Packed with lots of examples and illustrations, including an 8-page colour section, Essential Java 3D fast is an introductory textbook for those who want to learn Java 3D fast.
The best way to learn any programming language is by writing programs. In this book, Ian Palmer takes you through the steps to write a simple program in Java 3D, and then shows you how to modify and add features to this program, so you learn the key features of Java 3D.
Learn about : Writing a simple Java 3D program;
Creating Shapes;
Defining Appearance;
Animation;
Behaviours.
The examples in this book assume a working knowledge of Java and some background in 3D graphics, in order to explain the new concepts in Java 3D.

Packed with lots of examples and illustrations, including an 8-page colour section, Essential Java 3D fast is an introductory textbook for those who want to learn Java 3D fast. The best way to learn any programming language is by writing programs. In this book, Ian Palmer takes you through the steps to write a simple program in Java 3D, and then shows you how to modify and add features to this program, so you learn the key features of Java 3D. Learn about : Writing a simple Java 3D program; Creating Shapes; Defining Appearance; Animation; Behaviours. The examples in this book assume a working knowledge of Java and some background in 3D graphics, in order to explain the new concepts in Java 3D.

Not a good buy

I agree with the reader from the UK. This book was not checked for integrity. There are numerous syntax errors. The code examples in the book were obviously not written and compiled for the simple reason : it wouldn’t have run ! Even though this book does give a pretty quick jump start into java 3D it is not a book i’d buy.

Great book

This book is great. I’ve been looking into some rapid 3D techniques and this is the daddy. The book is put together well and the author obviously knows his stuff. This is a new area for the evolving language and I’m sure that more attention will be given to it in future, particularly with the publication of books like this.

Not a good introductive book to java3d starters

This book has obviously been constructed in a very short time. This is evident in the numerous errors in the included source code (not small errors either). Incorrectly referenced pictures also give this book an extremely slow progression. Fundamental concepts to Java3D are included and documented in a comprehendible manner. Another irritating factor with this book is that a third of the content is source code which can be obtained on the WWW anyway. The authors interpretation of the word ’FAST’ is quite simply to rush and make copius errors.

Final verdict - Unfortunately the typo’s, erroneous fig references and content make this book a bit of a.... A much better book is "Java 3D Programming" by Daniel Selman (value for money!). Sorry Ian.

Nice introduction

This is a nice introduction to Java3D. However it is lacking in explaining the more fundamental issues regarding 3D. But then again, this book was not written for that purpose.. Overall a good book to practice 3D programming in Java