Review by Billy Barron

"The Java FAQ" by Kanerva (Addison-Wesley; ISBN 0-201-63456-2) is exactly what it shows like. An FAQ in a book format. The questions came from e-mail sent to java@java.sun.com so they are real questions from real programmers. The vast majority of the questions are ones I had myself in my early days doing Java. The answers in this book are very concise and accurate.

Now with almost 2 years under my belt, I knew the answers to almost all the questions in this book. Only a few I didn't know (largely 1.1 event model questions which I've only read about not used as of yet) and thought were interesting. Therefore, I question the "Appropiate for Java programmers of all levels" label applied to it.

In summary, I think novices will find this book useful in answering many questions that they will have. On the other hand, I think that experts will be better off looking for other books. However, to be honest, I paperclipped a few pages in the review copy and will keep it on my shelf for occassional reference.