I bought the first version of the Java Cookbook many years ago and it was a huge find back then. There were few online resources at the time loaded with really great, consistent sample code, like http://www.javaalmanac.com. The book filled a need then and it fills a need now.
The book covers subjects of interest for programmers with any level of Java expertise. It is written in the classic 'cookbook' format. Each chapter concentrates on a specific area, like 'String and Things', 'Pattern Matching with Regular Expressions', 'Object-Oriented Techniques', 'Network Clients', 'Database Access', 'Threaded Java', etc.
Within each chapter, several problems are tackled. One or more pages are devoted to each problem, with a general format of: 'Problem', 'Solution', and 'Discussion'. Many of the problems build on previous solutions. Nearly every solution contains a Java example and the code tends to be simple enough to grok at a glance.
The book has been updated to cover some 1.4 and 1.5 goodies, but not nearly as much as I would have liked. However, the most fundamental topics are covered well - certainly well enough for an 800+ page cookbook with 312 recipes that cover a wide range of topics.
If you are like me and spend a lot of time learning by example, you will find this book an excellent resource.
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