Java is becoming an increasingly popular programming language, being used not only for web development, but also for larger industrial and scientific applications. It is also capable of producing elegant and powerful graphics in both two and three dimensions.

Computer Graphics with Java provides a comprehensive introduction to these graphical capabilities of the core Java language (which now includes Java 2D) and its add-on, Java 3D. Beginning with the basics, such as drawing lines and circles, the book then progresses through transformations, lighting and shading, and concludes with a study of interactive graphics and animation.

Although readers should be familiar with the elements of Java programming and have a working knowledge of basic mathematics, no prior experience in graphics is assumed. The book also provides enough supporting theory to allow readers to understand how the various Java graphics classes are built, and how to use them more effectively.

Aimed at second and third year undergraduates in computing, this concise, manageable and practical text will provide students with an understanding of not only how to write graphics programs in Java, but also of how these programs work.

DR GLENN ROWE is a lecturer in the Department of Applied Computing at the University of Dundee. He has been teaching C++ and Java programming for many years and is currently engaged in researching more effective ways of teaching university-level programming. His previous publications include The Essence of Java Programming, An Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms with Java and An Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms with C++.

The Grassroots series has been designed to meet the needs of students of computing and related disciplines - concise, self-contained and affordable books on core computing subjects which contain sufficient material for one-semester courses. Under the guidance of the series editor, Fintan Culwin, all authors are carefully chosen for their ability to present their material in a readable and concise manner that will educate, inspire and stimulate readers of all kinds.