Java Server Programming J2EE 1.4 Black Book Platinum Edition provides a greater emphasis on reference aspects than did the Java Server Programming J2EE 1.4 Edition. The presentation is expanded to reflect the demand for information beyond the description of language features and their immediate use. You will be amazed at how much the technical detail and precision have been increased. The range of topics and coverage offered by this book is a superior mix of APIs without being bogged down in excessive detail; though some readers might quibble with the ordering of topics here, (it is hard to see why JNDI and RMI begin the tour of J2EE). Regarding this topic, it is better to distinguish between the different flavors of specific APIs on such topics as JDBC, new Servlet, and custom tag library standards, and EJB 2.1 standards. As we know that J2EE is several years old and its APIs has grown by leaps and bounds. To cover the older material, while highlighting what's new and improved, the authors have been careful. At each juncture, they have done a fine job of listing relevant APIs. Because of which this makes the book an excellent reference for everyday programming.