This book teaches the reader how to write programs using Java. It does so with a unique approach that combines fundamentals first with objects early. The book transitions smoothly through a carefully selected set of procedural programming fundamentals to object-oriented fundamentals. During this early transition and beyond, the book emphasizes problem solving. For example, Chapter 2 is devoted to algorithm development, Chapter 8 is devoted to program design, and problem-solving sections appear throughout the book. Problem-solving skills are fostered with the help of an interactive, iterative presentation style: Here"s the problem. How can we solve it? How can we improve the solution? Some key features include: • A conversational, easy-to-follow writing style. • Many executable code examples that clearly and efficiently illustrate key concepts. • Extensive use of UML class diagrams to specify problem organization. • Simple GUI programming early,...