ANT: The Java Build Tool In Practice (Programming Series) (Paperback)

by Bernd Matzke (Author) "Every new programming language and every new tool presents a number of new challenges to the programmer..." (more)
Key Phrases: line end symbols, mail logger, current work directory, Tag Attribute Description Default Required, Tag Attribute Description Required, Build Information File (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Ant, the new Java-based application building tool from the Apache Foundation, adds XML functionality and cross-platform operability to previous "Make" tools, creating an extremely powerful development environment. This book provides a complete, tutorial-based Ant guide and reference. It begins by introducing users to this new tool, with the basics of installation and file handling. Subsequent chapters attack the subject matter from a pragmatic angle, grouping similar commands by subject, and then discussing them from a "practical use" point of view. Throughout the text, examples are included to make the learning process as painless as possible. The companion CD-ROM contains the latest version of Apache Ant and Jakarta Oro, in addition to all the source code.

KEY FEATURES * Starts with the installation of Ant, describes the set up of Ant XML files, and explains the basics of this Java tool * Provides a practical "hands-on" guide on how to use Ant to build applications * Presents commands and techniques from a "practical use" point of view * Focuses on concrete activities and concepts, and uses examples to demonstrate the command characteristics in a straight forward, concise manner

About the Author
Bernd Matzke has been a professional software developer for over 15 years. He currently serves as manager of research and development at Forcont Business Technology in Leipzig, Germany, and is prominently involved in the development of Forcont Factory, a Web-based tool for information logistics and management.

Product Details

• Paperback: 280 pages
• Publisher: Charles River Media; 1 edition (September 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584502487
• ISBN-13: 978-1584502487
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,274,373 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Poor translation from the German, March 1, 2005

By	T. Hill - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I *think* this is actually quite a good book in the original German, but the English translation is a joke -- almost bad enough to appear as if done by a computer. This is not just a quibble, since the text is do bad that it's almost impossible to follow the meaning. Here's some examples from Chapter 2 (and it's *all* like this)...

"Some of the tags which are normally embedded in single commands can first be noted separately and subsequently referenced..."

"Of itself, this element engenders no action. Later it will be bundled from other commands."

"It contains the class path which will be picked out by the system variables of the same name. Now the first target will be constructed at once. It contains the name main. Thus, it will be called during the start of the build file, since main will likewise be specified as a default target there."


Er, what?

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Lots of good code samples, April 17, 2006

By	Pen Name "whiteaura" (milpitas, ca USA) - See all my reviews

Interpretation problem? That would explain the less than perfect English in this book. It is not a terrible book but it is disappointing that it was not edited properly. Its easy to bash this book for not meeting publishing standards, but I give it 3 stars because you will definitely learn a lot of Ant. Lots and lots of good, short examples matching the CD. The book seems to have very good coverage/expertise on the technology. It is too bad that the grammar is not perfect, otherwise, I wouldn't hesitate to give it 4 stars. So, if you don't mind the stumbling/stammering grammar and you are a patient reader that can read between the lines then you may be impressed with how much you will learn. This book seems to be targeted for the beginner or intermediate. Its more of a reading book and less of a reference book. I think this book is based on Ant 1.5.x.