Introduction

This book is for everyone who wants to learn object-oriented programming without taking a formal course. It is also designed as a supplemental classroom text. Start at the beginning of this book and then go straight through to the end for best results.

If you are confident about the topics covered in these chapters, then take the quiz at the end of each one to see if you actually know the material before skipping any chapter.

If you get 90 percent of the answers correct, skip the chapter. If you get 75 to 89 percent correct, skim through the text of chapter. If you get less than 75 percent of the answers correct, find a quiet place and begin reading. Doing so will get you in shape to tackle the rest of the chapters on object-oriented programming.

In order to learn object-oriented programming, you must have some computer skills, but dont be intimidated. None of the knowledge you need goes beyond basic computer know-how.

This book contains a lot of practice quizzes and exam questions, which are similar to the kinds of questions used in an object-oriented programming course. You may and should refer to the chapter texts when taking them. When you think youre ready, take the quiz, write down your answers, and then give your list of answers to a friend. Have your friend tell you your score, but not which questions were wrong. Stay with one chapter until you pass the quiz. Youll find the answers in Appendix B.

There is a final exam at the end of this book, in Appendix A, which contains practical questions drawn from all chapters of this book. Take the exam when you have finished the book and have completed all the quizzes. A satisfactory score is at least 75 percent. Have a friend tell you your score without letting you know which questions you missed.

We recommend that you spend an hour or two each day and expect to complete one chapter each week. Take it at a steady pace; take time to absorb the material. Dont rush. Youll complete the course in a few months; then you can use this book as a comprehensive permanent reference.