Java is based upon C++, and is very similar in its style and structures. It is a large and wordy language. Gaining full proficiency in it must take time - if only because of the amount to be learned. However, its structures do follow a clear pattern, so that once the essentials have been mastered, it is relatively easy to extend one's knowledge. This book is not intended for proficient C++ programmers who want to transfer to Java, but is aimed at those of you who have little or no prior experience of programming, and it starts from scratch. The Author has concentrated on the basic concepts and practical uses of the language, and has tried to avoid getting down in technicalities. Java Made Simple will take you through to the point where you can write small applets for your Web pages, and give you the foundations and the confidence to go further into the language, if you wish to develop larger applications. Each feature is demonstrated at work in an applet or a short program, as new concepts are best learnt through practical examples. You will find exercises at the end of each chapter and the text files for the larger programs can be found on the Made Simple WWW site...and remember that Java gets its name from the coffee that you stop for whenever your brain hurts!