Chapter 1

All about Java

IN THIS CHAPTER

Bullet What Java is

Bullet Where Java came from

Bullet Why Java is so cool

Bullet How to orient yourself to object-oriented programming

Say what you want about computers. As far as I’m concerned, computers are good for just two simple reasons:

  • When computers do work, they feel no resistance, no stress, no boredom, and no fatigue. Your computer can work 24/7 making calculations for www.climateprediction.net — a distributed computing project to model the world's climate change. Or, have your computer crunch numbers for Rosetta@home — a site that models proteins to help cure major illnesses. Will you feel sorry for my computer because it’s working so hard? Will the computer complain? No.

    You can make demands, give the computer its orders, and crack the whip. Will you (or should you) feel the least bit guilty? Not at all.

  • Computers move ideas, not paper. Not long ago, whenever you wanted to send a message to someone, you hired a messenger. The messenger mounted a horse and delivered your message personally. The message was recorded on paper or parchment or a clay tablet ...

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