Review
"Java has the advantage of being platform agnostic, free, object-oriented and based on current best practice. Interestingly, the authors of Developing Java Software say they will teach you to develop software in Java starting with objects and working down to individual elements of the language rather than the more usual reverse approach. They don't quite pull this off because, without some knowledge of operators, structures and syntax you can't do anything at all with an object, however elegantly implemented. However, this approach does leave the authors with a goal-oriented approach, which works well.
In effect, they approach Java program development from the point of view of a working programmer, more interested in achieving an end than in the philosophical underpinnings of the means. However, this isn't a Java cookbook, but rather more of a self-teach or course book. Each chapter is largely self contained and ends with a series of tasks, for some of which sample solutions can be found online. The main thrust of Developing Java Software is, if anything, creating well-documented, efficient and robust Java programs suitable for real world use. To this end it emphasises good style, error handling, defensive programming, testing, testing and testing.
Developing Java Software is particularly strong on programming with graphical interfaces. Almost all programs intended for end users must now work graphically with familiar GUI components. The authors demonstrate the GUI basics but go well beyond them into practical problems, such as graphing data, layout managers and even a simple text editor. Toward the end of the book the authors tackle a number of larger problems, including mail merge, a pedestrian crossing simulator (with author errors included as an object lesson--sic) and ants. The last is fun as well as informative. This well-designed book is a perfect place to start learning about Java for anyone confident enough to install the JDK. The only complaint is JDK2 doesn't come with it.--", Steve Patient , , Amazon.co.uk#"Aimed at developers creating well-documented, efficient and robust Java programs for the real world, the authors of
"Developing Java Software" start with objects and work down. They emphasise style, error handling, defensive programming and testing in this excellent, hands-on course book.", , , Amazon.co.uk#
"This book bridges the gap between academic computer science and the reality of IT by interspersing coverage of subjects such as data structures with emphasis on project case studies. The resulting hybrid is interesting and often fast-paced". (Computer IT Bulletin, May 2002)
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
Product Description
This significantly updated new edition of Developing Java Software is a thorough presentation of object-oriented design and programming concepts using the Java 5 programming language. The book takes the reader from the basics of using Java 5 to the creation of complete, object-oriented programs. Following an ‘objects early’ approach, the core elements of the Java language are covered, including the use of recently added features such as generics.
The encouragement of the proper creation and use of classes, and the demonstration of the strategies used to create good quality code are at the core of this book. You will learn how Java programs work and how they can be designed and implemented in an organized and systematic way. In addition, the book addresses how a Java programming project should be managed and introduces the Ant build tool and the Subversion version control system.
Testing has always been an important part of Developing Java Software. This edition provides new chapters which give a detailed introduction to Test-driven Development (TDD). This approach to programming introduces more rigor to writing programs by placing emphasis on writing high quality testable and tested code from the outset. A series of examples and case studies shows how TDD works and highlights the strategies for testing code.
Reflecting recent changes to the Java programming language and newly focused on first courses in programming, this excellent primer is ideal for classroom use or self-study. The many motivating examples and larger case studies show how core ideas can be applied when creating real applications, and show how to use object-oriented methods effectively to create robust, reliable, and fully-tested Java applications.
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