The 1.4 version of Java 2 Standard Edition provides many new programming capabilities while making plenty of old tasks easier. But without reliable guidance, you'll find it hard to take advantage of even a fraction of what the new SDK has to offer. Filled with detailed coverage of the new technology, step-by-step instruction, and tips from an acclaimed Java consultant and author, Mastering Java 2, J2SE 1.4 is the resource you'll want to keep within easy reach.

Coverage Includes:

Understanding the Java programming language
Building forms with the Swing component set
Creating superior graphics with the Java 2D API
Supporting advanced data structures with the Collections API
Improving the speed of your Java applications
Taking advantage of Swing's support of drag and drop
Understanding OOP concepts, including UML
Working with Java's new assertion capabilities
Using Java's new I/O capabilities: nonblocking read and write operations, application preferences, and logging
Solving tough printing challenges
Working with installation options, including Java Plug-in and Java Web Start
Working with multiple threads and timer tasks