Learning to program is about more than writing code. It's about developing the problem-solving skills needed to design solutions, think logically and build software with confidence. Introduction to Java Programming and Data Structures takes a fundamentals-first approach, helping students establish a strong foundation in programming concepts before progressing to object-oriented programming, data structures and algorithms. Through clear explanations, practical examples and guided learning, students gain the skills needed to write, test and improve programs using modern Java. Real-world examples drawn from business, science, mathematics, gaming, animation and multimedia help students see how programming is used across industries and disciplines. A focus on problem solving encourages learners to understand the reasoning behind each solution, while extensive practice opportunities support skill development at every stage. Updated for Java 18, this edition introduces contemporary language features and programming techniques, helping students build relevant skills for further study and software development careers.