Patterns in Java, Volume 2

After a short introduction to patterns and UML (unified modeling language) basics, the author looks at the software engineering life cycle, then moves on to describe the first group of object-oriented design patterns, including Creator, Polymorphism, and Law of Demeter.

Less theoretical, the next group of GUI patterns can let you create more responsive and intuitive interfaces. (Experienced programmers will already know several of these, such as the Form pattern for dialog boxes and the Disabled Irrelevant Things pattern, which grays out unused items.) The following sections on organizational coding and coding optimization patterns are the most practical as they offer ways to write better Java code, including conditional compilation, exception handling, and socket programming.

Next, the author includes a group of code robustness patterns, including assertions. The book closes with more theoretical material on testing. (Patterns such as White/Black Box or Regression Testing will be familiar turf to anyone who knows a little software engineering.)

A good many of the patterns cataloged here probably call attention to the obvious. (For instance, is using a Java switch statement really a true "pattern," as the authors argue?) But with a total of 50 patterns, this guide provides a helpful group of reusable strategies. Many of these patterns will be absolutely essential to any working Java developer. --Richard Dragan