This was the text assigned for a beginning course in Java programming. The book constantly introduces more complex concepts in code examples of elementary topics. There is so much flipping back and forth, as another review noted, that my copy turned yellow with Post-its. It is frequently used as a text because the publishers provide PowerPoint lecture slides for the examples in the book. It might well be an excellent refresher for intermediate or advanced programmers, but beginners would be better off with Sun's well-organized and free on-line tutorial.