Polyphemus_

It's just what you prefer, but in my opinion it is better to know a language well, and then learn how to create a GUI with it.

Jessehk

I agree, because the creation of GUI usually involves a good knowledge of the language.

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Klipt

And a flashy GUI that doesn't do anything is ... not very useful

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ReggaetonKing

I read "Java 2 for Dummies" before reading that book! It just taught text and stuff. Which is all fine but to me it felt like when I show b/c my knowledge of it so far, its all nothing but scrolling text and little "System.out.println" questions. I wanted to have interaction with the user not with just "System.out.println" questions but prompts and others! This book teaches the basic while showing you other kool features of Java GUI at the same thing which I wish I would have started with this book! Learning things like frames, textareas, etc, I think, the fundamentals should be taught first, of course, but still add a little spice to it with more that "System.out.println".

my opinion

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Mjordan2nd

The book I learned from is The Java Handbook by Patrick Naughton. I personally found it to be an exceptional book, but it is somewhat dated. I don't know if they have released any newer editions of the book.

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Lich

It all depends. If yuo need to develop something quickly and need to dive right in, then sure, go right for the GUI. But learning the code will apply to stuff even better.

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oNe8

Before you touch GUIs in Java you should probably be familar with arrays and string and how methods are called and deffintaly the actionListener class. Other to that there inst super complicated GUI stuff. But i do believe it is better to have seen a fair amount of Java before digging into the GUI. Also is you are doing a GUI with app that has alot of looping or file input, then you probably need to have a basic understanding of threading so that the program doesnt just hang and no not close by the exit button.

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KyrinComaBlack

I jave Core Java 2 Volume 1 Fundamentals 7th Edition and Core Java Volume 2 Advanced Features. Both books are really good I <3 them XD. Worth buying 10/10

ReggaetonKing

does it cover GUI compenents (Swing and/or AWT) I was deciding to purchase that book via Amazon but I decided to get "Java, How to Program" instead? Have you tried any other books, KyrinComaBlack??

btw Kami, here a link to a good tutorial site, covers all of the things!

http://www.leepoint.net/notes-java/

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KyrinComaBlack

Yes it does cover GUI and does also in the second book. It is correctly put together from what I have tried im me if you need help with books