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Guide · Open source

How to use OnJava8: clone the repo and read the Chinese Java book

Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data

OnJava8 is a GitHub repository holding the Chinese edition of "On Java 8," a book that teaches the Java programming language. It is aimed at Chinese-speaking readers who want a book-length guide, and at developers who want a reference for Java 8 features and later additions. This guide explains how to get the repository, what the README says about the book's status, and how to decide whether it fits your needs.

OnJava8lingcoder/OnJava8 · ★ 16.1k · MIT

Quick start

  1. 1Check the licence and status. Read the README notes on the project closing its source from February 26, 2021, before you rely on the repository for anything long-term.
  2. 2Clone the repository. Run the git clone command from the README to copy the files to your computer.
  3. 3Read the book in Chinese. Open the book content in the cloned folder and read it in order, starting with the basics.
  4. 4Watch the companion videos. If you are a beginner, check the video course the README describes and watch it alongside the matching chapters.
  5. 5Practise with your own code. Write and run small Java programs in your own environment to test each concept.
  6. 6Buy the print edition if needed. If you want a printed copy, the README points to a publisher and retailer for the commercial edition.

What is OnJava8?

OnJava8 is the Chinese edition of "On Java 8." The README describes it as a book that teaches Java, and it is written in Chinese.

According to the README, the author added content on Java 11 and Java 17 to keep the book current. The README also says a companion video course was recorded to go with the text.

  • Language of the book: Chinese (the README is written in Chinese)
  • Topics: Java, including Java 8 features and later additions covered in the README
  • Companion material: a video course, as described in the README
  • Licence: MIT

How do you get the OnJava8 files?

The README gives one command to get a copy of the repository. Run it in a terminal where you want the folder to appear. Git must be installed on your computer for this command to work.

  • Open a terminal.
  • Change to the folder where you want to store the files.
  • Run the clone command below.
git clone https://github.com/lingcoder/OnJava8

Is OnJava8 still open source?

Check this before you plan around the project. The README states that the project will be closed-source from February 26, 2021, out of respect for the original author and copyright. It also says the author will continue as a guest reviewer for the book.

The README points to a commercial print edition sold through a publisher and retailer. It links to a JD store page and to the publisher's community page for updates on the book. Those links come from the README and may change.

  • Source status: the README says development was closed on 2021-02-26.
  • Print edition: available through the publisher and a retailer named in the README.
  • Questions about the project can be sent to the e-mail address listed in the README.

How should you read the book?

The README says the video course is friendly to beginners and highlights key points. A sensible approach is to read a chapter first, then watch the matching video if one exists, and then try your own small programs.

The README does not describe any runnable application or software tool in this repository. Treat it as reading material and a reference, not as a project to install.

  • Read one chapter at a time.
  • Use the video course for review if you are new to Java.
  • Write small test programs in your own environment to check what you read.
  • Use the book as a reference when you need Java 8 features or later additions.

How does OnJava8 compare to other Java books?

Other well-known Java books that readers often compare with this one include Thinking in Java, Head First Java, and Effective Java. The README does not compare OnJava8 with these titles, so the differences below are general guidance, not claims from the source.

Choose OnJava8 if you read Chinese and want a long reference. Choose another title if you need English text or a book in a different style.

  • Thinking in Java: a comprehensive Java text, often recommended for depth.
  • Head First Java: a beginner-friendly book in a visual, lesson-based style.
  • Effective Java: a book of practice-focused advice for experienced developers.

What people use it for

  • Reading a full Java book in Chinese from start to finish
  • Looking up Java 8 features and later additions as a reference
  • Studying alongside the companion video course described in the README
  • Comparing explanations of Java topics with other Java books you already own

Frequently asked questions

Is OnJava8 free?

The repository is listed under the MIT licence. The README also says a commercial print edition is sold through a publisher and retailer, so the printed book is not free.

Do I need to install anything to use OnJava8?

The README lists no prerequisites and describes no application to install. The one command given is git clone, which requires Git on your computer.

Is OnJava8 open source and can I edit it?

The README says the project will be closed-source from February 26, 2021. Do not plan on editing or contributing to the project as an open repository without checking its current state.

Is there a video course for OnJava8?

Yes. The README says a companion video course was recorded by four industry experts and is friendly to beginners.

Is OnJava8 written in English?

No. The README is written in Chinese and the project is the Chinese edition of On Java 8. Readers who do not read Chinese will need another book.

What are good alternatives to OnJava8?

Readers often compare it with Thinking in Java, Head First Java, and Effective Java. Pick Thinking in Java for depth, Head First Java for a beginner-friendly style, or Effective Java for practical advice.

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Our verdict

OnJava8 suits Chinese-speaking readers who want a book-length Java guide, especially beginners who want a companion video course. Readers who need an editable open-source project, runnable code, a software tool, or English text should choose a different resource.

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