The second edition of the Java Language Reference is an invaluable tool for Java programmers, especially those who have migrated to Java 1.1. The book goes into great detail about every aspect of the Java programming language, from the definition of data types to the syntax of expressions and control structures. The features in Version 1.1 of the Java language are covered in the same detail as all of the features in the first edition of the book. As always, the goal is to help you understand all of the subtle nuances of Java, so you can ensure that your programs run exactly as expected.

The Java Language Reference uses railroad diagrams to describe the syntax of the Java language. These diagrams have been updated to include the syntax for all of the new features in Java 1.1, including the syntax for the various kinds of inner classes. The book also uses numerous examples to illustrate various fine points of the language.

The second edition covers Version 1.1 of the Java language. It includes all of the material from the first edition, as well as updated information on the following features of Java 1.1:

• The syntax of inner classes, including nested top-level classes and interfaces, member classes, local classes, and anonymous classes
• The definition of final local variables, method parameters, and catch parameters
• The declaration and initialization of anonymous arrays
• The syntax for class literals
• The definition of instance initializers
• New classes in java.lang, as well as new methods and variables in existing classes

The Java Language Reference, in conjunction with the Java Fundamental Classes Reference and Java AWT Reference, provide a complete set of reference material on the Java language and the Java Core API. These manuals compose the definitive set of Java documentation that you need to do serious programming with Java 1.1.