Book excerpt: Sams Teach Yourself Java in 24 Hours, Seventh Edition Covers Java 8, Android Development, and Minecraft Mods In just 24 lessons of one hour or less, you can learn how to create Java applications with the free NetBeans development tools. In this book's straightforward, step-by-step approach, each lesson builds on everything that's come before, helping readers learn Java's core features and techniques from the ground up. Friendly, accessible, and conversational, this book offers a practical grounding in the language, without ever becoming overwhelming or intimidating. Full-color figures and clear instructions visually show you how to program with Java. Popular author Rogers Cadenhead helps you master the skills and technology you need to create desktop and web programs, web services, and even an Android app in Java. The bonus chapter, exclusive to the Barnes & Noble Edition, covers how to create Minecraft mods with Java. Readers will be able to use Java code to write plugins that customize and extend the�addictive and ingenious multi-player world building game, using the programming skills attained�in the book. Minecraft is motivating thousands of young people to learn Java so they can impress their friends (and themselves) by introducing new items, blocks and mobs -- or even changing the gameplay itself. Because there are so many different ways to add mods to the game, it can be a daunting task for an avid Minecraft player to get started. 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 Read and write files and XML data Master best practices for object-oriented programming Create flexible, interoperable web services with JAX-WS Use Java to create an Android app Expand your skills with closures, the powerful new capability introduced in Java 8 Create Minecraft mods with Java