In just 24 lessons of one hour or less, you can learn how to create Java applications with the free NetBeans visual editing tools. ' Using a straightforward, step-by-step approach, popular author Rogers Cadenhead helps you master the skills and technology you need to create desktop and web programs, web services, and even a browser game in Java. Each lesson builds on what you've already learned, giving you a solid understanding of the basic concepts and terminology. * Full-color figures and clear step-by-step instructions visually show you how to program with Java. * Quizzes and Exercises at the end of each chapter help you test your knowledge. * Notes, Tips, and Cautions provide related information, advice, and warnings. Learn how to! * Set up your Java programming environment * Write your first working program in just minutes * Control program decisions and behavior * Store and work with information * Build straightforward user interfaces * Create interactive web programs * Use threading to build more responsive programs * Build a browser-based game from start to finish * Read and write files and XML data * Master best practices for object-oriented programming * Create flexible, interoperable web services with JAX-WS * Integrate graphics into your applications