Do I really need to buy both of these books for this class? There were used ones in the bookstore that looked very new. Can someone who has taken the class tell me how often I will need the books? Are the tests open book? Is there homework from the books?

I would not think you would need the book if your good with code. I have never NEEDED a book for a programming class. I never buy the book till I contact the instuctor first... Or I return the book after I find I do not need it the first day, but the bookstore kinda gives you a hard time about it... I would goto your instructors web page and see whats on their web page for the class? Do they have a lot of Power failure presentations? or sample code? If so I do not really think you'll need the book...

I can only attest to Ercal in this, but do not buy the books if you have him. They are worthless. It was all powerpoint slides and 98% of the tested material was on them. Save your 160 bux.