When comparing Head First Servlets and JSP vs Effective Java by Joshua Bloch, the Slant community recommends Effective Java by Joshua Bloch for most people. In the question“What are the best resources to learn Java web development?” Effective Java by Joshua Bloch is ranked 2nd while Head First Servlets and JSP is ranked 5th. The most important reason people chose Effective Java by Joshua Bloch is:
The author uses simple and concise language. Even complex subjects are explained in a way that is easy to understand for beginners.
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Pros
Pro Helps you pass the Sun Certified Web Component Developer exam
The book is filled with mock exams and questions at the end of each chapter. The authors have also helped write the actual Sun test so the book should help you get a feel of the real test and the types of problems you may face when taking it.
Pro Keeps you interested through humour
Like all the other books in the Head First series, this one too has a healthy dose of humour thrown in. Making studying and reading about the concepts explained in this book more fun and easier to follow instead of having to read hundreds of pages of technical wording non-stop.
Pro Clear language
The author uses simple and concise language. Even complex subjects are explained in a way that is easy to understand for beginners.
Pro Covers best practices in great detail
Anyone can learn the syntax and knock up some code, but Effective Java is a series of lessons about best practices. The book teaches how to write good, secure, maintainable code.
Pro Includes good examples
Cons
Con Is mostly focused on preparing readers for the Sun Certified Component Developer exam instead of teaching about servlets and JSP
Con Not for complete beginners
Effective Java by Josh Bloch is not for the beginner programmer, but more for someone who's migrating to Java or who wants to polish their Java.