What are the best books to learn Java?

I want it clear up. Java or Android? API Framework is totally different. For pure Java I find O'Reiley's animal cover books great for programming, but I'm not sure which animal was it.

Are you learning to program, using Java as a first language, or are you already comfortable programming in another language and want to learn Java as a second/third/etc. language?

If you are already programming at least a bit (not just "hello world!") in some other language and want a serious book, the best book on Java I've ever seen is the two-volume Core Java by Horstmann & Cornell. The first volume will probably be all you'll need for 6 months to a year.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/core-java-volume-...

If you're just getting started, I've read good things about the Head First series and "Head First Java", by Sierra and Bates.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/head-first-java-k...

After you have programmed in Java for a few months and are comfortable writing complete small applications, then you might want to look into "Effective Java" by Joshua Bloch. That won't teach you Java, but it will improve your understanding. It's a series of articles on guidelines to follow and pitfalls to avoid as a Java programmer.

The B&N links are only suggestions. Do the world a small favor, though, and avoid Ama*on. Bezos has enough money already.

a book about java