Introduction to Software Development: Learning to Program

This book focuses on helping the reader develop an intuitive understanding of how to write good code. While learning Java, the reader will acquire principles and techniques that are presented in the context of realistic examples, with minimal jargon and constant reinforcement so that they're internalized and become habits. The techniques presented apply to any computer language, and have stood the test of time-techniques such as taking the extra time to simplify your code, starting your testing as soon as you can, and avoiding repeated code. Using a tutorial style and a steady progression from basic to advanced, the book allows the reader to follow along and try each example for him- or herself. The reader learns by doing.

Care was taken at each point to include only enough detail for the reader to progress to the next topic, avoiding discussion that would distract many readers from the main mission: learning how to write good code.