Written for AP students, Introduction to Java Programming: AP Edition covers all Java programming material and concepts required as part of the AP Computer Science A curriculum. Daniel Liang teaches concepts of problem-solving and object-oriented programming using a fundamentals-first approach and effectively communicates critical problem-solving techniques to beginning programmers.

The text focuses on problem solving through Java programming and emphasizes both imperative and object-oriented problem solving and design. It is divided into two parts: in the first, students learn the fundamental concepts and techniques of selection statements, loops, methods, and arrays, before building on this foundation in the second part, as the text introduces concepts of object-oriented programming.

Because knowledge is cumulative, the early chapters provide the conceptual basis for understanding programming, guiding students through simple examples and exercises; subsequent chapters progressively present programming and problem solving in more detail, culminating with the development of comprehensive applications. Throughout the text, understanding of Java concepts is supported by frequent practice and the use of relevant examples.