"What's exciting about Java centers around the potential for new kinds of dynamic, networked applications, and Java Network Programming shows you how to write them," explains Harold. "Java is the first programming language designed from the ground up with networking in mind. Since the first edition of this book was released, many of the dynamic, distributed network applications that I thought Java would make possible have indeed come to pass. Programmers are using Java to query database servers, monitor web pages, control telescopes, and manage multiplayer games-all by using Java's ability to access the Internet. Not all network software is written in Java yet, but it's not for lack of trying."

Java Network Programming, 2nd Edition is a complete introduction to developing network programs (both applets and applications) using Java, covering everything from networking fundamentals to Remote Method Invocation (RMI). It includes chapters on TCP and UDP sockets, multicasting protocol and content handlers, and servlets. This second edition also includes coverage of Java 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3. New chapters cover multithreaded network programming, I/O, HTML parsing and display, the Java Mail API, the Java Secure Sockets Extension, and more.

"Java Network Programming helps you push the envelope in the developing world of Java programming--to go far beyond the cute web page animations that are the extent of many first-generation Java applications, and get deep into Java's capabilities as a platform for serious network programming," says Harold.

What critics and readers said about the first edition:

"I didn't begin to understand Java networking until I found this book."
--Bruce Eckel, author of "Thinking in Java"

"An excellent tutorial that will guide you through the world of Java networking as smoothly as possible."
--amazon.com

"This book features an introduction to developing network programs, using the communications and networking classes in the java.net package. Covers networking fundamentals, RMI, TCP, UDP sockets, multicasting protocol and content handlers, servlets, as well as URLs and basic applet capabilities. Covers Java 1.1."
--Geoff Choo, Director Solutions WEBzine

"Although I have been in the software industry for 16 years, this is probably the first note of this kind I've ever sent. I just wanted to say thanks for producing such high quality programming books (especially Java Network Programming) at rational prices. It seems that the rest of the computer book industry is hell bent on a race to see who can gouge the highest prices for the cheapest trash. I've voted with my wallet since most of the titles that I buy these days are yours."
--Donald J. Cunningham

"This is by far one of the best written Java books I've seen on the market. This book should be a part of any programmer's library if they aspire to use Java for network programming. In fact, even if you're not, you should buy this book just to see how well written a computer book can be."
--Ed's Internet Book Review

"Java Network Programming completely introduces TCP/IP networks, making it the place to start if you're familiar with Java but don't know how to develop a network-aware Java program."
--David Wall, amazon.com,

"Very useful and easy to understand (for java programmers), just like everything that I have experienced from Elliotte Rusty Harold."
--Arnar Sigurpsson

• Chapter 11, Sockets for Servers, is available free online.

• More information about the book, including Table of Contents, index, author bio, and samples.

• Why author Elliotte Rusty Harold likes to write for O'Reilly.

• A cover graphic in jpeg format.