In this second edition of a text/CD-ROM package for a one- or two-semester first programming course, Dale (University of Texas-Austin) and Weems (University of Massachusetts-Amherst) break the material down into smaller chapters, and introduce many new short programming exercises for classroom presentation. Using a progressive objects approach, they begin with simple yet useful class design in parallel with an introduction to Java"s basic data types, arithmetic operations, control structures, and file I/O. Later chapters focus on inheritance and polymorphism, using the foundation of classes developed in the earlier part of the text. A new chapter on data structures and collections has been added for this second edition. Also new to this edition are software maintenance case studies demonstrating how to read code in order to debug, alter, or enhance an existing class or code segment. The companion CD-ROM allows for easy access and download of Eclipse IDE. Other learning features include timelines of key dates in computer history, chapter goals and summaries, review questions and quizzes, and programming exercises. The text is updated throughout for Java 6. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)