there is no best book to learn java programming
as a java beginner, i used to ask i myself, if there was best book i can take to learn java programming. aftere 8 years working around java, the reality tell me there is definitely not best java book.
why? is that to say every classic java book is shit? first head java is crap and think in java is useless?
of course not, actually all above java books are the most helpful java book you want. the important question is you need different “best book” at your special java learn stage.
as java beginner, the best book for you is definitely first head java. especially you have no conception on object-oriental. as i know visual basic is based on procedure, so there will be a relevant long learning curve for you to under stand object-oriental. buy first head java can short this curve. this book is funny and natural reading. the best book i have ever read for a java beginner. (unfortunately, i did not know this book as a java beginner… )
after 3-6 month study on java, you may already experienced all the basic concept of java, like variable, OO, jdbc, thread and AWT .etc. it is time to make deeper understanding on java. well, think in java should be your best book. you will become to understand why java is working in that way and how does it work internal by reading think in java.
after 2-3 years working on java. ( you should not still just studying java…. ). you become to know most aspect of java. but JVM is still one big secret to you. well, inside jvm should be your best java book that time. this book make you know how java is made by c++, even in byte code. after master on inside jvm, i will definitely fear nothing on java. you will know everything about java.
you need different best java book at your different stage.