Reddit reviews Java: An Introduction to Problem Solving & Programming
We found 2 Reddit comments about Java: An Introduction to Problem Solving & Programming. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
I don't know how far you are into your academic career, but here's a pro-tip/lifehack from someone who got through a master's degree in an unrelated discipline: If the professor doesn't require the latest edition (just ask them), don't get the latest edition. Get one or two editions back, if they're not super-old, and the $25 2011 edition or the 32 cent 2008 edition are probably more than adequate for an introductory book. Hell, the most referred to book (one I love) -- Head First Java, 2nd Edition -- is from 2005, and it's still relevant even if it doesn't cover the most recent language developments.
It's very rare that a college book for anything other than highly advanced courses or cutting-edge technology will have anything necessary in the most recent editions. I don't know how many thousands of dollars I saved over my academic career buying two versions back, and never personally encountered a single problem since the majority of what they do is reorganize pages, add a graph, and call it "9th version" or something. I took a few books and did side-by-side comparisons and have never found anything worthy of $100-200 price tags versus $3 or less -- most often things like a picture moved to the opposite page or an updated index.
Again, this is most especially true for beginner courses, and you should always talk to your instructor. But in the off-chance anything is missing, you can just ask a classmate to read the relevant chapter from their book.
But for an unrequired side book, it's hard to justify spending $100+. Maybe try the 2008 edition while googling newer features, or take a look at Head First Java (great introductory book, in my opinion).
Though many will tell you that no programming experience is needed for AP CS, it is highly recommended in my opinion.
I suggest purchasing this book from Amazon because its cheap and extremely clear to learn from: http://www.amazon.com/Java-Introduction-Problem-Solving-Programming/dp/0136072259?ie=UTF8&keywords=walter%20savitch%20java&qid=1465343999&ref_=sr_1_8&sr=8-8
If you read up to the first five chapters, you will have an easier time when AP CS begins.