With a problem-driven focus, students learn to approach programming as a method for problem solving rather than syntax. Programming, data structures, and algorithms are seamlessly integrated into one text. This practical approach to teaching data structures covers how to use and implement various data structures to develop efficient algorithms, before introducing custom data structures for trees and graphs. Examples and exercises emphasise problem solving and the need to develop reusable components to create practical projects. NEW! JavaFX replaces all GUI examples and exercises. JavaFX is a new framework for developing Java GUI programs that greatly simplifies GUI programs and is easier to learn than Swing. Math functions are introduced early to enable students to write code using math functions. Pedagogical features foster student interest in introductory programming and appeal to students in all majors Engaging Problems introduce each chapter and are solved within the chapter. The book uses a wide variety of problems with various levels of difficulty to motivate students. The problems cover many application areas in gaming, math, business, science, animation, and multimedia. Clear chapter objectives list what students should learn from the chapter. This helps them determine whether they have met the objectives after completing the chapter. Key Points, Check Points, and chapter summaries for each chapter highlight important concepts and allow students to track their progress, evaluate, and reinforce their learning. Notes, tips, cautions, and design guides, inserted throughout the text, offer valuable advice and insight on important aspects of program development. Programming exercises provide students with opportunities to apply the new skills they have learned on their own. Difficulty levels are rated as easy (no asterisk), moderate (*), hard (**), or challenging (***). Problems and case studies, carefully chosen and presented in an easy-to-follow style, teach problem solving and programming concepts. The book uses many small, simple, and stimulating examples to demonstrate important ideas.