RECENT Java References? [closed]

Question

I'e been programming Java forever, but have been away from it for a while. Can anyone recommend a really good Java reference, where "really good" is defined by "Good coverage of the language, detailed coverage of recent extensions, and written for the technical reader (not a "for Dummies" sort of book)"?

Answer 1

As well as references saying what has changed in the languages (which other answers already cover better than I could) I can't recommend highly enough the Second edition of Effective Java by Joshua Bloch - which explains the most effective ways of using the language.

Answer 2

For anything to do with concurrency, get Java Concurrency In Practice.

As well as helping you avoid most of the many nasty pitfalls awaiting you, it gives a very good treatment of the new java.util.concurrent API memebers for Java 5 and 6.