Did you have ego problems with reading books of `Headfirst` series?

Question

Hello,

I never read any headfirst book. I just borrowed 'Headfirst Java' from my friend. I've conflicting opinions.

1. C'mon I'm not a kid or or idot so stupid that I have to understand things from book filled with pictures and all that dude language.
2. But its fun to read. I absolutely love those pictures. Even my little sister in 6th grade sits beside while reading this book. Yeah, though I don't want to say it willingly, but I love this book. :D

Did you also have similar problems? I'm willing to learn "Design Patterns" and I want to get this "HeadFirst Design Patterns". Is it a good book?

Answer 1

Head First series is a fantastic series for learning. The Design Patterns is very good. I recommend them for all my students.

I think that if you are already comfortable with an area then the book will not be necessary. But these are aimed at persons that do not know the topic. Someone that never learned programming and read the Head First Java would appreciate the techniques used in the book.

Answer 2

I think Head First is a great series. Kathy Sierra is a serious person who has put a lot of thought into how to make learning more effective, and she's incorporated those findings into her books.

Answer 3

I'm a Teaching Assistant in Programming in Java. Last week a guy came to me saying that the course book is quite hard to read, so I gave him the ebook 'Head First Java'. Next week, when I saw him I asked him about the book, if he liked it or not. His answer was, its alright but I think is too simple, do you any other book? WTF!

He is a beginner and he didn't like it just because it's full of cartoons and pictures, but come on, if you don't understand everything in the book (like him), you can't say it is too simple!

Answer 4

Head First Design Patterns is my favorite book of the series. It is so easy to learn the concepts with that book, stuff that would take you much more time with the gang of four classic book on design patterns.

Read it, you will love it!

Answer 5

If your ego can't take it then you have deeper problems, as there is nothing wrong with a book that is written to be easy to read that will teach you deep concepts in such a way, as you have fun while you are learning, and it is easier to remember something when you are kept in a frame of mind that is more open to learning.

When I am reading something very technical I have a harder time remembering, as I am trying to work through the jargon and concepts, whereas, if there are pictures, then when I need to remember something, or figure out how to explain it, a cartoon is easier for me to remember and a nicer way to explain concepts.

You could look at the Gang of Four and compare it to the Headfirst book and see which you will remember more from.

Answer 6

anytime you wish to learn something you have to start with the humble realization that you don't know enough of this topic and are willing to open a book and read it. the head first books are definitely unconventional in their format and might seem childish to technical folks used to reading thick books serious sounding titles like "Computer Architecture - A quantitative approach" (nothing against this book, infact I like it a lot). To learn something it is important to be open minded and many times you will learn something new that will change your world view. Why not be open minded enough to learn from an atypical teaching methodology. In general if you let your ego get the best of you, how can you learn anything here on SO where people might disagree or even flat out disprove what you have to say.

Answer 7

If you do a quick read at the beginning of any of the head first series book they explain why the books are written that way. Basically they present the information is several different ways (just text, pictures, stated like a conversation between two people, etc) because it helps your brain to absorb the data. They apply psychological techniques to help you more easily absorb/retain the information. The format helps the info stick - much more so than a reference style book would.

I find these books great for initial learning - but prefer a text book/reference style book for looking things up.

Answer 8

Dont get carried away by presentation style. The motive of a book is to explain the things in such a way that a new comer is able to grasp and I think this series is able to do it in best of ways.

I agree it doesnot look too professional but it scores a lot higher when it comes to "convey and teach" than many others in the same line.

I have personally gone through head first servlet and jsps and design pattern and think both are great to start with. You will not complain once you are done and will help you pick up more advance topics since it builds up your foundation pretty well.

Answer 9

I started (Or more properly restarted) programming after 20 years with Head first C#, Had you asked me what I thought of them then I would have told you they are worthless... The book had something like 20 pages of errata plus an entire chapter that you were supposed to replace with a pdf... But then Barnes and Noble allowed me to return the book and buy a later edition and the storey changed, I can't say I love the style, it can be hard to get past the sophomoric presentation sometimes but it has, by far, the most interesting projects to do that I have seen... And I for one learn best by doing. I would say that if you are a hobbyist and can get past the silly presentation then absolutely, give one a try.