Programming Fundamentals Using Java : A Game Application Approach

Designed as a Java-based textbook for beginning programmers, this book uses game programming as a central pedagogical tool to improve student engagement, learning outcomes, and retention. The new edition includes updating the GUI interface chapters from Swing based to FX based programs. The game programming is incorporated into the text in a way that does not compromise the amount of material traditionally covered in a basic programming or advanced Java programming course, and permits instructors who are not familiar with game programming and computer graphic concepts to realize the pedagogical advantages of using game programming. The book assumes the reader has no prior programming experience.

The companion files and instructor resources are available online by emailing the publisher with proof of purchase at info@merclearning.com.

FEATURES:

• Features content in compliance with the latest ACM/IEEE computer science curriculum guidelines
• Introduces the basic programming concepts such as strings, loops, arrays, graphics, functions, classes, etc
• Includes updating the GUI interface chapters (Chapters 11 and 12) from Swing based to FX based
• Contains material on programming of mobile applications and several simulations that graphically depict unseen runtime processes
• 4 color throughout with game demos on the companion files
• Instructor’s resources available upon adoption

William McAllister has taught a wide range of computer science courses that include basic programming, computer graphics, and data structures.

S. Jane Fritz taught programming courses in BASIC, Visual Basic, Pascal, C, C++, and Java. She also co-authored several papers and gave a number of presentations at SIGCSE Conferences.