A thick client is the traditional single-user PC application, while the thin client would be something like a Web browser as a client interface. Although the authors do not significantly delve into the thin client, the reader is at least exposed to some of the technical design aspects of this architectural paradigm. Often the most frustrating thing about self-teaching books is the lack of available resources or the significant dependency on other resources not included in the book. The authors and publisher have supplied just about everything except the hardware and operating system that you need to follow the book's instruction. Its strengths lie in its user-friendliness, which comes in handy when trying to teach yourself a language.
Plentiful examples highlight the key points of the book.
Focus is maintained with a logical flow of topics, most of which are covered in depth. Beyond that, since the book focuses on Web development, the reader should bear in mind that Java is a significant general-purpose language with features that transcend the Web. Still, the application of Java on the Web is an appropriate place to start as the application of the language evolves.