Groovy Programming: An Introduction for Java Developers [Paperback]

Kenneth Barclay (Author), John Savage (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0123725070 | ISBN-13: 978-0123725073 | Publication Date: December 20, 2006 | Edition: 1

Groovy Programming is an introduction to the Java-based scripting language Groovy. Groovy has much in common with popular scripting languages such as Perl, Python, and Ruby, but is written in a Java-like syntax. And, unlike these other languages, Groovy is sanctioned by the Java community for use on the Java platform. Since it is based on Java, applications written in Groovy can make full use of the Java Application Programmer Interfaces (APIs). This means Groovy can integrate seamlessly with applications written in Java, while avoiding the complexities of the full Java language. This bare-bones structure also means Groovy can be used as an introduction to Java and to programming in general. Its simpler constructions and modern origins make it ideal as a first language and for introducing principles such as object-oriented programming.
This book introduces all the major aspects of Groovy development and emphasizes Groovy's potential as a learning tool. Case studies and exercises are included, along with numerous programming examples. The book begins assuming only a general familiarity with Java programming, and progresses to discuss advanced topics such as GUI builders, Groovlets, Unit Testing, and Groovy SQL.

* The first comprehensive book on Groovy programming that shows how writing applications and scripts for the Java platform is fast and easy

* Written by leading software engineers and acclaimed computing instructors

* Offers numerous programming examples, code samples, detailed case studies, exercises for self-study, and a companion website with a Windows-based Groovy editor

Editorial Reviews

Review

"For those new to programming, object-orientation, or dynamic languages in general, this book is fabulous!" —Andrew Glover, CTO, Vanward Technologies

Book Description

One of the first guides to the new, easy-to-use scripting language Groovy

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Product Details

• Paperback: 496 pages
• Publisher: Morgan Kaufmann; 1 edition (December 20, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0123725070
• ISBN-13: 978-0123725073
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #997,457 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars K&R of Groovy, March 25, 2007

By 

lew "lwndw123" (Connecticut, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Groovy Programming: An Introduction for Java Developers (Paperback)

Short, plain, concise presentation of all features of Groovy, much in K&R style, without too many words and too much philosophy. I have both books, i.e. this one and "Groovy in Action". "Groovy in Action" concentrates on design goals and philosophy, and is more about using the language than about language itself. Reading "Groovy in Action" is fun, but when I do programming I have "Groovy Programming" on my desk all the time. And use it quite frequently.

By the way, the previous review here misses the point. Reviewer reviews Groovy, but not the book. Pity that he doesn't unserstand what are scripting languages and how they are used.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Read this book before Groovy In Action, July 23, 2007

By 

Brian Horblit - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Groovy Programming: An Introduction for Java Developers (Paperback)

As I write this review there appear to be two books on Groovy: this book ("Groovy Programming") and "Groovy in Action". I would recommend you read both books, but tackle "Groovy Programming" first.

"Groovy in Action" was recommended at a conference I attended, so I started with that book. Although it has wonderful writing and explained the "why" of Groovy quite eloquently, I found it hard to quickly get into the Groovy language as I read that book. Details of APIs and language features were scattered about in the text, so you can't easily jump in and quickly learn about a topic. You have to read it straight through - and it is quite verbose.

Programming Groovy is, on the other hand, a straight-forward exposition of the language itself. You actually *can* read it straight through and make rapid headway since it is so concise. So to get going quickly, try "Groovy Programming."

5.0 out of 5 stars Well written and informative, July 13, 2010

By 

Jeffrey P. Kesseman "[e-mail]" (SANTA CLARA, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Groovy Programming: An Introduction for Java Developers (Paperback)

Too many books on dynamic languages (including the one on Groovy from the Pragmatic programming series) seem to be written from the point of view of over-compensating inferiority complexes about traditional system languages on the part of their authors.

This one, thankfully, is not. It does not pretend that dynamic languages in general, or Groovy in particular, are some kid of magic bullet for all problems. Instead, Groovy is presented clearly and concisely as a valuable tool for come classes of problems.

Having read the Pragmatic book and this one, I would say that this is * definitely* the one to buy. My only complaint is that the Kindle edition is so expensive.