Programming Fundamentals Using Java: A Game Application Approach

This is a Java textbook for beginning programmers that uses game programming as a central pedagogical tool to improve student engagement, learning outcomes, and retention. Game programming is incorporated into the text in a way that does not compromise the amount of material traditionally covered in a basic or advanced programming course and permits instructors who are not familiar with game programming and computer graphics concept to realize their advantages. The material presented in the book is in full compliance with the 2013 ACM/IEEE computer science curriculum guidelines and provides an in-depth discussion of graphical user interfaces (GUIs). It has been used to teach programming to student whose majors are both within and outside of the computing fields. The companion DVD includes a game environment that is easily integrated into projects created with the popular Java Development Environments (Eclipse, NetBeans, and JCreator) and includes a set of executable student games to pique students’ interest by giving them a glimpse into their future capabilities. The material in this book can be covered within one or two courses such as a basic programming course followed by an advanced programming course.

Features:

• Uses an objects-early approach to learning Java.
• Follows the 2013 ACM/IEEE computer science curriculum guidelines
• Integrates game programming as central pedagogical tool to improve student engagement, learning outcomes, and retention
• Includes a companion DVD with projects created with the popular Java Development Environments; also includes a set of executable games, source code, and figures
• Uses working programs to illustrate concepts under discussion
• Complete instructor’s resource package available upon adoption