choice, I will first try to come up with an overview of both the books. To be precise, I will share my understanding after going through both the books…Java: The Complete Reference It has a 4.7 star rating and 110 reviews on Amazon. Most of them are positive, except for the haters. Haters are everywhere! It is fully updated, up to Java SE 8. It contains chapters on JavaFX. It allows you to download source code for all examples and projects mentioned in the book. The writer doesn't introduce you to an IDE e.g Eclipse, and henceforth, allow you to be strong and confident in coding. It is amazingly smooth, step by step focusing on what you need to know. It contains great examples that continue to expand as you dive deeper. And much more.. Head First Java It has a 4.3 star rating and 83 reviews on Amazon. Most of them are negative, except for few exceptions. Exceptions never count! This book is written in an entertaining way using various tools (jokes, pictures, surprises, quizes, games, etc). But, this will often divert your mind from the concept. Making it visual is good, but conveying complete and proper information is correct. Half learning is dangerous, even for beginners. Conversational and personalized styling is never helpful when the programs specified is not working. And trust me, most of the programs of this book never runs. And much more… Final Recommendation:Although many people will suggest Head First Java for a beginner because of its graphical and unconventional way of teaching, I will say no one should go through it before reading The Complete Reference. Once you finish Complete Reference, you will have the idea of the rights and wrongs. So, now when you go through Head First Java, you will easily spot out which portion is worth reading and which is not…Java: The Complete Reference always stands out to be one of the best Java books both for beginners as well as experts in terms of concepts, and certainly much better than Head First Java…Love Java!!! Live Java!!!

Head first is very interactive and makes sure you actually write code while following the book.Apart from basics like OOP concepts,Exception handling it has Network socketing and threads, Distributed computing with RMI,GUI events handling etc:- So if you already know these things go for Complete reference else Head First is really good.