Patterns in Java: A Catalogue of Reusable Design Patterns, Illustrated with UML v. 1
Patterns in Java: A Catalogue of Reusable Design Patterns, Illustrated with UML v. 1 by Mark Grand
- Binding:
- Paperback
- Number of Pages:
- 480
- ISBN:
- 0471258393
- Product Group:
- book
- Publisher:
- John Wiley & Sons
- Publication Date:
- Nov. 9, 1998
- BooksForGeeks.com ID:
- 3736
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Dealing as it does in patterns, which are generalised high level solutions to computing problems; Java, which is the language de jour, and UML (Unified Modelling Language)--this a highly fashionable book.
It's aimed at professional programmers and builds on the seminal Design Patterns, which had 23 of them. This book has 41 (including the original 23) broken down into fundamental, creational, partitioning, structural, behavioural and concurrency patterns.
Each pattern is treated in sections: synopsis, context, forces, solution, consequences, Java API usage, code example and related patterns. You also get an overview of UML and a section on software life cycles.
Patterns generalise whole classes of problems without getting bogged down in actual cases- -though specific cases are used to illustrate them. The idea is to provide you with high- level solutions to common problems. It isn't light reading and it won't turn a tyro into a wizard. It will, though, enable the wizard to explain solutions and the tyro to take advantage of the explanation.
One of the more useful features of Patterns In Java is the way discussion of the consequences of modelling problems in different ways illuminates the software design process. For example, the discussion on parsing little languages in the behavioural section (based on the interpreter pattern in Design Patterns) is excellent. All the examples are supplied with the book on CD-ROM. --Steve Patient
Reviews for Patterns in Java: A Catalogue of Reusable Design Patterns, Illustrated with UML v. 1
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Good java-centric view of patterns.
Rated out of 5 stars, July 12th, 2001
I, too, thought the other reviewers were harsh. I actually prefer dipping into this book than the GOF Design Patterns book as I prefer having a java centric view of the patterns. I find it more concise than "Design Patterns" (which to an other might mean "dry"). If you're looking for an intro to UML as well the UML intro is pretty good. I WOULD recommend this book. -
A good buy for any experienced Java developer
Rated out of 5 stars, July 12nd, 2001
In my opinion, some of the previous reviewers have been a little harsh.First off, it isn't for the faint hearted. Ideally you will be an experienced Java developer, and hopefully you will have had some prior contact with UML. If you haven't, the "Overview of UML" chapter is a big help.
As a first step into design patterns, this is an excellent introduction for a professional Java developer. The presentation of each pattern is concise and to the point. Each pattern chapter is divided into sections: "Synopsis, Context, Forces, Solution, Consequences, Implementation, Code Example" and believe me as you get towards the more advanced chapters, you will be grateful for this kind of rigorous consistency in evaluating each pattern.
The code examples are generally well-written and helpful. The example scenarios may seem a little contrived sometimes however. Bottom line is: as an experienced Java developer you have probably come into contact with many of these patterns "informally" in the past, so many of the patterns will be familiar to you - thus the examples will serve to reinforce your own understanding of a particular pattern.
However, you won't get through the book if UML scares you.
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OK as a first place to look
Rated out of 5 stars, June 12th, 2001
If you are a Java programmer without years of experience, the GoF book may be quite difficult. This book is not as thorough but is a lot easier and has the sample code in Java. This book does adequate job in introducing the pattern concept and the most important patterns to the not-so-experienced coder. If you feel intimidated by the GoF book, buy this first. If not, then you might want to pass this one. -
Good content, poor presentation.
Rated out of 5 stars, June 12th, 2000
I think the previous reviewers have been a little bit harsh with their ratings, but I have to agree, this book is not well-written. The description of each pattern is forced into a rigid and rather contrived format, with sections on Synopsis, Context, Forces, Solution, Consequences, Implementation etc. What do they all mean?I think the problem is that the descriptions jump from a very brief introduction (the synopsis) to quite involved coverage of the various aspects of the pattern, rather than gradually drilling down into the details.
You won't find sentences like 'let's see how this might work in practise', or 'there are a couple of ways we might approach a problem like this'. The text isn't just dry, it's parched. I've just opened the book at random, and found a section (consequences) that begins 'Content determination and the construction of a specific data representation are independent of each other'. Uhuh.
Nevertheless, the content itself is quite good, and as the only book around at the moment discussing patterns in a Java context, it may be worth adding to your bookshelf - particularly if you're looking for a quick introduction to UML at the same time.
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Not as bad as volume 2 but still not good
Rated out of 5 stars, January 12st, 2000
This book is not very good. It describes mainly the patterns which are discussed in 'Design Patterns : Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software' but not in as clear a manner. The emphasis on Java code is worth very little. I would strongly advise anyone looking for a pattern book to buy Design Patterns and anyone who already has Design Patterns not to bother buying this book.