What is this book about? Professional Java builds upon Ivor Horton's Beginning Java to provide the reader with an understanding of how professionals use Java to develop software solutions. Pro Java starts with an overview of best methods and tools for developing Java applications. It then examines the the more sophisticated and nuanced parts of the Java JDK. The final and most extensive part of the book shows how to implement these ideas to build real-world applications, using both Java APIs as well as related Java open source tools. In short, this book provides a comprehensive treatment of the professional Java development process, without losing focus in exhaustive coverage of isolated features and APIs.