In this earlier post, I recommended some books that have helped me in my career as a software developer. I was asked if I had any books to recommend for Java developers. The books in this post are listed in the recommended reading order based on your experience with Java. You will get the most out of each book if you are familiar with the contents of the previously listed books. I’ll give my thoughts on the recommended target audience and what it will teach you. Enough introduction, let’s get to the books!
Head First Java: A brain-friendly Guide
So you have decided to learn Java? Great decision! Welcome to one of the most active communities in the world. This book doesn’t require you to have any previous knowledge of the Java language. It will teach you both fundamentals and some more advanced topics of Java in a brain-friendly way.
Java 8 to 21: Explore and work with the cutting-edge features of Java 21
You should have some experience with Java to get the most out of this book. I can see that it would be perfect for someone who needs a refresher in the language or has worked with older Java versions and wants to learn about all the new and exciting features. It also includes fundamentals on things you need to build, deploy and run your Java application.
Effective Java
It assumes a certain level of knowledge and experience with Java programming concepts. I would say that its target audience is experienced Java developers. The book is structured in several concise and self-contained items, making it easy to read and reference specific topics of interest. It combines theoretical explanations with practical examples and real-world scenarios, allowing readers to apply the concepts directly to their projects.
Cruising Along With Java: Modernize and Modularize with the Latest Features
I had to mention this book even though it’s still in beta. The final version is scheduled for a September 2023 release. You can get it now and receive updates as they are made available. Dr. Venkat Subramaniam explains the new capabilities of the Java language between version 9 and 19. Its target audience is experienced Java developers. Its content overlaps some of the content in the Java 8 to 21 book, but it’s aimed at a more experienced audience. It can be a better match for you if you have a few years of Java experience and want a deep dive into the new features introduced after Java 8.
Practical Design Patterns for Java Developers: Hone your software design skills by implementing popular design patterns in Java
This is a must-have book for any serious Java developer who wants to improve the way they write code. You should be comfortable with the Java language to get the most out of the book. Maybe you are working as a senior Java developer or an architect. It starts by doing a summary of software design principles, followed by information on the design of the Java platform. This gives the reader a good base for understanding the purpose and value of using design patterns. All patterns have a motivation for why they exist and an example of where they are used in the JDK.
The Empathetic Developer 