Introduction to Programming with Java: A Problem Solving Approach, authored by John Dean and published by McGraw Hill in its second edition on January 25, 2013, offers a comprehensive guide to programming using Java. This English-language textbook, spanning 960 pages, adopts an innovative approach that integrates procedural programming fundamentals with object-oriented principles early in the curriculum. The book is designed for readers looking to develop their problem-solving skills through practical programming exercises.

The unique pedagogical structure of this edition facilitates a smooth transition from basic programming concepts to more advanced topics. Key chapters such as Chapter 2, dedicated to algorithm development, and Chapter 8, focused on program design, illustrate the book’s emphasis on problem-solving techniques. Additional sections throughout the text further reinforce these skills.

The second edition introduces several enhancements including new language features and end-of-chapter sections that explore GUI programming with animation. New chapters delve into the Java Collections Framework and provide an in-depth analysis of recursion. Two supplementary chapters addressing the JavaFX GUI platform are also available on a companion website, offering readers additional resources.

To prepare students for object-oriented programming (OOP), the second edition includes a “mini-chapter” that explains how to write multiple-method programs without OOP constructs before delving into full-fledged OOP in Chapter 6. For those who prefer this approach, two more chapters on the companion website cover related topics before returning to traditional OOP concepts.

This book is ideal for both beginners and intermediate learners seeking a structured yet flexible introduction to Java programming through problem-solving methodologies.