When comparing Core Java vs exercism.org, the Slant community recommends exercism.org for most people. In the question“What are the best resources to learn Java?” exercism.org is ranked 3rd while Core Java is ranked 8th. The most important reason people chose exercism.org is:
Rather than merely test for code correctness, Exercism uses peer review to improve general programming techniques. Users are encouraged to comment on others' solutions, and refine their own based on feedback.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Both a tutorial and a reference
It's well-written enough to read cover-to-cover, and well organized enough to make a good reference.
Pro Very thorough
It really does cover the whole language. If you read both volumes, consider yourself a Java expert.
Pro Up to date contents
This book explains Java 8, which is the most recent version of Java.

Pro Human review and feedback
Rather than merely test for code correctness, Exercism uses peer review to improve general programming techniques. Users are encouraged to comment on others' solutions, and refine their own based on feedback.

Pro Practice with production tools
Unlike many code practice websites, Exercism requires the user to develop and test entirely offline, submitting only the finished code. This promotes familiarity with essential tools and workflow, not just the bare language.
Cons
Con Long
This is a weighty tome at over a thousand pages, and that's just Volume 1. Don't expect to read it overnight.

Con Custom commandline client
Exercism requires using a CLI utility to fetch and submit exercises. This is inconvenient compared to web-only alternatives, and poses an additional barrier to entry for some users.
