Java for Coldfusion Developers

Finally a book that didn't assume I was coming from a C/C++ background. I have between eight and ten different books that looked like "the one" to teach me what I wanted to know in Java. I have little interest in learning applets or SWING based interfaces...my interest is in web based interfaces. This book spoke in terms I could understand easily based on a ColdFusion frame of reference. Eben Hewitt does a great job comparing and contrasting java data structures with ColdFusion ones and letting the CF developer know exactly what the pros and cons the different approaches entail. Th examples are good and applicable to the types of applications I would build. I strongly recommend this book.

When I began reading "Java for ColdFUsion Developers", I was excited to see how similar writing a Java program is to the syntax used to write CFScript or Action Script. This is an excellent time to learn all three!The author has organized his information in a logical manner that builds from the basics and moves throught topics that include programming structures and object-oriented application design. Specific to CF developers is the chapter on "Extending ColdFusion with Java" to leverage ColdFusion use in J2EE environments.Hewitt has an easy tone that makes you feel as though he's talking directly to you. He includes code for creating class files as he moves along to allow you to write and compile as you go. An experienced author with two other CF books behind him, he introduces Java to experienced CF developers who may come from a web background instead of hard-core programming. The book covers the basics thoroughly without breaking your back (unlike other books in my backpack!)It's not a book for those new to ColdFusion or other types of programming, but it's an excellent resource for those of us who are overwhelmed by the current number of cryptic Java books available. As the introduction to Hal Helms reads, Eben Hewitt achieves his goal by "helping us leverage our ColdFusion knowledge into Java expertise."Lisa Wilson, Manager, Sacramento ColdFusion User Group

Since the release of ColdFusion MX, learning a little bit of Java makes more sense than ever for a ColdFusion developer. Unfortunately, the vast majority of Java manuals out there are targeted to people with OOP experience, often C/C++ developers. They also cover a lot of things that have no value for a web developer. Eben Hewitt managed to cover this special niche pretty well, with a well-structured book that delivers exactly what a ColdFusion developer need to learn in order to become acquainted with Java.

Whether you have an OO background or not, this book makes learning the basics of Java easy and gets you up to speed in JSP's and servlets very fast. A friend of mine who is an experienced Java developer looked through it and was impressed...it really hits the points that need to be covered in a very clear and concise way. If you need more depth or practice with specific Java topics, there are other suitable books to use as helpful reference.Although it is written for ColdFusion developers, anyone with basic web programming experience will find this book useful as an introduction to JSP's and servlets. Very highly recommended.