[Mack1982]

I have justed started to learn porgramming and my first step is towards JAVA. The book I am studying is "JAVA: How to program", Third Edition, by Dietel and Dietel.
Upon visiting the website of the author, I came to know that the sixth edition of the book has been released.
Now, I know that book the books are regarding JAVA2. Now I need to ask that should use this book or would have to spend around $90 for the new book.
What should I do,.. is there a big difference between the two,...
Actually, I don't want to work hard and in end come to know that what I have learned is outdated.
Thanks

[intercodes]

Mack1982,

You can continue to learn JAVA with the book you have. JAVA2 has additional features such as SWING, BEANS ..etc. So IMO , once you complete the 3rd edtiton, you will know most of the java programming. Later you can learn the new features available in the java2 ,which will be easy to work with..... just my opinion.

[ZoneFire]

can someone talk about the differences between Java and Java2?
what are the most significant advantages of Java2?

[Iron_Cross]

Java2 is just a newer version of Java.

Actually Java2 is missleading, Java v0.0 to Java v1.2 (I'm pretty sure) are considered Java1
Java v1.3 to Java v1.5.0 are considered Java2. The only reason they say "Java 2" is because the changes were so dramatic, it was like a whole new language.

I suggest going to amazon.com or ebay and buying a used book about Java v1.4.2 or later. Anything before that will be outdated. It won't be a lost cause, but it will serve you much better to get a new book.
And a used book (which is all I buy, and I've never had a bad book. All of them are like new) will cost you anywhere from $2 to $20 (USD).
I pay about $5 on average for all my books, and they're in perfect condition, and are all updated.

My 2 cents.

[ZoneFire]

i am learning Java version 1.4.1 ,so is it considered as Java2 era?
pretty not sure since Java covered quite a lot of fields.

[Iron_Cross]

Yes it's Java 2.
Anything after Java v1.2 is considered Java 2

[Mack1982]

The problem is that I am not learning JAVA in scholl but trying to do it on my own, so I thought that the old book might surve the purpose, but it seems that I would have to go with the new edition.
Any book recommended,...

[ZoneFire]

actually, Dietel is quite a good book.
it gives clear explanation and also organised well.
so, why don't get a newer edition?

[Iron_Cross]

I agree, Dietel is a great book. You'll just need a newer version.

Also I'd recomend any of the books by Ivor Horton, or Bruce Eckel, they're really good as well.

[johnsector2001]

is it really true that dietel n dietel is a good book for a beginner??

how about java black booK??