Using Java as a development language on Mac OS X, you can write portable pure Java applications that run and look like native programs, or you can develop programs that exploit the Cocoa programming interface, allowing you to build powerful Mac OS X applications and take advantage of all the functionality provided by Apple's exciting Aqua UI. You can also exploit native operating-system functionality without writing any C or C++ code, through APIs such as JDirect. This book explains to the experienced Java developer where to start, what's possible, and where to go.
This book covers:
The role of Java in Mac OS X Using Mac OS X as a Java development platform Writing portable Java Code Taking advantage of Mac OS X's features in pure Java applications Developing enterprise applications on Mac OS X Deploying Java code as a Mac OS X application Accessing OS-specific functions through MRJ and JDirect Using Java to program Cocoa
There are seven chapters and five authors. Examples from chapter 2 disappear and then resurface in a late chapter because, hey, those are two chapters from the same author. Terms get introduced multiple times in different ways. One paragraph assumes you've been a developer for 10 years, the next assumes you know nothing, and then it's back to assuming you're very experienced again. The writing itself is clear, but this is not a polished book. It's a set of essays in chronic need of a good editor to unify them.
Still, if you want to do Java programming in OS X, this is the book for you. It got me through the buzzword thicket that's grown around all things OS X, and the code examples are great. I'm glad I bought it.
Until Ian McFarland's _Java Programming with Mac OS X_ comes out, this is the only book out there.
I feel sorry for any 16-year-olds out there who didn't get to grow up with NeXTStep or classic mac toolbox experience. They might be best off learning Objective C if they want to pick up Cocoa. For those who know Java but not Cocoa... this is the book.
