Core Java 3D

Author: Justin Couch, Aaron E. Walsh et al
Publisher: Prentice Hall
Date: Unknown. Expected October 1999
ISBN: TBA
Purchase:

Java 3D is the hot 3D API for Java at the moment after the folding of the Magician OpenGL bindings. Apart from that, it's put out by Sun so that seems to give it some extra credo (*shrug*). However, learning 3D graphics of any form is difficult. Continuing the ever popular Core Java series, this book looks at an introduction to cutting code in Java 3D.

The book takes an introductory approach to Java 3D. It shows you how to do stuff to get you running in the quickest possible time. Light on heavy maths and the theory, it is suited more to the person wanting to get moving with Java 3D that doesn't know anything about 3D graphics. If you are coming to J3D from another API like OpenGL or Direct3D, then it will possibly be a little light on for you. Assuming this works out well enough, an Intermediate and possibly advanced book could be forthcoming (hassle Prentice-Hall please, I'd love to write these too!)

If you want to learn about J3D straight away, then have a look at Sun's Java 3DTutorial

  Return to top

Book Outline

I'll get into this more as we go along...

  Return to top

Table Of Contents

This is a rough cut on the current TOC. I don't guarantee that this will be final, but it's what we're working from at the moment.

Part I - Introduction (All by Aaron)
  Chapter 1: Why Bother?
  Chapter 2: Overview of Java 3D
  Chapter 3: Working in the 3rd Dimension

Part II - Java 3D Fundamentals
  Chapter 4: Getting Started - Installing and Running J3D
  Chapter 5: 3D Graphics Fundamentals
  Chapter 6: The Java 3D API
  Chapter 7: A First 3D Application

Part III - World Modelling
  Chapter 8: Geometry
  Chapter 9: Appearance
  Chapter 10: The Virtual User
  Chapter 11: User Input

Part IV - Enhanced Worlds
  Chapter 12: Making the World Move
  Chapter 13: Lighting
  Chapter 14: Dealing with the Outside World
  Chapter 15: Audio
  Chapter 16: Advanced Java 3D

  Return to top

[ Homepage ][ VRML ][ Linux ][ Books ][ Java ][ About ]