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1.0 out of 5 stars
As useless as his teaching, December 14, 2005
This review is from: Introducing Specification Using Z: A Practical Case Study Approach (The Mcgraw-Hill International Series in Software Engineering) (Hardcover)
I am a student of Bryan Ratcliff's at University and I can say to anyone who even thinks of purchasing the book, don't! Ratcliff may be a lot of things, but he isn't a very good teacher.
If you do not like MY review, read this review by a professional book reviewer: http://www.marmaladesky.co.uk/~adrianlarner/review/ratcliff.htm
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1.0 out of 5 stars
As worthless as his teaching skills, August 15, 2006
This review is from: Introducing Specification Using Z: A Practical Case Study Approach (The Mcgraw-Hill International Series in Software Engineering) (Hardcover)
Guys, the previous reviewer talks sense. I am also from Aston University where B. Ratcliff.. aka Ratti aka The Rat tought us about this Z specification language. He's been trying to kick start and make a fortune from this Z language since 1994 and hasnt succeeded. He still teaches it in lecture!!!!
I have used this book and makes no sense to me at all. Half the book seems to be teaching you specific computer code, whereas he keeps stating that this is a design language and shouldnt be confused with code. Well it doesnt help when his examples in the book are all in code form!!
Anyway, if you ever go to Aston and he tries to sell you the book.. well then thats upto you. You've read two reviews now, so its upto.
Also, dont ever ask him for help! He will just use the same line over and over... "this is fundamental stuff, you should know this" ...he gets paid and arm and a leg.. FROM OUR POCKET and doesnt help.
If you want the book theres a copy hung up at the Aston University computer science reception!
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